Staff Bio

Bobbi L. Newman, MLIS, MA

Community Engagement and Outreach Manager, Region 6

She/Her

Bobbi Newman is the Community Engagement and Outreach Manager for the Network of the National Library of Medicine, Region 6, based at the University of Iowa Libraries. She leads national efforts to build partnerships with public libraries to improve access to reliable health information. With a strong focus on accessibility, she has developed and led national symposia addressing health information, library staff wellness, and community health outreach.

She holds dual Master’s degrees in Information Resources and Library Science (University of Arizona) and Political Science with a minor in Journalism and Mass Communication (Iowa State University) and a Graduate Certificate in Public Management. Bobbi is a certified wellness practitioner, project manager, and instructional designer specializing in creating engaging, learner-focused programs across formats.  

Her career spans public, academic, and special libraries, including roles in digital services and strategic leadership. She is the architect of innovative programs such as the “Wellness in the Library Workplace” course and the lead on initiatives like the Promoting Healthy Communities partnership with the Public Library Association. Bobbi is a frequent presenter and author on digital literacy, health information, well-being, and community engagement. She has served on numerous national committees, including those with the American Library Association, the Public Library Association, OCLC, Pew Research, National Information Standards Organization (NISO), and the Insitute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).

Driven by a passion for equity, collaboration, and personal growth, Bobbi brings a maximizer mindset to her work—seeking to turn strengths into excellence in every project she leads.

Classes I Teach

Event Title Summary
Exploring Complementary and Integrative Health: Information, Resources, and Evaluation This class will explore the definitions of Complementary and Integrative Health (CIH), encompassing both Eastern and Western medicine perspectives. We will delve into various approaches to CIH, discussing their associated risks and benefits. We will also equip you with strategies to help your users discern trustworthy CIH information and avoid fraudulent claims.
Fostering Connection: Addressing Library Employee Loneliness, a Region 6 Spotlight Speaker Webinar Join guest speaker Alejandro Marquez (he/him) to learn about loneliness among library staff and practical strategies to create a more inclusive and supportive workplace environment.
From Contraception to Menopause: Identifying and Addressing Reproductive Health Misinformation Reliable information about reproductive health has never been more important. However, taboos, legal restrictions, and a dearth of women's health research have enabled misinformation to flourish, with dire implications for health outcomes. This talk will provide an overview of the prevalence, characteristics, and impacts of reproductive health misinformation.
Holding Space to Discuss a Complicated Past: Exploring Medical Libraries’ Role in Perpetuating Racial Science, A Region 6 Spotlight Speaker Webinar Join Raymond Pun, Nicollette Davis, and Patrice R. Green for a webinar presentation based on their recent commentary in the Journal of Medical Library Association (JMLA) titled "Medical Libraries and Their Complicated Past: An Exploration of the Historical Connections Between Medical Collections and Racial Science." The presentation will explore the historical ties between medical libraries and racial science, focusing on empire-building. Attendees, particularly those involved in library instruction, will gain valuable insights into how medical sciences and collections have been influenced by racial science discourse, which continues to impact today's medical practices for patients who identify as Black, Indigenous, or persons of color.
NNLM Book Discussion What the Eyes Don't See by Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha (February 1 - April 30, 2025) Join us February 1 - April 30, 2025 to discuss the book What the Eyes Don't See by Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha.
NNLM Book Discussion, Aug 14 - Oct 31: The Invisible Kingdom: Reimagining Chronic Illness by Meghan O'Rourke Join us August 14 - October 31 to discussion "The Invisible Kingdom: Reimagining Chronic Illness" by Meghan O'Rourke
NNLM Book Discussion, May 1 - July 31 2025, The Well-Gardened Mind You are invited to join us for the NNLM Book Discussion. From May 1 through July 31, we will read The Well-Gardened Mind: The Restorative Power of Nature
by Sue Stuart-Smith
NNLM Book Discussion, May 2 - July 31, Doing Harm You are invited to join us for the first NNLM Book Discussion. From May 1 until July 31, join your fellow librarians and read Doing Harm: The Truth About How Bad Medicine and Lazy Science Leave Women Dismissed, Misdiagnosed, and Sick by Maya Dusenbery! 
NNLM Book Discussion: "You Just Need to Lose Weight" And 19 Other Myths About Fat People by Aubrey Gordon, August 1, 2024 – October 31, 2024 Join us August 1 – October 31, 2024, to discuss the book "You Just Need to Lose Weight" And 19 Other Myths About Fat People by Aubrey Gordon.
NNLM National Virtual Health Misinformation Symposium This free virtual symposium will explore both the research behind health misinformation movements and provide practical and evidence-based solutions to support librarians, health educators, and direct care providers in combating the spread of all types of health misinformation.

Contact Information