National Network of Libraries of Medicine
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Obtain a Specialization

For Public Librarians

There are 3 easy ways to earn CHIS for public librarians. Click the level to view options.

Level 1 CHIS

  1. Take Stand Up for Health: Health and Wellness for Your Community. This course provides all 12 CE hours and covers all 8 CHIS competencies needed for Level 1 CHIS. We offer a subsidized cohort based learning experience towards Level 1 CHIS especially for librarians and staff at public libraries through this course.
  2. Take Beyond an Apple a Day: Providing Consumer Health Information at Your Library This course provides 4 CE hours and covers all 5 competencies required for CHIS level 1. You can then take any additional 8 hours of CHIS approved courses on the topics of your choosing
  3. You can also take any combination of courses that cover the 5 competencies and use this tracking grid. All NNLM classes are offered at no cost. 

Level 2 CHIS

  1. Take  take any combination of courses that cover Competencies 6-8 and use this tracking grid. All NNLM classes are offered at no cost.
  2. List of Level 2 NNLM CHIS Courses

Sponsorship

 

NNLM sponsors the CHIS application fee for level 1 or level 2 for public librarians, including renewals. Once you've completed the necessary coursework, fill out this form.

CHIS Classes  

The NNLM offers free classes in support of the Medical Library Association's CHIS program.

List of currently active CHIS courses

What is CHIS?

CHIS is an acronym for Consumer Health Information Specialization, a program provided by the Medical Library Association (MLA). The MLA Consumer Health Information Specialization (CHIS) offers training in providing health information services to consumers and recognition for the accomplishment of acquiring new health information skills.

Why Get a CHIS?

Librarians know the life-saving and life-enhancing value of accurate evidence-based health information. By earning CHIS, you acquire skills and knowledge needed to become a confident, expert provider of health information to your community. Your CHIS shows employers, colleagues, and the public you serve that you are committed to offering quality consumer health information services and to staying current with developments in consumer health information resources, technologies, and services.

How to Earn CHIS credits

Level 1

In order to earn CHIS you will need to complete 12 CE hours worth of courses and webinars and those 12 CE must cover core competencies 1-5

  1. Know the Community
  2. Know the Health Consumer
  3. Knowledge of Subject Matter and Existing Resources
  4. Health Information Evaluation
  5. Communication and Instruction

Level 2

To earn level 2 CHIS you need 12 CE hours worth of courses and webinars and those 12 CE must cover core competencies 6-8.

  1. Literacy and Health Literacy

  2. Technology and Health
  3. Ethical and Legal Issues

You can see a grid of classes and their competencies on the MLA website.

 

CHIS Application Fee

The CHIS application fee $75 and the specialization is valid for 3 years, at which point it must be renewed. 

Contact

 

  1. NNLM CHIS classes: Contact your regional medical library.
  2. CHIS application process and program: Contact the MLA CHIS coordinator.

 

For Health Science Librarians

There are several ways to earn CHIS for health science librarians. Click the level to view options.

Level 1 CHIS

  1.  Take Health and Wellness at your Library. This course provides all 12 CE hours covers and the 8 CHIS competencies needed for Level 1 CHIS. 
  2. Take Beyond an Apple a Day: Providing Consumer Health Information at Your LibraryThis course provides 4 CE hours and covers all 5 competencies required for CHIS level 1. You can then take any additional 8 hours of CHIS approved courses on the topics of your choosing
  3. You can also take any combination of courses that cover the 5 competencies and use this tracking grid. All NNLM classes are offered at no cost. 

Level 2 CHIS

  1. Take  take any combination of courses that cover Competencies 6-8 and use this tracking grid. All NNLM classes are offered at no cost.
  2. List of Level 2 NNLM CHIS Courses

Sponsorship

 

NNLM sponsors the CHIS application fee for level 1 or level 2 for librarians, including renewals. Once you've completed the necessary coursework, fill out this form.