This Consumer Health Information Center will help individuals obtain and understand basic health information and services, as well as develop the competence to use these resources and services in ways that are health-enhancing.

The Center will provide on-line access to specialized, electronic, value-added databases (in English and Spanish), as well as access to print and non-print materials (pamphlets, books, videos, magazines, journals, etc.). A focused collection of current medical resources will complement the Center’s more generalized consumer health collections.

The target population for this service will be all those living in Northern Utah (Weber, Cache, Box Elder, Davis, Morgan, and Summit Counties), with special emphasis on individuals who do not have reading, listening, analytical, and decision-making skills, or the ability to apply these skills in health-related situations.

Consumer health librarians will reach out into the community by actively developing public services through partnerships among literacy groups, multi-lingual organizations, community organizations,and health-care associations.

Librarians will also offer classes at the Branch, and at other community venues, teaching others to use print and electronic consumer health resources. While the provision of information will be an important role for this Center, continuing education has the potential to be even more long-term in its benefits for the people of Northern Utah.