Updated Guide: Essential Resources for Public Libraries

Posted by Bobbi Newman on September 23rd, 2024 Posted in: Blog, Public Libraries, Resource Sharing

We are excited to announce that the NNLM guide, Resources for Public Libraries, has been recently updated. This guide will help you enhance your library’s health programming, improve your understanding of health resources, and better serve your community’s health information needs. Each section of the guide focuses on different aspects of library services, offering resources and strategies to empower you in your daily work. Here’s a quick look at what’s available in the updated guide, organized by topic.

Evaluating Health Information: Understanding how to evaluate health information is more important that ever in the digital misinformation age. Professionals must be able to assess the credibility of sources, discern between evidence-based information and opinion, and guide patrons in finding reliable and accurate health data. This includes evaluating websites, understanding medical research, and recognizing trustworthy databases.

Health Information in Multiple Languages: Providing health information in multiple languages is essential to ensuring all community members have equitable access to care. Multilingual resources empower individuals from diverse linguistic backgrounds and support health information access by bridging communication gaps. Libraries should actively seek and provide resources in languages spoken by their communities, ensuring that non-English speakers can access the health information they need in a language they understand.

Substance Use Disorders: Substance use disorders (SUDs) are complex conditions requiring access to the most up-to-date and comprehensive information. By promoting a range of evidence-based materials on SUDs, libraries can support public health initiatives and provide individuals and families with vital information on recovery, support services, and treatment options.

Behavioral and Mental Health: Mental and behavioral health resources are a growing need in many communities. Libraries can play a pivotal role in reducing stigma by providing access to high-quality resources on topics such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and addiction. Offering print and digital materials on mental health and connecting to local mental health services can significantly contribute to improving community well-being.

Collection Management: Effective collection management ensures that library resources are current, diverse, and responsive to the community’s needs. This includes selecting and maintaining various health-related materials that cover a wide range of topics, from physical health to mental wellness, and ensuring that the collection reflects the most recent medical research and public health guidelines. Special attention should be given to including diverse voices and perspectives to address the needs of underserved populations and avoiding misinformation.

Health Insurance: Understanding health insurance is often a confusing and challenging task for many individuals. Providing resources explaining health insurance options, coverage plans, and eligibility requirements can be invaluable to patrons. Libraries can offer access to materials that guide users through the complexities of health insurance systems, enabling them to make informed choices about their care and coverage.

Tools and Print Materials: In addition to digital resources, having toolkits and print materials available for patrons can enhance their understanding of health topics. This section guides where to order and download pamphlets, brochures, and guides on key health subjects such as preventive care, chronic disease management, and wellness strategies. These tools allow for accessible, at-hand information that patrons can refer to and take with them for further learning.

Programming: Public libraries are uniquely positioned to provide engaging, health-related programming for their communities. We offer examples and ideas for health programs that can be offered at your library. Whether you’re interested in creating a wellness program, hosting health fairs, or offering virtual health education workshops, this section has everything you need to start planning successful health programs that resonate with your patrons.

We encourage you to explore the newly updated Resources for Public Libraries guide and take advantage of its wealth of information. Whether looking for funding opportunities, planning new health programs, or expanding your health literacy knowledge, this guide will help you support your community’s health information needs.

ABOUT Bobbi Newman
Bobbi Newman (MLIS, MA) is the Community Engagement and Outreach Specialist for NNLM R6 at the University of Iowa. She is the author of Fostering Wellness in the Workplace: A Guide for Libraries. She developed the popular NNLM course “Wellness in the Library Workplace.” Bobbi is a mindfulness student and a member of Association for Size Diversity and Health (ASDAH). She currently serves as a member of the Advisory Board for Let’s Move in Libraries. She divides her time between her dog, reading fantasy and nonfiction, playing video games, crafting, kayaking, biking, and gardening.

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