Introduction

One Health, the study of the interconnectedness of human and animal health with environmental health, is a growing discipline of study at many universities (1). With the establishment of a Faculty of Medicine, UPEI now hosts programs in all areas of One Health, including the School of Climate Change and Adaptation and the Atlantic Veterinary College. Limited literature exists on library supports specific to One Health programs.

Description

After UPEI established a Faculty of Medicine and signed a Planetary Health (aka One Health) declaration, the Robertson Library reviewed its services and programs to ensure sufficient support for the discipline. Staffing, collections, and information literacy (IL) instruction were identified as key areas to augment.

Outcomes

Technician staffing was adequate, however, a librarian position was restructured to include liaising with the veterinary medicine program alongside environmental disciplines, in addition to a new medical librarian position. Health resources were expanded through the medical program funding, and subject-specific funds were used for increasing One Health collections. New resources were identified, and proposals were brought forward. IL instruction was varied across the programs, but heavily present in veterinary medicine.

Discussion

As a small institution, supporting the discipline of One Health requires collaboration. While IL occurs in One Health disciplines, there is room to increase instruction in climate change and environmental studies. Future plans include continued efforts in IL for the first cohort of the medical program (to begin fall 2025) as well as the creation of a One Health subject guide.

1. World Health Organization. One Health [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2025 Jan 15]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/one-health