Providing Health Information to Community Members Where They Are: Characteristics of the Culturally Competent Librarian

Abstract

Since all people make health decisions, all people need health information.
\nCurrently most people do not get health information from libraries;
\nnevertheless, librarians can play an important role in the provision of
\nhealth information if they listen carefully to community needs, develop
\ncultural competence, and work with community partners. Librarians must
\ncollaborate to provide services where people are: physically, culturally, linguistically,
\neducationally, and in many other senses. An example is given of
\na partnership between the librarian at Mars Hill Graduate School and the
\nAfrican Americans Reach and Teach Health Ministry that provides information
\nservices to faith communities in the Puget Sound area. Concepts
\ndiscussed are summarized in a proposed list of cultural competencies for
\nlibrarians.