Health literacy: a natural role for librarians

What is it about?

This paper provides some background and context on health literacy. Health literacy is a critical constellation of skills. Librarians’ abilities and expertise are well-suited to contributing to the improvement of health literacy for various populations in various settings. Librarians are actively engaging in a wide variety of health literacy initiatives in collaboration with other professionals and organizations. Specific examples of how librarians are contributing to health literacy are described. This paper provides an overview and introduction to the special issue on health literacy.

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Why is it important?

Lack of health literacy is associated with poor health outcomes and increased health costs. Multiple organizations, think tanks and government agencies have called for addressing disparities in health literacy. Librarians can fill an important role in increasing health literacy.