Eliza Davenport Whiteman|Roxanne Dupuis|Anna Morgan|Bernadette A. D’Alonzo|Charles L. Epstein|Heather Klusaritz|Carolyn C. Cannuscio
Public Libraries As Partners for Health
University of Pennsylvania|Community Initiatives|Community Initiatives|University of Pennsylvania|UCLA Medical Center|Harbor–UCLA Medical Center|Community Initiatives|University of Pennsylvania|Community Initiatives|University of Pennsylvania|Community Initiatives|University of Pennsylvania|Community Initiatives|University of Pennsylvania
public libraries free accessible centers community engagement education making logical choices partners improving population health library staff members routinely assist patrons unmet health social needswe used 100question selfadministered web survey sent library directors listed pennsylvania library association database n 621 investigate staff interactions library patrons address social determinants health conducted statistical comparisons quantitative responses content analysis openended responsesrespondents n 262 reported frequently interacting patrons around health social concerns well beyond related literacy education including help employment 94 nutrition 70 exercise 66 social welfare benefits 51 acute emergencies uncommon pennsylvanias public libraries nearly 12 respondents witnessed drug overdose library past year respondents felt professional training left inadequately prepared assist patrons health social issues although least 40 respondents offered health programming library branch offerings meet high level need reflected common patron inquiriesthe challenges library staff members experience meeting patrons information needs suggest opportunities public libraries advance population health library staff members need additional training resources collaboration public health health care institutions respond community needs effective evidencebased public health programming