The HSLS Consumer Collection: A Public-Academic Partnership for Consumer Health Information
The growing interest in health information for consumers has led to new roles for both health sciences librarians and public librarians. In 2002, HSLS received a grants and contracts from the Shadyside Hospital Foundation to strengthen community-based consumer health information services in Allegheny County. Additional funding was contributed by the Allegheny County Library Association (ACLA).
As an initial step, HSLS librarians identified a HSLS Consumer Collection of high-quality health-related books and videotapes appropriate for public libraries. Next, in partnership with the ACLA, HSLS accepted applications from area public libraries interested in building consumer health collections and programming. Four libraries were selected for the first round of funding: Dormont Public Library, Andrew Bayne Memorial Library in Bellevue, C.C. Mellor Memorial Library in Edgewood, and the Community Library of Allegheny Valley located northeast of Pittsburgh. Each library will receive funds to purchase materials identified in the HSLS core list. As a condition of acceptance, the libraries pledged that they will develop consumer health programs, and commit funding from their own budget to continue purchasing consumer health materials in the coming year.
The collections will be displayed with distinctive signs and bookplates. A second round of public libraries will be funded in coming months. Look for the HSLS Consumer Health Collection in a public library near you!
-- Barbara Epstein
