Region 4, Regional Medical Library Program Core

Region 4 RML Program Core – Project Summary The Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library (EHSL), University of Utah, as the Regional Medical Library (RML) for Region 4, will implement the Region 4 RML Core in support the mission of the Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM) to provide U.S. researchers, health professionals, public health workforce, educators, and the public with access to biomedical and health information resources and data. This will include: 1) using community-driven approaches to increase access to health information; 2) working through libraries and other members to support a highly trained workforce in biomedical, health information, and data science resources; and 3) continuously improving the development and implementation of impactful NNLM programs. We will develop opportunities in the areas of training, funding, and engagement for member libraries and other organizations to carry out regional and national programs. Region 4 will assess and interpret the needs of current and potential audiences and engage with these communities to offer training and funding opportunities, all of which will expand the reach and impact of the National Library of Medicine (NLM). Region 4 will work with the other RMLs, Offices, Centers and the NNLM Evaluation Center to cooperatively design, implement, and evaluate innovative approaches to serve the biomedical and health information needs of researchers, health professionals, public health workforce, educators, and the public in communities across the U.S. Understanding that all communities require access to the highest level of health information, our focus on engaging with libraries and other organizations such as public health entities and community-based organizations, as well as establishing two-way communications throughout Region 4, will enable increased outreach, education, and funding designed to improve access to reliable health information and data resources. We believe that trust in NLM, NNLM, and RML products and services can only be achieved when the communities served have an authentic and legitimate voice in how these services are administered. Our proposal demonstrates a sustainable plan to listen to and partner with current and future audiences throughout Region 4 and the nation to increase access to reliable health information and improve health.