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This project featured collaboration between a large public library system and an academic institution to address training needs related to the rise in the demand for quality consumer health information. A train the trainer program featuring hands-on training and Web-based support was designed and implemented. Public reference librarians received customized education and support to facilitate their efforts to train library users of consumer health information. The results of the collaborative effort included an increased awareness of cultural, linguistic, and literacy issues for effective provision of public library consumer health reference service along with a reaffirmation of the need for strategic community collaborations for health education. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Responsibility for the provision of consumer health information typically lies within the public library domain or the health sciences library arena. In many communities, both types of libraries provide support for consumer health information services, often with varying levels of expertise. Public library employees may or may not be trained in the use of health and biomedical information resources. Conversely, health sciences library staff may or may not be familiar with information needs of the lay public within their community. To offset these potential differences, a model was developed to assess the health information needs of community members and to provide training for public library staff regarding use of relevant electronic consumer health information resources. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]