Assessing the Readiness of Rural Public Librarians to Implement Public Health Programs

Although health promotion is not the primary function of public libraries, it is well documented that many libraries engage in health promotion activities, even when resources are constrained. Less understood is the readiness of the public library workforce, particularly in rural communities, to implement evidence-based health promotion programs. This study uses a modified version of the Competency Assessment for Tier 2 Public Health Professionals to assess the readiness of a small sample (n = 21) of Oregon rural library managers to implement evidence-based health initiatives. Results show that outside of communication skills, most rural library workers do not consider themselves to have proficiency in core health promotion competencies. Although some slight differences were found among librarians based on socio-demographic factors, those differences were not statistically significant. Implications include the need for strengthened support to build the capacity for rural public library workers who are interested in delivering evidence-based health promotion programs.