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case_report·public health, family medicine, internal medicine, research methods·PMC10621719

Facilitating rural access to quality health information through Little Free Libraries

Journal of the Medical Library Association : JMLA · 5 authors, 5 centres

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AGENT 01 · STRUCTURED SUMMARY

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TL;DR

The project aimed to improve rural residents' access to health information and their ability to use it.

Full summary

456 CHARS

The project used community data to select resources, established 7 Little Free Libraries (LFLs) in the county, and provided training to library staff. A total of 424 books were selected, and over 2,456 items have been circulated among the LFLs since May 2020. The project successfully established health information services and built community partnerships, though the authors note challenges related to the pandemic and multi-institutional collaboration.

STUDY TYPE

case_report

SPECIALTY

public health

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AI pipeline

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100% · A

ORIGINAL PAPER

PMC10621719

Facilitating rural access to quality health information through Little Free Libraries

Journal of the Medical Library Association : JMLA

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ABSTRACT

Background: In 2020 the Health Science Center Libraries (HSCL) at the University of Florida collaborated with the Okeechobee County Public library (OCPL) on their plan to install Little Free Libraries (LFLs) within their community. It was agreed that the HSCL would provide consumer health-related materials for the Little Free Libraries and training with the goal of improving health literacy, precision medicine, and increasing rural access to consumer health materials and services. Case Presentation: Using census data, the County Health Improvement Plan, and OCPL circulation data the team identified minority population groups, potential accessibility issues, and local consumer health information needs and barriers to select appropriate resources. Additionally, partnerships were created with the local Health Department, Parks and Recreation services, the Rotary Club, and other local organizations to make the project a success. A total of 424 books were selected for the LFLs and 40 unique online resources were selected, printed, and shipped to OCPL to be used during LFL reference sessions. Technology was purchased to assist OCPL with their planned community health reference outreach sessions. HSCL created and provided online training on facilitating consumer health outreach, conducting health information reference services, and promoting community engagement for OCPL. Discussion: LFLs have become an important resource for lower-income rural families in Okeechobee. There are 7 LFLs in Okeechobee County, with a goal of eventually establishing 15 total to provide vital health resources and books. Over 2,456 items have been circulated among the 7 LFLs since May 2020. Overall, the project has been successful with positive feedback received from the community and with OCPL planning to continue to expand the project.

CITATION EXPORT

Jane Morgan-Daniel, Lauren E. Adkins, Margaret Ansell et al.. Facilitating rural access to quality health information through Little Free Libraries. Journal of the Medical Library Association : JMLA. (2023). https://doi.org/10.5195/jmla.2023.1585

AUTHORS

5 · 5 CENTRES

Jane Morgan-Daniel, Lauren E. Adkins, Margaret Ansell, Susan Harnett, Melissa L. Rethlefsen

1 [email protected], Community Engagement and Health Literacy Liaison Librarian, University of Florida Health Science Center Libraries, Gainesville, FL.
2 [email protected], Pharmacy Liaison Librarian, University of Florida Health Science Center Libraries, Gainesville, FL.
3 [email protected], Nursing and Consumer Health Liaison Librarian, University of Florida Health Science Center Libraries, Gainesville, FL.
4 [email protected], Medical Librarian, Nemours Children's Health System, Jacksonville, FL.
5 [email protected], Executive Director, Health Sciences Library & Informatics Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM.