The Ohio State University Health Sciences Library (HSL) has a longstanding tradition of partnering with the Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM) to promote health sciences information literacy. Over the last six years, the HSL’s Library for Health Information (LHI) has further served as an NNLM Region 6 Partner Outreach Program (POP)-designated library, acting as an ambassador library for distributing NNLM and National Library of Medicine (NLM) services and resources. NNLM Region 6 serves the states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin.
As the LHI completes its service in 2026 as a POP-designated library, we took a moment to reflect on our journey with Jacqueline Leskovec, MLIS, MA, RN, Network Specialist, NNLM, and senior librarian, Hardin Library for the Health Sciences, University of Iowa. Hardin Library is the Region 6 Regional Medical Library (RML) and Jacqueline served as the LHI’s primary POP contact throughout the partnership period.
What is the POP?
The purpose of the POP is to provide health information to all communities throughout Region 6. POP organizations provide resources and training to groups that include NLM focus populations. These organizations also communicate health information needs to the RML and assist the RML in remediating those needs.
As one of the first libraries to join the POP, the LHI has consistently demonstrated a commitment to connecting the Columbus, Ohio community at large with vital health information. “One of the hallmarks of the outreach librarians at the LHI is their commitment to the health of their community and their creativity in doing so,” Jacqueline notes. These values have even shaped the POP’s overall approach to advancing the NNLM’s mission, setting a standard for excellence in health outreach.
The LHI has offered resources and classes at conferences, health fairs and to professionals serving different constituencies. Judith Wiener, Associate Director of Collections and Outreach at the HSL and a leader for the LHI, shared one memory with us: “One of my most fulfilling moments was teaching an outreach class to Ohio extension officers. This class, funded by our POP grant, enabled me to educate these extension officers about accessible, reliable sources of health information from both the NLM and the LHI, which they could use for themselves and their communities.”
Relying on creativity during COVID-19 social distancing
When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted traditional outreach activities, the LHI didn’t hesitate to innovate. One standout event was a touchless drive-through initiative, at which members of the community received printed NLM resources without ever needing to leave their vehicles. “At the touchless drive-through event, participants opened the trunks of their vehicles and the staff plopped the health information packets inside,” Jacqueline recalls. This creative solution ensured that community members could receive crucial health information while staying safely distanced.
The LHI also produced a series of videos to help the community understand how to find credible health information on the web. These videos covered internet skills such as basic internet terminology, how to perform an effective health information search and how to navigate health websites. These videos helped to fill a gap during a time when in-person interaction and support was not possible.
The LHI’s lasting impact on health information librarianship
Over the years, the LHI has been instrumental in growing the POP into a key program for distributing NNLM health information. The LHI’s impact is characterized by what Jacqueline describes as the “Cs”: commitment, creativity, consistency and collaboration. “Even when partner outreach staff transitioned throughout the years, the LHI was committed to supporting the NNLM mission. It was wonderful to work with such consummate health sciences librarians,” she says.
The LHI’s librarians are more than information professionals—they are tireless advocates for community health education, finding new ways to connect people with knowledge. The positive outcomes from their willingness to adapt, collaborate and innovate serve as a reminder that the heart of any outreach program lies in the dedication and ingenuity of those who serve.
If you have a general health information question or would like more information about what the LHI does, please email the LHI librarian at Health-Info@osu.edu. Please note that our librarian cannot provide medical advice or diagnoses – we recommend that you reach out to your health care provider with these types of questions.
