The stated objectives of the grant are:

• To assess the needs for and the availability of consumer health information.
• To develop a web site that provides quality health information using a thorough evaluation process.
• To provide support and training to libraries in the service area needing Internet access and computer equipment.
• To improve access to state, local, and community resources.

The grant team has already sent a survey to 32 public librarians in the seven county region, the Eastern Library System. The results of the survey will help us determine what computer equipment and what Internet connectivity the public libraries have. Results are being tallied as this goes to press.

Grant money will be used to hire an individual to create a web resource of consumer health links in the communities of our target area. It will fund training of public and school librarians in how to find the best consumer health resources on the web. Bootstrap mini-grants will be provided to public libraries needing equipment and software to provide access to the web for respective clients.

There will be many opportunities to become involved in this project. If the project is successful it is intended to extend this model to the rest of the state. Interest in participating with ICON has been expressed by the Nebraska State Library Commission. Stay tuned...