The Role of Public Libraries in Healthy Communities

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Virtual Conference
Virtual Conference

Event Details

Description: A recent Pew study found that health is the number two most searched for information online. Public libraries are on the front lines of health information needs of their communities. Public libraries are often the only access to computers and/or broadband in their communities and are a trusted institution. This session will provide attendees with ideas for getting started with health outreach and programming in their communities (including funding suggestions!). We will look at no-cost resources for evidence-based health information in multiple languages. Attendees will leave with at least one new thing that can do immediately to improve their health services in their communities.

Bio: Bobbi Newman is a librarian, writer, consultant, library advocate, and an international speaker.

She has been involved in national library initiatives including past service on the National Information Standards Organization committee to develop a Consensus Framework to Support Patron Privacy in Digital Library and Information Systems and the Pew Internet & American Life Project research on Libraries in the Digital Age. She is a regular speaker at local, national, and international events covering topics such as the future of libraries, digital literacy, ebooks, policy, and innovation and change.

Newman has served as an American Library Association (ALA) Councilor-at-Large, a member of the Office of Information Technology Policy (OITP) Advisory Committee, and a member of the OITP Digital Literacy Task Force. She is the author of the award-winning blog, Librarian by Day and in 2011 was named a Mover and Shaker by Library Journal. Her writing is regularly highlighted by American Libraries Direct. Her work has been featured by the New York Times, The Guardian, BlogHer, O’Reilly Radar, The L.A. Times, Mental Floss, Techdirt, and GigaOm, and was used by Facebook in a smear campaign against Google.

She is currently a Community Engagement and Outreach Specialist at the National Network of Libraries of Medicine where she helps public libraries meet the health information needs of their communities. She serves as the NNLM liason to OITP.”

The Indiana State Library will make all reasonable modifications to policies and programs to ensure that people with disabilities have an equal opportunity to enjoy all of its programs, services, and activities.  If you require an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in this program, service or activity of the Indiana State Library, pleasecontact Faye Brookins, the Indiana State Library’s ADA Coordinator (fbrookin@spd.in.gov or 317-233-1184).  Notice of a needed accommodation should be provided as soon as possible to allow time for the State Library to arrange for the accommodation; however, notice of a needed accommodation must be provided to one of the above contacts no later than 48 hours in advance.
Event Type(s): ISL Webinar