Memphis Community Engagement 2019-2020

The overall project objective for in Memphis is to create awareness for the national database project. Memphis Public Libraries has an award winning Health Information Center HIC at its Central branch library. Our objective is to promote the project in alignment with the Librarys HIC. In addition to the Central branch, there are seventeen other neighborhood branches. Another objective is to create awareness for at each of these branch libraries. In addition to our eighteen branch locations, MPL has a strong virtual presence through our website at www.memphislibraries.org. The website includes an online health information center: http://www.memphislibrary.org/research/health/. One objective would be to increase awareness for the project through our website and other virtual channels. In addition to the website, we intend to include information about the project in ongoing communications with customers, including a monthly Health Information newsletter and social media postings. The program coordinators duties will include outreach with various non-library agencies, including United Way of the Mid-South, the Salvation Army, and others that serve a consumer population. An additional objective will be to connect with many of the citys social service agencies and non-profit organizations to raise awareness for the librarys health information resources and the project. Finally, the program coordinator will work with area experts to plan and host programs both inside and outside of the library about genetics topics in general, including information about the project. In summary, objectives for in Memphis include raising awareness at physical branches, online via our website and social media, and through outreach and conducting community programs