When economic conditions decline, library use increases. This has been demonstrated historically and libraries are experiencing that same pattern now.

Click here for some articles that highlight that increased use.

• Libraries debate plan for fund sharing
  Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
  Thursday, October, 15 2009
• Good Morning: North
  Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
  Tuesday, October, 22 2009

News Archive

Consumer Health Information Fellowship

Where do you turn if you don’t understand your diagnosis? How do you find out the potential risk in a certain medication? Can acupuncture really help?

If you’ve ever had questions like this, check in with your local library. In fact this year twelve individuals from across our County libraries are receiving certification through the Jewish Healthcare Foundation Consumer Health Information Fellowship. The program helps librarians gain enhanced knowledge of the types and sources of reliable information on healthcare providers, health conditions and healthcare quality. Program Fellows learn from experts in the field and establish a valuable network of on-call resources.

Participants earn a Consumer Health Information Specialist certification from the Medical Library Association. Participating libraries include the Avalon Public Library, Brentwood Library, Community Library of Allegheny Valley, Lauri Ann West Memorial Library, Monroeville Public Library, Mt. Lebanon Public Library, Northern Tier Public Library, Northland Public Library, Shaler North Hills Library, Sewickley Public Library and Whitehall Public Library. Two years ago the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh piloted the training sending staff from each library location and departments at the Main library in Oakland.

Your local library is a great resource to find consumer health information – but should not replace the care and direction provided by a physician.

Thank you to our partners and sponsors at the Jewish Healthcare Foundation for providing this opportunity to area libraries and their communities.