Public libraries as health literate multi-purpose workspaces for improving health literacy

Abstract

Now more than ever, in this COVID-19 pandemic, our individual and collective ability to access, understand and apply information to inform our health care and broader lifestyle decisions ie, to be health literate - has life or death consequences. This paper reflects upon the proposition of public libraries as health literate multi-purpose workspaces for improving health literacy. We draw upon our combined experiences as evaluators of organizational health literacy initiatives, and library sector development, engagement and advocacy. Key ideas were presented as part of the 2020 State Library Victoria seminar series on 'Libraries: The Heart of a Healthy Community'. Key messages included: Publi..