“I Want to Provide Patrons with Good Information”: Public Library Staff as Health Information Facilitators

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Abstract
This study examined how public libraries and library staff in two systems in a midwestern state provide health information, particularly because of the state’s low health ranking. This article focuses on a subset of the study’s findings, highlighting staff preparedness to offer health information, perceptions about health literacy, and the role of the Medical Library Association’s consumer health information specialist (CHIS) certification in contributing to knowledge and understanding of health information issues. I interviewed 38 public library staff and received background information from four other individuals with knowledge of health information access in the state. Qualitative analysis indicated that library staff exhibited varying abilities and knowledge about health information and health literacy. Librarians with CHIS certification, provided in one system, were more comfortable with health information sources and services than others, as were their colleagues. Public libraries should consider providing more health information training to address the needs of their communities.

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