Outreach Priorities: Public Libraries and Public Health Agencies
Outreach continues to be an important priority and focus for the National Network of Libraries of Medicine. To enhance the effectiveness of its outreach programs and in an attempt to measure awareness and usage of NLM resources, two populations have been selected for expanded outreach efforts: public libraries and the public health workforce. Logic models were adopted in June, 2003, as tools for planning and measuring desired outreach outcomes for these two populations over the next several years. Links to the program logic models are available from the following websites:
- http://nnlm.gov/evaluation/outreach/publiclibraries
- http://nnlm.gov/evaluation/outreach/publichealth
The overall program goal for both target populations is to promote awareness of and increase access to NLM resources. Broad objectives for the program include:
- Increasing links to NLM resources on public health agency and public library websites;
- Increasing skills and confidence for public health professionals and public librarians in using NLM resources; and
- Encouraging increased relationships and collaborations between public libraries and public health agencies with community health partners and health sciences libraries.
Each logic model includes specific activities and processes for achieving the objectives, e.g., developing training curricula related to NLM resources. The logic models also contain specific milestones, and also delineate resources needed, outputs, and the desired short and long-term outcomes. The logic models represent a minimum level of activity to be reached by all NN/LM regions, but RMLs may go beyond what is described in the models if resources and opportunities permit.
Exciting outreach activities that will result from these plans include development and implementation of promotion strategies to increase links to NLM resources on websites for public libraries and state-level public health agencies. By May, 2004, RMLs will implement the promotion plans in at least half of the states they cover. Also, training subgroups have been formed to develop basic training packages for public librarians and state-level public health personnel.
We are looking forward to rolling out the training packages for public librarians and public health personnel in 2004. If you would like to suggest pilot sites of public libraries or public health workers who would be interested in receiving the training, please let us know!
[Editor's Note: You may find Logic Models a useful tool for planning your own outreach activities. You can download an excellent guide, the W. K. Kellogg Foundation's Logic Model Development Guide from http://www.wkkf.org/. Click on the link under "Most Requested Files and Pages".]