Health Literacy and Libraries

This book brings together a diverse range of scholars and practitioners working at the nexus of health literacy work in libraries. This engaging resource presents a practical and accessible guide to meet the needs of librarians, health literacy researchers, and information and service professionals seeking to address health literacy needs in their communities. Through chapters offering multiple perspectives on the topic, the book covers specific types of literacy, such as mental health literacy and health insurance literacy, as well as timely applications, such as health misinformation. Chapters in this compilation also feature health literacy and the following communities: LGBTQ+, Latinx, Black, and Immigrants, Refugees, and Migrants. The book is full of numerous examples, thoughtful advice, and discussions addressing the challenges of working with adolescents and young adults, older adults, and parent caregivers of children with rare diseases. Each chapter starts with “Key Messages'' synthesizing the main points and concludes with a proposed set of “Discussion Questions'' to inspire further reflection and to facilitate health literacy conversations. Overall, the up-to-date coverage of health literacy in various contexts explored throughout the book will be beneficial to a range of stakeholders interested in health literacy work.

Editors Vardell and Charbonneau have compiled a comprehensive resource for librarians seeking to address health literacy needs in their respective communities. Using case studies and first-hand experiences, a group of subject-expert contributors skillfully incorporate a variety of perspectives about the importance of health literacy and outreach to often-overlooked groups. The book focuses on the experiences of wide-ranging populations, with chapters dedicated to communities like LGBTQIA+ people, immigrants, and aging adults. The strategies for promoting and approaching health literacy, such as reading clubs, health misinformation instruction, and partnerships for health literacy programs, are refreshing and timely. The clearly organized book makes it easy to locate specific topics of interest. A critical exploration of meeting users where they are and creating new pathways to health literacy success. This valuable resource highlights information professionals' crucial role in helping users acquire health literacy skills to enhance their quality of life, physical well-being, and mental health. Highly recommended for academic libraries, public libraries, and health care institutions committed to improving health literacy.

Health information can literally save lives. Librarians can play a major role in providing current, reliable, evidence-based information for patients and the general public. This volume provides an overview of health literacy and a framework for the various ways that libraries and librarians can interact with communities to keep them informed. The book is divided into five sections. The introduction covers the history of the term health literacy in the United States and the ways that health literacy is measured. Sections two and three look at the types of health literacy (health insurance, mental health, misinformation) and various communities (LGBTQ, Latinx, Black, immigrants/refugees/migrants), along with their needs. It also addresses teens and young adults, older adults, and the parents of children with rare diseases, suggesting ways to empower these groups with the necessary knowledge to deal with their health issues. Section four discusses the roles academic and health sciences libraries, public libraries, and hospital libraries can play in promoting health literacy and notes the importance of partnerships. The last section looks at health literacy in practice and suggests ideas for providing training and education: book club discussions, continuing education, classes for medical students and health care practitioners, and digital training. The authors also note the importance of support for informed consent in clinical practice and research. This is a useful book for health sciences and information studies collections.

Emily Vardell is Assistant Professor in the School of Library and Information Management at Emporia State University.

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