WED-068 - Showcasing the Network of the National Library of Medicine Public Health Curriculum; Assessments from 2021-2025

Brief Abstract Summary: This session examines the Network of the National Library of Medicine's public health curriculum under the 2021-2026 cooperative agreement. A collaboration between the National Training Office, National Public Health Coordination Office, and seven Regional Medical Libraries, the program has expanded beyond traditional library focus to serve clinical and public health professionals. A public health curriculum group maintains current, relevant materials offering continuing education credits for CHES and CPH holders Through infographics and data visualization, we present program reach, satisfaction data, strengths, and future directions. Annual evaluations and multi-tier approval processes ensure quality. Growth in participation and credits continues, with emerging interest in misinformation/disinformation and Artificial Intelligence applications in public health.

Detailed abstract description: In 2021, the Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM) formed a public health curriculum group in effort to more effectively address training needs of public health (PH) professionals across the country. This session describes the growth in class offerings and continuing education credits for PH professionals, and the impact of the curriculum over the past 4 years. The public health curriculum represents a collaborative effort between the National Training Office (NTO), National Public Health Coordination Office (NPHCO), and the seven Regional Medical Libraries (RML’s) across the United States.

Program Overview

The public health curriculum group is one of five curriculum groups that provide health information training and resources to individuals throughout the United States. While NNLM has historically focused on serving libraries and librarians, recent program expansion has broadened its reach to include both clinical and public health professionals.
The curriculum and classes are maintained and regularly updated by the public health curriculum group, which ensures all materials remain relevant, current, and meet the requirements for offering continuing education credits. Many public health classes provide continuing education credits for Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) and Certified in Public Health (CPH) credential holders.

Session Content

Through infographics and data visualization, we describe the reach and satisfaction levels of classes offered within our program. Class evaluations are required from all participants requesting continuing education credits, and these evaluation results inform ongoing curriculum maintenance and improvement efforts. We explore the curriculum's strengths, upcoming updates, and future program directions.

Quality Assurance and Governance

The NNLM public health curriculum undergoes annual evaluation and updates. All new classes proposed for the public health curriculum must receive approval from three governing bodies: the Public Health Curriculum Group, the Public Health Collaborative Steering Group, and the full NNLM training group. Each new class is reviewed for adherence to quality standards and reviewed annually for currency and accuracy.

Growth and Emerging Trends

Annual data demonstrates consistent growth in participant completion rates and continuing education credit awards. We are also observing increased interest in classes addressing misinformation and disinformation, as well as the application of artificial intelligence in public health practice.