Fresno State Librarian Brings Consumer Health Information Specialization (CHIS) to Campus

Posted by liaison on December 11th, 2024 Posted in: #CC/Academic List, Opportunity to participate

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Congratulations to Professor Shuyi Liu of California State University, Fresno (Fresno State) for getting their course certified to offer the Medical Library Association’s Consumer Health Information Specialization (CHIS). Through the Network of the National Library of Medicine’s (NNLM) Consumer Health for Library Students program, Shuyi Liu submitted a successful application to offer a CHIS level II credential for students who complete the class.

As a faculty member and Health Sciences Librarian at Fresno State, Liu is excited to introduce a new opportunity for enhancing health literacy across campus through the Health Information Access and Management course. Offered for the first time in Spring 2025, this course grants students the CHIS certification, a nationally recognized credential certified by the Medical Library Association. Fresno State is proud to be the first university in California to offer this certification, setting a new standard for health information education in the Central Valley.

Shuyi Liu brings her expertise in health literacy, community health informatics, and digital storytelling to this course, supporting students and faculty in fields such as public health, nursing, social work, and information science. She views the CHIS certification as a powerful tool to help future healthcare professionals and community leaders provide accurate, accessible health information to diverse communities. “There’s a tremendous need for clear, reliable health information, especially in underserved areas,” says Liu. “Through this course, we can equip students to make a real impact in the communities they serve.” In collaboration with NNLM, Shuyi is thrilled to offer this course to foster a well-informed, health-literate campus and community.

In addition to preparing students for careers in healthcare, public health, and information science, the CHIS course helps participants develop essential skills in addressing misinformation, understanding health behaviors, and promoting health equity. Fresno State Library is actively promoting the course across campus to underscore the importance of health information in building a healthier, more informed community. For more information on CHIS and the course, please contact Shuyi Liu  at shuyil@csufresno.edu or visit the Fresno State Library’s website to learn more.

Earning a CHIS is an excellent way for students on track to become librarians, information professionals, or allied health professionals to showcase their accomplishments in acquiring the knowledge and health information skills needed to become experts in providing health information services. Paving the way to creating more confident early-career professionals in providing health information to their community.

If you have questions about the NNLM Consumer Health for Library Students program or want to express interest in offering CHIS, contact Samantha Nunn at sam.nunn@utah.edu.