Browse Guides & Resources by Category

Membership

Content relating to NNLM Membership, or specifically for NNLM Members; this may include information about member services, benefits of network membership, and tools and resources for Members.

Funding

Content related to, or about funding; this may include general information about NNLM funding, and information about other sources of funding beyond NLM & NNLM.
Proposal Writing Support
Content related to writing funding proposals; this may include resources for inexperienced grant-writers, and general best practices for submitting proposals to NNLM.
Tools and Resources
Tools and resources relating specifically to NNLM funding and subawards, such as FAQs, tutorials for NNLM web-based applications and data reporting, reporting templates, and regional funding guides.

Training

Content related to, or supported by NNLM training opportunities.
Class Resources
Information or resources relating to a specific NNLM or NLM course, focused on serving the needs of course participants.
NLM Resources
Training content specifically about resources from the National Library of Medicine.
Specializations
Content relating to CE specializations supported by NNLM training; this may include general information about CHIS, DIS and CHES, and how NNLM supports our users in obtaining specializations.

Topics

Content related to specific subjects or topics.
All of Us
Content related to, supported by, or specifically about the NNLM All of Us Community Engagement Network or All of Us Research Program; this may include information about All of Us as an NNLM Initiative, and programs supported through All of Us funding.
Citizen Science
Content related to citizen science and crowdsourcing; this may include resources about citizen science programming, and information about how NNLM supports citizen science as an NLM/NIH priority area.
Consumer Health
Content related to consumer health; this may include resources for general consumers and programs that can be adapted for broad use around health topics, and content related to evaluating health websites.
Data Science / Data Management
Content related to data science and research data management; this may include subject primers, resources for managing, storing and sharing data, data science programming, and information about the NLM/NIH Data Science priority area.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Content related to diversity, equity and inclusion; this may include resources for developing institutional practices, DEI programming, and information about DEI as an NNLM initiative.
Disaster and Emergency Preparedness
Content related to disaster and emergency preparedness and response; this may include resources for disaster planning, sources of disaster health information, preparedness programming, and tools related to emergency response.
Graphic Medicine
Content related to graphic medicine; this may include graphic medicine programming, and tools for developing comic-based resources.
Health Literacy
Content related to health literacy; this may include resources for understanding health information, finding and interpreting health information online, and literacy levels for health websites.
HIV/AIDS
Content related to HIV/AIDS community health information; this may include resources for organizations that provide HIV/AIDS information services, and details about how NNLM supports this as an NLM/NIH priority area.
Student Engagement
Content related to Library and Information Sciences and other academic programs; this may include resources for LIS students interested in health sciences librarianship, health information resources and programming for students in other tracks, resources for increasing the diversity pipeline in academic programs, and information about how NNLM supports Student Engagement as an NLM/NIH priority area.
Public Health
Content related to Public Health; this may include resources for finding localized public health information, and free programs supported by public health departments.
STEM Initiatives
Content related to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) initiatives; this may include resources for adapting programs to include health information or health professions components, and freely available STEM programming.
Substance Use Disorder / NIH HEAL
Content related to substance use disorders; this may include resources for supporting patrons living with substance use disorders, programs related to substance use, and information about how NNLM supports the the NIH HEAL initiative.
Scholarly Communication
Content related to accessing and utilizing electronic journals and other published resources.

Audiences

Academic Libraries
Content focused on serving the needs of academic libraries/library staff; this may include community colleges, universities, and other post-secondary educational institutions.
Hospital/Health Sciences Libraries
Content focused on serving the needs of hospital and health sciences libraries/library staff.
Public Libraries
Content focused on serving the needs of public libraries/library staff, and information about the NNLM public libraries initiative.
Other Library or Information Professionals
Content geared toward other library or information professionals that are not addressed through other audience focuses.
Community-based Organizations
Content focused on serving the needs of community-based organizations and their staff.
Data Resource or Tool Developers
Content focused on serving the needs of data resource and tool developers.
Data Scientists
Content focused on serving the needs of data scientists.
College and Post-grad Educators
Content focused on serving the needs of college and post-grad educators, such as faculty and staff at post-secondary academic institutions who provide programming and instruction.
College and Post-grad Students
Content focused on serving the needs of college and post-grad students; this may include users who are seeking supplemental learning opportunities.
K-12 Educators
Content focused on serving the needs of K-12 educators, such as faculty and staff at primary and secondary academic institutions, who provide programming and instruction to children.
K-12 Students
Content focused on serving the needs of K-12 students; this may include children who are seeking supplemental learning opportunities, or information about careers in the health professions.
Healthcare Providers
Content focused on serving the needs of healthcare providers and clinicians.
Public Health Professionals
Content focused on serving the needs of public health professionals, such as public and community health workers.
Researchers
Content focused on serving the needs of researchers.

Regional Focus

Region 1
Content that relates specifically to populations and institutions in Delaware, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia, and nowhere else.
Region 2
Content that relates specifically to populations and institutions in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and nowhere else.
Region 3
Content that relates specifically to populations and institutions in Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas, and nowhere else.
Region 4
Content that relates specifically to populations and institutions in Arizona, Idaho, Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming, and nowhere else.
Region 5
Content that relates specifically to populations and institutions in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, and U.S. Territories and Freely Associated States in the Pacific, and nowhere else.
Region 6
Content that relates specifically to populations and institutions in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin, and nowhere else.
Region 7
Content that relates specifically to populations and institutions in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont, and nowhere else.

Resource Sharing

DOCLINE
Content related to the use of DOCLINE; this may include information about eligibility, product history, and technical documentation.
Public Health Collections
Content related to and supported by NPHCO and the Public Health Digital Library; this may include information about subscription based resources and tools for PHDL members.

All Guides & Resources

63 current guides
Title Summary
An Introduction to Health Literacy

Health literacy involves the information and services that people need to make well-informed health decisions. Learn more about the aspects of health literacy, why it's important, how it can be addressed, and how NNLM supports health literacy.

Black Maternal Health Toolkit

The resources on this page are meant to provide actionable information as a takeaway related to Black Maternal Health Week (April 11-17).

Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES)

NNLM offers free classes that support Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), a certification given to individuals who have a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree in health education or significant coursework in this field.

Clinical Conversations Training Program

Clinical Conversations allows clinical trainers or managers to offer brief trainings embedded into regular staff meetings or trainings that they already facilitate, as a way to offer continuing education that does not take time out of already busy schedules. The primary goal of Clinical Conversations is to increase knowledge and awareness of health literacy and associated skills and tools. The program includes 7 subjects, each containing 3-12 modules with PowerPoint slides, printable handouts, e-mail follow ups, facilitator guides, and evaluation materials.

Community Engagement Resource Guide

This guide is intended to assist everyone interested in conducting health information outreach through community engagement. Included are tools to better engage and meet the needs of specific communities, as well as examples and templates for easy reference while planning, implementing, and evaluating engagement. 

Community-based Organizations

Find guides and resources for community-based organizations and their staff.

Consumer Health Information Specialization

Learn about the Consumer Health Information Specialization, a program that recognizes your skills in finding and communicating data to consumers.

Consumer Health Information Specialization for Library Students Program

In partnership with MLA, NNLM is pleased to guide LIS and iSchool instructors through getting their course approved as a consumer health course for students to earn their CHIS certification.

Have you ever wondered how your course can be certified for the Consumer Health for Library Students program? This page will show you how!

Crowdsourcing and Citizen Science

Through citizen science and crowdsourcing, NNLM can engage communities in addressing societal needs and accelerating biomedical science, technology, and innovation.

Data Competencies

This section of the Data Driven Discovery Initiative provides resources to explore recommended competencies, knowledge, skills, and dispositions for data librarians. Professional organizations and networks, as well as resources and strategies to stay current are provided.

Data Glossary

The NNLM Data Glossary includes definitions, relevant literature, and web resources related to data terminology.

Data Services

A selection of articles and teaching resources for librarians who are interested in offering data services at their institution. There are many other resources widely available online, and even those not pertaining to medical librarianship are adaptable to many data service contexts.

Data Services Specialization

Learn about the Data Services Specialization, a program that recognizes your skills in providing data services to researchers, clinicians, students, librarians, and others who work with data.

Disaster Information Specialization

The MLA Disaster Information Specialization (DIS) provides training and recognition for librarians and others who rely on information for their work in disaster preparedness and response. The specialization, developed by MLA and the National Library of Medicine (NLM), trains professionals to access, use, and manage information to support their institutions and communities in planning for, responding to, and recovering from emergencies and disasters. IMPORTANT NOTICE:
MLA’s Disaster Information Specialization to Sunset in April 2023. See the Disaster Information Specialization page for more information.

DOCLINE
Emergency and Disaster Resources

This guide serves as an online collection of resources and tools that are relevant to disaster and emergency management. If you would like to learn more about emergency preparedness resources, or explore training opportunities that are available through NNLM, find and contact your region for more information!

Environmental Health and Justice

This guide provides an overview of environmental health and justice tools and resources for the beginner.

Funding FAQs

Find answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about NNLM funding and related topics.

Funding Opportunities
Grant Reporting

Information about submitting Reports for Grant Activities

Guidelines for Award Requirements

Learn how to comply with the specific award requirements for your NNLM-funded project, such as accessibility, credit statements, project extensions, reporting, invoicing, and more.

Health Sciences

A subject primer for health occupations.

HIV/AIDS Resources

The following list of resources is curated to highlight trusted resources that focus on different areas of HIV prevention and treatment, clinical trials, surveys and statistics, and HIV and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) navigation and other heath-related information.

K-12 Resources

Good health is important at any age! NLM and NNLM offer plenty of resources for caregivers and educators to use to support physical, mental, and socio-emotional growth.

Membership FAQ

Find answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about NNLM Membership and related programs.

Mpox Resource Guide

Online collection of reliable resources and tools on the 2022 Mpox Outbreak. The guide includes resources for healthcare and public health professionals, patients and the public, and toolkits and data sources.

NCDS Data Internship
NIH All of Us Research Program Partnership

This site is designed to provide publicly available information about the partnership between NNLM and All of Us to assist in preparing the grant application for the Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM) All of Us Program Center(link is external) (U24) cooperative agreement that posted on July 12, 2021.

NLM Product Guides

Short guides for NLM Products available for download in PDF format. Each guide includes a brief description, popular uses, key points, potential predicaments, teaching examples, real-life examples, and links to more resources. The product guides are primarily for people in instruction or training roles such as librarians, faculty leads, or mentor researchers. The guides provide instructors with examples and ideas for teaching people about NLM products.

NNLM Member Services

Learn about the benefits of institutional membership with the Network of the National Library of Medicine, and how to make the most of that membership by taking advantage of NNLM products and services.

NNLM Proposal Writing Toolkit

Welcome to the NNLM Proposal Writing Toolkit which provides tips, tricks and resources you can use while developing and submitting your application. Don't forget - we are also here to help along the way via the 'schedule a consultation' link below or contacting your Regional Medical Library. 

NNLM Reading Club

Featured health topics and book titles selected for the NNLM Reading Club.

NNLM Reading Club: Addiction and Recovery
NNLM Reading Club: Autoimmune Disease
NNLM Reading Club: Black Maternal Health
NNLM Reading Club: Eyes & Vision
NNLM Toolkit for the NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy

A selection of guides, toolkits, and other resources for librarians working on addressing the NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy.

Nutrition Misinformation
Obtain a Specialization

NNLM offers free classes that support continuing education programs and specializations for public health and library audiences. Learn how NNLM can support you!  

Open Access Resources

A list of journals and resources that are wholly or partially open access or available for use by institutions not currently eligible for DOCLINE

Order Free Informational Materials

NNLM offers free informational materials to NNLM Members, including capability brochures, posters, and bookmarks!

Public Health Digital Library

The Public Health Digital Library (PHDL) provides state and local public health departments access to library resources, including e-journals, e-books, and databases. Resources support evidence-based practice and research in public health.

Public Health Resources

Evidence-based research and reliable health information are essential to Public Health response and prevention efforts. The National Library of Medicine (NLM), an institute of the NIH, provides free, online resources and training for evidence-based research and combatting misinformation.

Public Libraries: Getting Started

The information in this guide provides public libraries with resources and information helpful to their patrons related to health information.

RD3 Scope Statement and Selection Criteria

The Resources for Data Driven Discovery (RD3) Portal fosters learning and collaboration in data science and data management. The portal will primarily serve librarians and library administrators working in institutions that are generating, sharing, storing, and/or using data for basic scientific, clinical, or translational research and teaching in the health, biological, and physical sciences. As such, the portal will bring together resources on education, outreach and collaboration, best-practices, and current events for data-driven research. The portal will provide librarians with the tools, knowledge, and skills to effectively participate in networked science and teach data topics to Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM) stakeholders.

Reading Club
Region 1 Funded Projects Guide

This guide is designed to support awardees and answer questions regarding the process for funding from the NNLM Region 1 and the University of Maryland, Baltimore.

Region 1 Governance Program

This guide outlines the NNLM Region 1 Governance Program. Meeting minutes and other resources will be made available on this page. 

Region 2 Emergency Preparedness Resources

Are You Prepared?

Region 2 provides assistance to our members in preparing for, and responding to, disasters or localized emergencies.

This comprehensive guide serves as an online collection of resources and tools that are relevant to disaster and emergency preparedness. If you would like to learn more about emergency preparedness resources, or explore training opportunities that are available through NNLM, please contact us! 

Region 4 Engagement & Outreach Award Year 3 (2023-2024)
Region 4 Funded Projects Guide

This guide supports funded project awardees with the administrative tasks required of them.

Region 4 Professional Development Awards Year 3 (2023-2024)
Region 4 Technology Improvement Projects Award Year 3 (2023-2024)
Region 4 Year 2 Engagement & Outreach Award
Region 4 Year 2 Professional Development Award
Region 4 Year 2 Program Improvement Award
Region 6 Stakeholder Advisory Groups (SAG)

The purpose of Region 6 State Advisory Groups (SAG) is to provide leadership guidance for each state’s outreach and engagement activities conducted by Region 6 staff and Partner Outreach Program (POP) members.

Region 7 Informational Guide

The University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Lamar Soutter Library serves as the Regional Medical Library (RML) for Region 7, which provides programs, services, and dedicated support for NNLM Members in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

Resources for Healthcare Providers

This brief resource highlights tools and training programs that may be useful for many different aspects of work as a healthcare professional.

Resources for Hospital/Health Sciences Libraries

NNLM seeks to empower hospital and health sciences librarians with the resources and skills necessary to offer robust biomedical and health information services.

Scholarly Communications Resources

Central to academic work, scholarly communications resources can support teaching, learning, research, and scholarly endeavors. Each tab in this guide contains a list of resources, the focus of the resource, and audiences that might benefit from the information.

Substance Use Disorders

The Network of National Library of Medicine's Substance Use Disorder Initiative's aim is to raise the awareness of National Library of Medicine's Substance Use Disorders resources and the resources of partner organizations through partnerships with SUD related organizations.

Wikipedia Edit-a-thon

Wikipedia’s health topics pages are visited a staggering 7 billion times a year, making it possibly the world’s most popular health information resource. The objective of #CiteNLM is to improve the credibility and content of medical and health-related articles on Wikipedia by adding citations and information from National Library of Medicine (NLM) sources.