References and Resources

Idaho libraries are helping to keep students learning, adults earning, and improving the health and well-being of Idahoans. With the interest in telehealth (providing health care from a distance) increasing due to public demand and provider support, public libraries are uniquely positioned to provide a safe and welcoming environment with the necessary broadband and technology for patients to remotely connect with their doctors and medical professionals. This toolkit provides general information for public libraries to use to improve telehealth access for their communities or even just to supplement existing health and wellness resources and services.

Learn more about our broader Telehealth in Libraries initiative by visiting libraries.idaho.gov/telehealth.

Telehealth Overview

Clearwater Memorial Library telehealth area with vertical banner signTelehealth: MedlinePlus

  • A definition and overview of telehealth for the general public by the National Library of Medicine.
  • Includes links to other general pages about telehealth that can further introduce the concept to patients and library staff.
  • National Library of Medicine (US). (2021, August 10). Telehealth. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/telehealth.html

Rural Telehealth Toolkit – Rural Health Information Toolkit

Telehealth | Idaho Department of Health and Welfare

Promoting Individual and Community Health at the Library

National Library of Medicine Web Policies

  • The Medical Information Disclaimer provided by the National Library of Medicine is a solid example for libraries to consider when sharing health information and resources.
  • National Library of Medicine. (2021, August 19). NLM web policies. https://www.nlm.nih.gov/web_policies.html

Resources for Libraries

Find Telehealth Map 

  • Hosted and maintained by the Northwest Regional Telehealth Resource Center (NRTRC)
  • Searchable map with filters allows users to locate healthcare providers who currently offer telehealth services
    Clearwater County Free Library District telehealth computer and desk

MedlinePlus

  • A free online health information resource provided by the National Library of Medicine.
  • National Library of Medicine (US). (2021, November 29). MedlinePlus. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/

MedlinePlus Video Tutorial

  • A short (13-minute) video providing an overview and tour of the major features of the MedlinePlus website.
  • Baker, D. (2021, December 7). MedlinePlus tutorial (Dec 2021) [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/N8TFo2n4oX4

Libraries Linking Idaho (LiLI.org) Health and Wellness Databases

  • The Idaho Commission for Libraries provides every Idahoans access to a number of subscription databases and resources through LiLI (Libraries Linking Idaho).
  • The Health and Wellness topic contains links to databases and resources such as Consumer Health Complete, Health Source, Alt HealthWatch, and many others.
  • Idaho Commission for Libraries. (n.d.). Full resource index. Libraries Linking Idaho. https://lili.org/full-resource-index/?topics=health-and-wellness

Merck Manuals Consumer Version

  • A free online health information resource published Merck & Co. for both the general public and medical professionals
  • Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. (2021). Merck manuals consumer version. Merck Manuals Consumer Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/

Projects in Idaho

Clearwater Memorial Library group photo with telehealth sign at centerBlue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health to Partner With Idaho Commission for Libraries to Pilot Telehealth Programs

Nampa Public Library – “Be Well Nampa” Project

  • The National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NNLM) awarded the Nampa Public Library a grant for their “Be Well Nampa” community health project.
  • Nampa Public Library. (n.d.). “Be Well Nampa” project. https://nampalibrary.org/bewellnampa/

Meridian District Library – Meridian Moves

  • The Meridian Library District provides several health and wellness resources and services to the Meridian community under its Meridian Moves initiative.
  • Meridian Library District. (n.d.). Meridian Moves. https://www.mld.org/meridianmoves

Projects in Other States

reception area of a building with peoplePottsboro Library – Telehealth Community of Practice

  • As part of a telehealth program launched at the Pottsboro Library in Texas, a community of practice was developed for other libraries to use in supporting their own telehealth services.
  • Gibson D. Lewis Health Science Library. (n.d.). Pottsboro Library – telehealth community of practice. Subject Guides at University of North Texas Health Science Center. https://libguides.unthsc.edu/pottsboro-library/

Delaware Libraries – Telehealth Kiosk & Device Loaning Initiative Pilot Launch

Texas State Library and Archives Commission – Texas Telehealth Grant Program

  • In August 2021, the Texas State Library and Archives Commission offered grants to Texas libraries to facilitate telehealth services and opportunities.
  • Texas State Library and Archives Commission. (2021, August 24). Texas telehealth grant program. https://www.tsl.texas.gov/ldn/arpa/telehealth

New Jersey State Library – NJHealthConnect @ Your Library

Amelia Valasek

Amelia Valasek

Partnerships and Programs Supervisor
Email / 208-639-4138
Read my Blogs

For more information, please contact Amelia Valasek, Partnerships & Programs Supervisor at the Idaho Commission for Libraries, 208-639-4138 or at amelia.valasek@libraries.idaho.gov.