Overview

The Alaska Medical Library (AML), the state’s only medical library, plays a critical role in providing reliable health information to diverse populations across Alaska, particularly in remote communities with limited access to internet or travel options. Located at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA), AML serves both academic and healthcare communities statewide, helping combat health misinformation and improve health literacy. AML’s initiatives include a variety of outreach programs, partnerships, and resource development efforts aimed at increasing access to trustworthy health information.

Collaborative projects

In collaboration with UAA’s Area Health Education Center (AHEC), AML delivers health information to healthcare professionals, enhancing its visibility in Alaska’s healthcare landscape. AML has also worked with the Peer Leader Navigators (PLN) program to produce multilingual health literacy materials, such as a vaccine confidence coloring book, which were distributed statewide via the Statewide Library Electronic Doorway (SLED). Additionally, AML’s involvement in a health misinformation project led to the creation of a LibGuide with resources on combating misinformation, which was made available to Alaskans through SLED.

Ongoing work

Despite the conclusion of several grant-funded projects, AML continues to strengthen its partnerships and develop resources. Future efforts include creating an online continuing education course for healthcare providers and expanding health literacy initiatives for immigrant, refugee, and Alaska Native communities. These ongoing projects highlight AML’s commitment to improving health literacy, combating misinformation, and enhancing access to health information across the vast and geographically challenging state of Alaska.