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

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