Promoting Consumer Health Literacy Creation of a Health Information Librarian Fellowship

According to a market survey showing that the public library is the first place many turn when seeking health information, librarians are the front-line workers in consumer health literacy. A consumer health literacy initiative has been undertaken throughout the Pittsburgh public library system to help librarians assure meaningful access to consumers seeking health information. This initiative, the Health Information Fellowship, through which librarians attain their Consumer Health Information Specialist certificate from the Medical Library Association, has had numerous outcomes, including the creation of a new consumer health database and related Web information; the design of a staff training module; the development of a presentation for consumers, including brochures and pathfinders; and positive participant ratings regarding improved familiarity and preparedness with consumer health information in multiple dimensions. The fellowship is replicable and is currently being spread regionally