All classes in this section are taught on a particular day or over a particular set of days, weeks or months. 

This course integrates the theory of community engagement with its application to libraries. The course is designed using the Preparation, Action, Reflection model. We will share step-by-step methods and best practices for engaging with communities to co-design and co-develop library offerings. Participants will learn about the community in which their library is located and develop skills to build constructive relationships and bridge cultural differences. They will gain practical experience with engagement methods and share their experiences in implementing several stages of engagement.

Course Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Provide a clear definition of a "community."
  • Provide a clear definition of the community in which your library is located.
  • Identify at least 3 cultural differences between your own culture and the culture(s) in the community in which your library is located.
  • Articulate at least 3 skills for building relationships with community members.
  • Write a step-by-step plan for how you could co-develop with community partners a library-sponsored program for addressing an identified need in your community.

Developed by NNLM Region 4 

Created February 22, 2023

Fundamentals of Health Data Science is a 9-week course designed to improve your knowledge and skills in research data management.

Course dates: Sept. 5 - Nov. 3, 2023.

Select this link to view more information about this class on nnlm.gov


This class is designed to evaluate health stories in the media. This course will address how health information is reported in news outlets and popular media and show you how to analyze these health claims critically. Analysis of news stories involves critical thinking; you will be introduced to a rating instrument and practice exercises to develop this skill. Just as no study is perfect, no health story in the news is perfect – but developing this skill will aid you in identifying common reporting issues and teach you how to seek more information.

This is a 4-week, work at your own pace, online class worth 4 Medical Library Association (MLA) Continuing Education credits. It qualifies for MLA Consumer Health Information Specialization levels 1 and 2. 

The class runs from September 18 - October 13, 2023.

Welcome to the online forums for NNLM Book Discussion moderated by Bobbi Newman, Region 6 at the University of Iowa.

Visit nnlm.gov to register and for more information about NNLM Book Discussions.

Explore aspects of a healthy workplace including physical, mental, and emotional components in a 2-week, 4-CE class. In week 1, we look at the evidence on the benefits of having a healthy working environment, and what does and does not make a healthy working environment. In week 2, learn and explore changes you can make at an individual level, and NLM and NIH resources that improve workplace health and wellness. We will also discuss changes that could and should be made at the team and organizational levels to improve workplace health and wellness for everyone. Learners keep a private journal as part of the class. 

This course is asynchronous, there are no set hours to be online each week. 

For more information about this course and to register, see the course description page.  

Registered students can enroll starting Sunday, September 17, 2023.

Gain insight into the value of Wikipedia as a viable reference and build the skills and knowledge needed to evaluate articles on Wikipedia for yourself or your patrons, with a specific focus on health and medical topics, through a four-week, online course. 

To register for the October 2-27, 2023 class, go to the class page on nnlm.gov.

Registered users can enroll beginning Sunday, October 1, 2023.