AoU Community Engagement 263 - Health Science Library Information Outreach: Supporting Public Libraries Supporting

Public libraries are known for being community centered institutions providing equitable access to information and resources. Seen as trusted members of the community and the go-to for information, public librarians play an important role in improving individuals access to health information and overall well-being. Through this project we will assess the information needs of pubic librarians within Memphis to better inform our efforts to meet NNLMs goal of improving access to information enabling community members to make more informed health decisions. By establishing partnerships between the UTHSC Health Sciences Library and public libraries throughout Memphis, this project seeks to address community challenges to optimizing health and well-being through health literacy and health information trainings. The main objective of this project is to increase knowledge and utilization of high-quality health information resources of public library staff through the development of training sessions and educational activities. Using the Train-the-Trainer' approach, we aim to support public libraries in their ability to carry out health information and health literacy sessions in their communities in order to support health equity and the Research program.