Consumer Health Information Specialization
The MLA Consumer Health Information Specialization (CHIS) offers training in providing health information services to consumers and recognition for the accomplishment of acquiring targeted health information skills. By earning your CHIS, you acquire skills and knowledge needed to become a confident, expert provider of health information to your community.
Overview
Librarians and other information and health professionals know the life-saving and life-enhancing value of accurate health information. This specialization is designed for
- Medical librarians
- Public librarians
- Librarians working in consumer health libraries
- Allied health professionals
- Information professionals
- Anyone who cares about providing accurate and useful health information to the public
By earning your CHIS, you acquire skills and knowledge needed to:
- become a confident, expert provider of health information to your community;
- show to employers, colleagues and the public your commitment to offering quality consumer health information services; and
- pledge your assurance to staying current with developments in consumer health information resources, technologies, and services
Over 1,300 librarians, health and information professionals, and others have earned their CHIS!
View Current CHIS Recipients
Sydni L Abrahamsen (CHIS II, 2019-08-01 - 2028-09-15)
Julimari Acevedo (CHIS I, 2025-05-22 - 2028-05-21)
Cara Adams (CHIS II, 2024-05-01 - 2027-04-30)
Janet Anderson (CHIS I, 2026-03-05 - 2029-03-04)
Eileen M Anderson (CHIS II, 2024-06-01 - 2027-05-31)
Margaret Ansell (CHIS II, 2021-01-01 - 2026-12-31)
Sarah Elizabeth Aucoin (CHIS II, 2019-06-01 - 2028-08-06)
Maria Avery (CHIS II, 2025-09-03 - 2028-09-02)
Erin Ayad (CHIS I, 2023-08-01 - 2029-07-31)
Katie Ball (CHIS II, 2020-01-01 - 2026-11-30)
Ilene Baltierra (CHIS I, 2023-12-01 - 2026-11-30)
Alecia Barbour (CHIS II, 2025-12-05 - 2028-12-04)
Danielle Barham (CHIS II, 2024-05-01 - 2027-04-30)
Laura Barkema (CHIS I, 2026-08-11 - 2029-08-10)
Carolie Bartolomucci (CHIS I, 2025-05-22 - 2028-05-21)
Megan M. Bell (CHIS I, 2025-02-26 - 2028-02-26)
Michele Benitez (CHIS II, 2020-07-01 - 2029-06-30)
Nicole Bentinganan (CHIS II, 2025-05-22 - 2028-05-21)
Daniel Berube (CHIS I, 2019-12-01 - 2028-11-30)
Sandy Biewer (CHIS I, 2026-02-06 - 2029-02-05)
Lillian Blackmon (CHIS II, 2025-03-27 - 2028-03-28)
Emily Blackwell (CHIS II, 2025-05-22 - 2028-05-21)
Kathleen A. Bloomingdale (CHIS II, 2021-04-01 - 2027-03-31)
Madge Boldt (CHIS I, 2025-08-20 - 2028-08-19)
Jacob Booth (CHIS I, 2026-03-06 - 2029-03-05)
Allison E. Boyrer (CHIS I, 2026-03-25 - 2029-03-24)
Kim Brady (CHIS I, 2026-03-06 - 2029-03-05)
Victoria Braidotti (CHIS II, 2021-11-01 - 2028-03-28)
Cibon Elizabeth Brisas (CHIS II, 2024-04-01 - 2027-03-31)
Roslyn Broch (CHIS I, 2023-11-01 - 2026-10-31)
Ashley Nicole Brock (CHIS II, 2020-09-01 - 2029-01-19)
Lilia Brock (CHIS I, 2023-10-01 - 2029-09-30)
Carole L Brown (CHIS II, 2019-03-01 - 2028-03-21)
Karen Bueker (CHIS II, 2022-09-01 - 2028-08-06)
Gayla Faye Bunn (CHIS II, 2023-06-01 - 2029-05-31)
Michelle Burchfield (CHIS II, 2025-09-24 - 2028-09-23)
Robin Linee Burgin (CHIS I, 2025-05-22 - 2028-05-21)
Deirdre Caparoso (CHIS I, 2023-12-01 - 2026-11-30)
Amy Mikala Castro (CHIS II, 2019-10-01 - 2028-12-16)
Vana chalian (CHIS II, 2025-11-25 - 2028-11-25)
Janet Chan (CHIS II, 2020-08-01 - 2029-07-31)
Amy Christake (CHIS I, 2019-12-01 - 2028-02-26)
Eva Clark (CHIS II, 2020-09-01 - 2029-08-31)
Erin Cleary-Parr (CHIS I, 2026-04-16 - 2029-04-15)
Josh Clemens (CHIS II, 2025-02-26 - 2028-08-06)
Kelly Clever (CHIS II, 2021-12-01 - 2028-03-28)
Red Coffey (CHIS II, 2020-05-01 - 2028-08-06)
Amy Corbitt (CHIS I, 2025-05-22 - 2028-05-21)
Claire Cornelius (CHIS II, 2023-11-01 - 2026-10-31)
Nicole Covone (CHIS II, 2022-01-01 - 2028-10-30)
Daniel Craver (CHIS II, 2024-05-01 - 2027-04-30)
Jeannine Creazzo (CHIS II, 2025-12-02 - 2028-12-01)
Erin Crockett (CHIS I, 2025-02-26 - 2028-02-26)
Madison Cyrus (CHIS I, 2026-01-12 - 2029-01-12)
Jill Daby (CHIS II, 2021-06-01 - 2027-05-31)
Taylor Dahlinghaus (CHIS II, 2025-03-27 - 2028-03-28)
Jessica Taylor Daly (CHIS I, 2023-11-01 - 2026-10-31)
Jennifer Danzo (CHIS II, 2024-05-01 - 2027-04-30)
Michelle Vialthea Aparente David (CHIS II, 2026-04-27 - 2029-04-29)
Melissa Davis (CHIS II, 2026-07-17 - 2029-07-16)
Kyairla Davis (CHIS II, 2025-05-22 - 2028-05-21)
Melissa Dawes Gregory (CHIS I, 2025-02-26 - 2028-02-25)
Sarah De Loach (CHIS I, 2026-07-01 - 2029-06-30)
Pedro-Antonio Del-Valle-López (CHIS II, 2024-03-01 - 2027-02-28)
Diane M DeLuco (CHIS II, 2024-06-01 - 2027-05-31)
Kerry Dennigan (CHIS II, 2019-07-01 - 2028-08-06)
Robyn DeRocchis (CHIS II, 2021-05-01 - 2027-04-30)
Melissa DeSantis (CHIS II, 2021-11-01 - 2027-05-31)
Joyce DeStasio (CHIS I, 2022-12-01 - 2028-11-30)
Niki DiCola (CHIS I, 2024-04-01 - 2027-03-31)
Deborah Diana Divis (CHIS II, 2020-03-01 - 2029-02-28)
David Charles Duggar (CHIS I, 2018-06-01 - 2026-11-30)
Cassandra Dulek (CHIS I, 2026-02-06 - 2029-02-05)
April Rayne Duncan (CHIS II, 2025-02-26 - 2028-02-25)
Kelsi Dunman (CHIS I, 2026-07-14 - 2029-07-13)
Dorothy Durband (CHIS II, 2024-01-01 - 2026-12-31)
Carole Ann Durst (CHIS II, 2022-05-01 - 2028-08-06)
Daphne Dykes (CHIS II, 2020-11-01 - 2026-10-31)
Christopher Eaton (CHIS II, 2023-11-01 - 2028-05-21)
Katie Ann Eidem (CHIS I, 2026-02-06 - 2029-02-05)
Michael Ellis (CHIS II, 2023-11-01 - 2026-10-31)
Mary Catherine Ellis (CHIS II, 2022-03-01 - 2028-05-21)
Sandra Erickson (CHIS II, 2020-12-01 - 2026-11-30)
Heather Ervin (CHIS II, 2022-11-01 - 2028-10-20)
Julia Esparza (CHIS II, 2022-05-01 - 2028-05-21)
Shannon Evans (CHIS II, 2025-02-26 - 2028-02-25)
Francisco Fajardo (CHIS II, 2021-03-01 - 2028-03-28)
Karen Favela (CHIS I, 2024-06-01 - 2027-05-31)
Jennifer Feldman (CHIS II, 2024-06-01 - 2027-05-31)
Lauri Fennell (CHIS I, 2026-01-22 - 2029-01-21)
Sigriet Ferrer (CHIS II, 2024-03-01 - 2027-02-28)
Sarah Fischer (CHIS II, 2024-01-01 - 2026-12-31)
Sheena Fobare (CHIS I, 2025-12-19 - 2028-12-18)
Afton Forred (CHIS II, 2025-02-26 - 2028-02-25)
Ellen M. Franks (CHIS II, 2021-11-01 - 2027-10-31)
Meave Erin Kasparian Gallagher (CHIS II, 2023-08-01 - 2029-07-31)
Kathy Gammon (CHIS I, 2025-05-22 - 2028-05-21)
Aydin Garvin (CHIS I, 2025-03-28 - 2028-03-28)
Raida Gatten (CHIS I, 2026-01-15 - 2029-01-14)
Alysia Gilman (CHIS II, 2025-12-17 - 2028-12-16)
Jeffrey Gluckman (CHIS I, 2025-08-07 - 2028-08-06)
Laisha Gomez (CHIS II, 2026-05-30 - 2029-05-29)
Kelsey Grabeel (CHIS II, 2021-09-01 - 2028-08-06)
Ellie Gradert (CHIS I, 2026-03-20 - 2029-03-19)
Deborah Grayovski (CHIS II, 2019-05-01 - 2028-05-21)
Anna Marie Green (CHIS II, 2026-05-04 - 2029-05-03)
Dana Grey (CHIS I, 2024-05-01 - 2027-04-30)
Judith Marie Griggs (CHIS II, 2022-02-01 - 2028-11-24)
Michael Grimsley (CHIS II, 2026-02-25 - 2029-02-24)
Jaden H. Lopez-Yick (CHIS II, 2026-05-28 - 2029-05-27)
Brittany L. Haliani (CHIS II, 2020-03-01 - 2029-02-28)
Robert David Hamaker (CHIS I, 2025-12-18 - 2028-12-17)
Rachel Hamilton (CHIS II, 2024-05-01 - 2027-04-30)
Tyler Hamilton (CHIS II, 2026-03-30 - 2029-03-29)
Grace Hammond (CHIS I, 2023-11-01 - 2029-10-31)
MARLENA HAROLD (CHIS II, 2024-04-01 - 2027-03-31)
Janet Harper (CHIS II, 2020-09-01 - 2029-07-31)
Michelle L Harrell (CHIS I, 2024-06-01 - 2027-05-31)
Ann Harris (CHIS II, 2021-02-01 - 2027-01-31)
Kelly Harris (CHIS I, 2025-05-22 - 2028-05-21)
Clyden Harris (CHIS I, 2026-02-22 - 2029-02-21)
Marnie Harvey (CHIS I, 2026-05-28 - 2029-05-27)
Kristen Hasner (CHIS I, 2026-02-05 - 2029-02-04)
Madison Hana Hastings (CHIS I, 2025-09-02 - 2028-09-01)
Allison Hatch (CHIS II, 2023-03-01 - 2029-02-28)
Mary Katherine Haver (CHIS II, 2020-09-01 - 2029-08-31)
Jill Renee Hecker Fernandes (CHIS II, 2020-03-01 - 2029-02-28)
Conan Helein (CHIS I, 2025-02-26 - 2028-02-25)
Nanci Helmle (CHIS II, 2020-08-01 - 2029-07-31)
Shruthi Hemasundar (CHIS II, 2025-03-28 - 2028-03-28)
Mary Hendricks-Hines (CHIS II, 2025-05-22 - 2028-05-21)
Jose Hernandez (CHIS I, 2024-03-01 - 2027-02-28)
Melody Herr (CHIS I, 2026-06-29 - 2029-06-28)
Monica Elexia Hodge (CHIS I, 2025-12-15 - 2028-12-15)
Katie Hollandsworth (CHIS II, 2025-05-22 - 2028-05-21)
Melissa Hood (CHIS II, 2023-12-01 - 2026-11-30)
Julie Howe (CHIS II, 2025-02-26 - 2028-02-26)
Jayme Hughes-Gartin (CHIS II, 2024-06-01 - 2028-05-21)
Annisija Hunter (CHIS II, 2023-10-01 - 2026-09-30)
Samantha Hurst (CHIS I, 2025-08-07 - 2028-08-06)
Clarissa Ihssen (CHIS I, 2023-11-01 - 2026-10-31)
Sonnet Ireland (CHIS II, 2020-12-01 - 2026-11-30)
Elizabeth Irish (CHIS II, 2020-11-01 - 2026-10-31)
Jarrod Irwin (CHIS II, 2021-03-01 - 2027-02-28)
Shelley Ivary (CHIS I, 2023-10-01 - 2026-09-30)
Sabrina Jackson (CHIS II, 2023-10-01 - 2029-09-30)
Rachel M. Jamieson (CHIS II, 2025-02-26 - 2028-02-25)
Andrea Jensen (CHIS II, 2021-02-01 - 2027-01-31)
joleen jin (CHIS I, 2024-06-01 - 2027-05-31)
Jean E Johnson (CHIS II, 2021-01-01 - 2026-12-31)
Dorcus La Verne Johnson (CHIS I, 2024-04-01 - 2027-03-31)
Sherry Johnson (CHIS I, 2022-12-01 - 2028-11-30)
Jean Jolly (CHIS II, 2023-08-01 - 2029-07-31)
Collin Jones (CHIS I, 2023-10-01 - 2026-09-30)
Tara Jones (CHIS I, 2026-05-28 - 2029-05-27)
Trudy Jorgensen-Price (CHIS II, 2021-11-01 - 2028-03-28)
Claire Joseph (CHIS II, 2023-12-01 - 2026-11-30)
Alexis Karas (CHIS I, 2024-05-01 - 2027-04-30)
Arti Katoch (CHIS II, 2023-12-01 - 2026-11-30)
Ellen Kearns (CHIS II, 2023-04-01 - 2029-03-31)
Julia Keller (CHIS II, 2026-04-22 - 2029-04-21)
Brandon Kennedy (CHIS II, 2023-09-01 - 2029-08-31)
Morgan Kentsbeer (CHIS II, 2024-04-01 - 2027-03-31)
Andrea C. Kepsel (CHIS II, 2021-02-01 - 2027-01-31)
Holland Kessinger (CHIS II, 2024-06-01 - 2027-05-31)
Megan Khamphavong (CHIS II, 2023-10-01 - 2026-09-30)
Young Min Kim (CHIS I, 2025-03-28 - 2028-03-28)
Suzanne M. Klein (CHIS II, 2021-02-01 - 2027-01-31)
Karina Kletscher (CHIS I, 2026-02-13 - 2029-02-12)
Stephen Kohr (CHIS I, 2025-02-26 - 2028-02-25)
Malana Krongelb (CHIS I, 2025-12-04 - 2028-12-03)
Rachel Kuehl (CHIS II, 2022-02-01 - 2029-01-14)
Gillian Kumagai (CHIS II, 2019-10-01 - 2029-09-21)
Michael Labrecque (CHIS II, 2022-09-01 - 2028-08-10)
Carey Lai (CHIS I, 2025-08-26 - 2028-08-25)
Autumn Landon (CHIS I, 2025-08-07 - 2028-08-06)
Katie LaSalle (CHIS II, 2021-12-01 - 2027-01-31)
Rachael Lebo (CHIS II, 2025-12-05 - 2028-12-04)
Marjorie Leta (CHIS II, 2020-04-01 - 2029-03-31)
Jason Linus Lewis (CHIS I, 2026-08-19 - 2029-08-18)
Jessica Lichota (CHIS I, 2025-02-26 - 2028-02-25)
Shuyi Liu (CHIS II, 2025-05-22 - 2028-05-21)
Debra Lynn Loguda-Summers (CHIS II, 2020-03-01 - 2029-02-28)
Bradley A. Long (CHIS II, 2021-11-01 - 2029-08-16)
Stella Lundin (CHIS I, 2021-03-01 - 2027-02-28)
Linda Maddux (CHIS II, 2020-09-01 - 2029-08-31)
Ruby Maghoney (CHIS I, 2026-01-15 - 2029-01-14)
Ruth Mahaffy (CHIS II, 2020-07-01 - 2028-08-26)
Jennifer Markus (CHIS II, 2022-11-01 - 2028-05-21)
Laura Marone (CHIS I, 2023-06-01 - 2029-08-04)
Sam Marsh (CHIS I, 2024-01-01 - 2026-12-31)
Carolyn Martin (CHIS II, 2023-01-01 - 2028-12-31)
Sara Martini (CHIS I, 2025-12-19 - 2028-12-18)
Allison P. Matthews (CHIS II, 2020-11-01 - 2026-10-31)
Cynthia Matthews (CHIS II, 2023-04-01 - 2027-04-30)
Paula McCahon (CHIS II, 2022-06-01 - 2028-03-28)
Taiya McDowell (CHIS I, 2026-04-29 - 2029-04-28)
Alicia McElroy (CHIS II, 2026-05-04 - 2029-05-04)
Jacqueline McGuire (CHIS II, 2022-02-28 - 2028-05-27)
Kevin Timothy McLaughlin (CHIS I, 2025-02-26 - 2028-02-25)
Caitlin McMullen (CHIS I, 2025-08-07 - 2028-08-06)
Taira Meadowcroft (CHIS I, 2026-07-02 - 2029-07-01)
Heather L Medes (CHIS II, 2021-02-01 - 2026-12-31)
Kellie Meehlhause (CHIS I, 2024-02-01 - 2027-01-31)
Liana Meeker (CHIS I, 2024-04-01 - 2027-03-31)
Nicole Mehall (CHIS I, 2025-11-13 - 2028-11-12)
Mary Elizabeth Melvin (CHIS II, 2021-01-01 - 2026-12-31)
Melissa L Mendelson (CHIS II, 2024-04-01 - 2027-03-31)
Courtney Mercurio (CHIS I, 2025-05-22 - 2028-05-21)
Nikki Merkt (CHIS I, 2026-01-20 - 2029-01-19)
Talie Meza (CHIS II, 2024-04-01 - 2027-03-31)
Jennifer Miller (CHIS II, 2019-08-01 - 2029-06-30)
Dennis G. Miller (CHIS II, 2025-10-21 - 2028-10-20)
Missina Minter (CHIS I, 2023-11-01 - 2026-10-31)
Jennifer Anne Miranda (CHIS I, 2026-01-15 - 2029-01-15)
Angela Marie Mitchell (CHIS II, 2026-01-03 - 2029-01-02)
Heather K. Moberly (CHIS II, 2020-07-01 - 2029-06-30)
Stephanie Molnar (CHIS II, 2020-04-01 - 2028-10-31)
Celeste M Moore (CHIS II, 2019-06-01 - 2028-08-06)
Cyndy Lynn Moore (CHIS II, 2025-12-17 - 2028-12-16)
Meghan Moran (CHIS II, 2020-05-01 - 2029-04-30)
Phyllis Morgan (CHIS II, 2025-05-22 - 2029-04-07)
Heidi Jean Mortensen-Torres (CHIS II, 2019-12-01 - 2028-11-30)
Diane Moskal (CHIS II, 2026-01-15 - 2029-01-14)
Lindsey Baird Moultrie (CHIS II, 2025-09-16 - 2029-03-26)
Thomasina Muckenfuss (CHIS II, 2025-08-01 - 2028-07-31)
Sarah Muller (CHIS I, 2025-08-11 - 2028-08-10)
Leah Murdock (CHIS II, 2023-12-01 - 2026-11-30)
Jennifer L Muse (CHIS II, 2024-01-01 - 2026-12-31)
Heidi Mussachio (CHIS II, 2020-07-01 - 2029-06-30)
Mario Najera (CHIS II, 2025-08-07 - 2028-08-06)
Alanna Natanson (CHIS I, 2023-01-01 - 2028-12-31)
Sara Neahring (CHIS I, 2026-05-16 - 2029-05-15)
Tre Ranier Neal (CHIS II, 2024-01-01 - 2028-03-28)
William Neumaier (CHIS II, 2026-04-23 - 2029-04-22)
Heather Newlin (CHIS II, 2019-12-01 - 2028-11-30)
Irene Ngeny (CHIS II, 2026-08-26 - 2029-08-25)
Zuhair Niazi (CHIS II, 2025-02-26 - 2028-02-25)
India-Bleu Niehoff (CHIS I, 2025-12-04 - 2028-12-03)
Michelle Nielsen Ott (CHIS II, 2020-07-01 - 2029-01-31)
Bijan Lee Nowroozian (CHIS I, 2024-05-01 - 2027-04-30)
Karen Noyes (CHIS II, 2022-08-01 - 2028-07-16)
Samantha Nunn (CHIS II, 2023-08-01 - 2029-07-31)
Faith Nwosu (CHIS I, 2025-09-02 - 2028-09-01)
Caitlin Oglesbee (CHIS I, 2025-08-07 - 2028-08-06)
Jacqueline B. Oluwole (CHIS I, 2025-08-28 - 2028-08-27)
Elizabeth H Ortiz (CHIS II, 2024-01-01 - 2026-12-31)
Joy OToole (CHIS I, 2020-07-01 - 2029-06-30)
Briana Lynn Pagdon (CHIS I, 2025-05-22 - 2028-05-21)
Rachel Palmieri (CHIS I, 2026-03-09 - 2029-03-08)
Donald Pearson (CHIS II, 2020-05-01 - 2029-04-30)
Penny Perales (CHIS II, 2025-02-26 - 2028-02-25)
Jorge E. Perez (CHIS II, 2022-01-01 - 2029-01-06)
Marta Petermann (CHIS I, 2025-02-26 - 2028-02-25)
Kristine A Petre (CHIS II, 2020-07-01 - 2029-06-30)
Suzanne Petrofsky (CHIS II, 2025-10-21 - 2029-01-20)
Katy Philby (CHIS I, 2025-05-22 - 2028-05-21)
Courtney Pickus (CHIS II, 2025-12-09 - 2028-12-08)
Melissa "Millie" Plotkin (CHIS II, 2026-08-05 - 2029-08-04)
Linda Polardino (CHIS II, 2026-05-29 - 2029-05-28)
Mary Powell (CHIS I, 2026-02-09 - 2029-02-08)
Valerie G Prilop (CHIS II, 2020-05-01 - 2029-04-30)
Nancy Anne Pugh (CHIS II, 2020-08-01 - 2029-07-31)
Abagail Pujol (CHIS II, 2020-08-01 - 2029-07-31)
Courtney Pyche (CHIS I, 2023-06-01 - 2029-05-31)
Amy Pyle (CHIS II, 2020-05-01 - 2029-04-30)
Alexandra Quintero Deleon (CHIS II, 2025-08-07 - 2028-08-06)
Jacob Rachwal (CHIS I, 2021-04-01 - 2027-03-31)
Patricia O Rann (CHIS I, 2020-07-01 - 2028-12-18)
Amanda Rawls (CHIS II, 2022-09-01 - 2028-11-22)
Karen Reed (CHIS II, 2023-12-01 - 2029-02-12)
Cynthia Reynolds (CHIS II, 2019-12-01 - 2028-11-30)
Sara Richards (CHIS II, 2024-02-01 - 2029-02-11)
Jennifer Robertson (CHIS II, 2025-05-22 - 2028-05-21)
Cayla Robinson (CHIS I, 2025-12-05 - 2028-12-04)
Raylynn Avery Roche (CHIS II, 2026-04-28 - 2029-04-27)
Gianina Rockwell (CHIS II, 2024-01-01 - 2026-12-31)
Alejandra Rodriguez (CHIS I, 2023-04-01 - 2029-03-31)
Pamela M Rose (CHIS II, 2019-12-01 - 2028-11-30)
Mindy Rose (CHIS II, 2024-06-01 - 2027-05-31)
Alice Pollard Roth (CHIS I, 2024-04-01 - 2027-03-31)
Katherine Roush (CHIS II, 2022-11-01 - 2028-10-31)
Shannon Roussy-Sanchez (CHIS I, 2025-09-02 - 2028-09-01)
Brandon Rouzaud (CHIS II, 2025-03-27 - 2028-03-28)
Chelsea Rowley (CHIS I, 2025-11-21 - 2028-11-20)
Peter Rudrud (CHIS I, 2026-07-28 - 2029-07-27)
Tatjana Saccio (CHIS II, 2020-12-01 - 2026-11-30)
Aster Thomas Sajko (CHIS II, 2023-12-01 - 2026-11-30)
Carleton DeWitt Salley (CHIS I, 2025-02-26 - 2028-02-25)
Amber Salmon (CHIS II, 2021-07-01 - 2028-05-21)
Riley J. Samuelson (CHIS I, 2020-10-01 - 2026-09-30)
Elina Saroka (CHIS II, 2022-07-01 - 2028-03-28)
Megan Schierenbeck (CHIS I, 2026-06-10 - 2029-06-09)
Savannah Schnoebelen (CHIS II, 2023-12-01 - 2026-11-30)
Brianna Scott (CHIS I, 2023-11-01 - 2026-10-31)
Courtney Seale (CHIS II, 2025-05-22 - 2028-05-21)
Lauren Seegmiller (CHIS II, 2025-05-22 - 2028-05-21)
Caitlyn Shaffer (CHIS I, 2026-04-15 - 2029-04-14)
MENETE Ndapandula SHATONA (CHIS II, 2023-09-01 - 2029-08-31)
Lori Shemanski (CHIS I, 2021-03-01 - 2027-02-28)
Denise Shereff (CHIS II, 2021-11-01 - 2027-10-31)
John Siegel (CHIS II, 2025-05-22 - 2028-05-21)
Jillian Silverberg (CHIS II, 2025-05-22 - 2028-08-27)
Dana Simonton (CHIS II, 2025-08-13 - 2028-08-12)
Willis Crawford Smith (CHIS II, 2026-02-27 - 2029-02-26)
Anne L Snieg (CHIS I, 2023-07-01 - 2029-06-30)
Rekesha Spellman (CHIS II, 2020-12-01 - 2026-11-30)
Abel Belony St Amour (CHIS II, 2026-05-29 - 2029-05-28)
Beth Staats (CHIS I, 2026-01-15 - 2029-01-14)
Eric Anthony Stanton (CHIS II, 2021-03-01 - 2026-09-30)
Shawn Steidinger (CHIS I, 2024-02-01 - 2027-01-31)
Elizabeth Alison Sterner (CHIS II, 2026-04-27 - 2029-04-26)
Christina Stevenson (CHIS II, 2023-11-01 - 2026-10-31)
Kaitlynn Stinson (CHIS I, 2024-06-01 - 2027-05-31)
Amy Stitely (CHIS I, 2025-12-10 - 2028-12-09)
Sherry Styles (CHIS II, 2024-05-01 - 2027-04-30)
Wendy Jo Sykes (CHIS I, 2026-03-06 - 2029-03-05)
Jessica Nicole Szempruch (CHIS II, 2023-09-01 - 2028-08-26)
Jennifer Tetefsky (CHIS II, 2025-12-10 - 2028-12-09)
Lycett Thiel (CHIS II, 2025-05-22 - 2028-08-05)
Trina Thomas (CHIS I, 2023-06-01 - 2029-05-31)
Abby Thorne (CHIS II, 2020-09-01 - 2029-08-31)
Kaitlin Tiches (CHIS II, 2025-12-04 - 2028-12-03)
Kristi Torp (CHIS II, 2022-08-01 - 2028-10-20)
Juli Tracy (CHIS I, 2026-06-23 - 2029-06-22)
Olivia Tsistinas (CHIS II, 2024-02-01 - 2027-01-31)
Angela Faye Tucker (CHIS II, 2019-09-01 - 2028-11-24)
Christina Turiano-Sander (CHIS I, 2025-05-22 - 2028-05-21)
Keana Ryel Tutanes (CHIS II, 2024-04-01 - 2027-04-30)
Jessi Van Der Volgen (CHIS II, 2023-04-01 - 2027-04-30)
Kaitlyn Van Kampen (CHIS II, 2023-11-01 - 2026-10-31)
Erin Varney (CHIS II, 2026-01-05 - 2029-01-04)
Nadia Vatamanu (CHIS II, 2025-02-26 - 2028-02-26)
Daniel Verbit (CHIS II, 2026-04-28 - 2029-04-27)
Anne Verdon (CHIS II, 2025-05-22 - 2029-03-26)
Lisa Viezbicke (CHIS I, 2024-03-01 - 2027-02-28)
Sarah Villere (CHIS II, 2023-08-01 - 2029-07-31)
Dena Vincent (CHIS II, 2020-11-01 - 2029-03-12)
Sarah Viscuso (CHIS I, 2025-12-09 - 2028-12-08)
Nicole Vollum (CHIS I, 2024-04-01 - 2027-03-31)
Melissa Wagner (CHIS II, 2023-06-01 - 2029-05-31)
Rachel Walfoort (CHIS I, 2024-01-01 - 2026-12-31)
Sarah L Walizer (CHIS I, 2025-05-22 - 2028-05-21)
Kathleen Walker (CHIS II, 2021-05-01 - 2027-04-30)
Evelyn Yayi Wang (CHIS II, 2024-05-01 - 2027-04-30)
Dan Watkins (CHIS II, 2021-01-01 - 2026-12-31)
Peg Watson (CHIS I, 2023-08-01 - 2029-07-31)
Lauren Webster (CHIS I, 2020-09-01 - 2028-02-26)
Kim Weir (CHIS I, 2025-08-07 - 2028-08-06)
Shanel Wermerskirchen (CHIS II, 2024-06-01 - 2028-05-21)
Lauren West (CHIS I, 2025-12-18 - 2028-12-17)
Karen Whitestone (CHIS II, 2024-06-01 - 2027-05-31)
Riley Williams (CHIS II, 2025-08-07 - 2028-08-06)
Alexandria Q Wilson (CHIS I, 2023-04-01 - 2029-03-31)
Sara S Winger (CHIS II, 2025-12-17 - 2029-01-18)
Durrett Winter (CHIS II, 2024-03-01 - 2028-05-21)
Rhonda Wiseman (CHIS I, 2026-02-05 - 2029-02-04)
Christina L. Wissinger (CHIS I, 2024-03-01 - 2027-02-28)
Andrew M. H. Wittenmyer (CHIS I, 2026-04-08 - 2029-04-07)
Kristine M Woods (CHIS II, 2020-09-01 - 2029-08-31)
Catherine Worthington (CHIS I, 2025-12-17 - 2028-12-16)
Kris Young (CHIS II, 2019-06-01 - 2028-08-05)
Alyson Young (CHIS II, 2026-02-13 - 2029-02-12)
Alessia Zanin-Yost (CHIS II, 2021-03-01 - 2027-02-28)
Jared Zentz (CHIS II, 2023-01-01 - 2028-12-31)
Chris Zobin (CHIS I, 2025-12-08 - 2028-12-07)
- Elizabeth Kiscaden, Michele Spatz, Susan Wolfe, Molly Knapp, & Erica Lake, “Impact of a consumer health information specialization (CHIS) sponsorship program on the ability of public library staff to provide consumer health information” Journal of the Medical Library Association. Volume 109, No. 2 (April 2021): 267-274
- Ellen L. Rubenstein, “I Want to Provide Patrons with Good Information”: Public Library Staff as Health Information Facilitators,” The Library Quarterly 88, no. 2 (April 2018): 125-141. [Abstract only]
- Kenneth Lee, Kreshnik Hoti, Jeffery D. Hughes, & Lynne M. Emmerton “Interventions to Assist Health Consumers to Find Reliable Online Health Information: A Comprehensive Review.” PLOS One. April 7, 2014.
- Nancy D. Zionts, Jan Apter, Julianna Kuchta, & Pamela K. Greenhouse, “Promoting Consumer Health Literacy Creation of a Health Information Librarian Fellowship” Reference & User Services Quarterly, 2010, vol. 49, no. 4, pp. 350–359.
- Brandi Borman & Pamela J. McKenzie. “Trying to Help without Getting in Their Faces: Public Library Staff Descriptions of Providing Consumer Health Information” Reference & User Services Quarterly. Vol. 45, No. 2 (Winter 2005), pp. 133-136, 140-146.
Requirements to Earn Your CHIS
CHIS is organized around eight Core Competencies for Providing Consumer Health Information Services and two levels of accomplishment. Competencies are from Finding Health and Wellness @ the Library: A Consumer Health Toolkit for Library Staff, 2nd Edition. Updated March 2018. Course catalogs for each level of CHIS are coded by competency area.
- Know the Community (CHIS-S1)
- Know the characteristics of the community served by the library, including demographics, special populations, health status indicators, and needs of community members.
- Understand that beliefs, customs, and values of different cultures can influence thoughts and actions around health, illness, and health care decisions.
- Be respectful and responsive to all user groups. Practice cultural humility through self-reflection and awareness that one’s own beliefs and experiences can impact interactions with others; be open to learning about the experiences and cultural identity of others as a lifelong endeavor.
- Understand health inequities and social determinants of health, including access to digital health information.
- Know how to locate potential partners for collaborations in providing health information.
- Know the characteristics of the community served by the library, including demographics, special populations, health status indicators, and needs of community members.
- Know the Health Consumer (CHIS-S2)
- Understand the principles and practices related to providing appropriate, relevant information services to meet the needs of different types of users, including patients, caregivers, educators, students, and health practitioners.
- Understand and respond to the issues and barriers faced by health information seekers.
- Understand how people find and access health information, including technology and access barriers.
- Understand the principles and practices related to providing appropriate, relevant information services to meet the needs of different types of users, including patients, caregivers, educators, students, and health practitioners.
- Knowledge of Subject Matter and Resources (CHIS-S3)
- Possess solid knowledge of specific print and web-based resources for general and specialized health topics and of resources for specific population groups or for users with special needs.
- Know how to locate local and regional resources.
- Possess solid knowledge of specific print and web-based resources for general and specialized health topics and of resources for specific population groups or for users with special needs.
- Evaluation of Health Information (CHIS-S4)
- Understand the principles of evaluating consumer health information for quality.
- Apply quality criteria when selecting items for the print or electronic collection.
- Choose appropriate resources for individual patrons. Provide patrons with evaluation criteria and guidance for finding appropriate health materials.
- Evaluate and critically assess new and emerging sources of information and instruct patrons on effective evaluation techniques and proper use of resources.
- Understand the principles of evaluating consumer health information for quality.
- Communication, Reference, and Instruction (CHIS-S5)
- Know and apply effective communication techniques; understand and apply the additional components of health reference interviewing.
- Recognize and take advantage of teachable moments with patrons to expand information literacy.
- Know and apply effective communication techniques; understand and apply the additional components of health reference interviewing.
- Literacy and Health Literacy (CHIS-S6)
- Understand the related issues of literacy and health literacy and the principles and practices of serving users with low literacy or low health literacy.
- Evaluate the readability of health resources to determine their suitability for various audiences.
- Recognize and identify signs of low health literacy in patrons and understand how it can affect individuals across all education and socioeconomic levels.
- Identify the relationships between digital literacy, health literacy, and health equity.
- Understand the related issues of literacy and health literacy and the principles and practices of serving users with low literacy or low health literacy.
- Technology and Health (CHIS-S7)
- Analyze emerging technology trends in health-related social networking, Artificial Intelligence (AI), health apps, genetic testing, and future developments in order to understand their potential impact on health information practices.
- Assess and bridge digital literacy gaps by evaluating patrons’ ability to access, navigate, and understand digital health information and develop targeted strategies to enhance their skills in using online health resources and making informed health decisions.
- Analyze emerging technology trends in health-related social networking, Artificial Intelligence (AI), health apps, genetic testing, and future developments in order to understand their potential impact on health information practices.
- Ethical and Legal Issues (CHIS-S8)
- Understand ethical issues surrounding the provision of medical information, including the use of discretion and the patron’s need and right to privacy.
- Apply the library’s policies regarding the use of disclaimers when providing medical information.
- Understand the limitations of the librarian’s role, and always recommend that the user discuss the information received with a health professional.
- Distinguish between providing health information and offering health advice or recommendations.
- Demonstrate a foundational understanding of HIPAA regulations and apply this knowledge when providing health information.
- Understand ethical issues surrounding the provision of medical information, including the use of discretion and the patron’s need and right to privacy.
Experts in providing consumer health information created two levels of CHIS. Level I requires courses in five foundational competencies. While you may take courses in other competencies, you will gain skills in the basics when you earn Level I. Level II requires you to take courses in three additional competencies. While you may take courses in other competencies, you will gain skills in higher level competencies when you earn Level II. Click on links next to each competency to find courses that serve the competency.
CHIS Level I
Your Level I CHIS shows that you have skills in these 5 Core Competencies for Providing Consumer Health Information Services (you meet the requirements for Level I by completing 12 credit hours in these five competencies):
- Know the Community (CHIS-S1)
- Know the Health Consumer (CHIS-S2)
- Knowledge of Subject Matter and Resources (CHIS-S3)
- Evaluation of Health Information (CHIS-S4)
- Communication, Reference, and Instruction (CHIS-S5)
CHIS Level II
Your Level II CHIS shows that you have skills in all 8 Core Competencies for Providing Consumer Health Information Services. You meet the requirements for Level II by completing 12 additional credit hours that include at least one credit in each of competencies 6, 7, and 8:
- Know the Community (CHIS-S1)
- Know the Health Consumer (CHIS-S2)
- Knowledge of Subject Matter and Resources (CHIS-S3)
- Evaluation of Health Information (CHIS-S4)
- Communication, Reference, and Instruction (CHIS-S5)
- Literacy and Health Literacy (CHIS-S6)
- Technology and Health (CHIS-S7)
- Ethical and Legal Issues (CHIS-S8)
Note: If your first application is for Level II, you will need 24 CE credits, with at least 1 credit in all 8 competencies.
CE Credit and Competency Requirements
- You may apply for either level if you have met the corresponding credits and competencies requirements.
- Credits must be earned within 3 years before your application date.
- Your CHIS certificate will be valid for 3 years.
- To renew your certificate at either level, you must earn 6 credits every 3 years, covering any of the competencies.
- We recommend that individuals with a Level I CHIS take Level II courses and use their 3 years to acquire their Level II CHIS.
CHIS Courses
Level I and Level II CHIS courses have been developed and selected for the MLA Consumer Health Information Specialization
Credit for Activities Not Pre-Approved for CHIS
If you complete an educational activity, a Discussion Group activity, Independent Reading Program activity, webinar, or other activity not on the list of MLA-approved consumer health courses and would like to have it considered for meeting a CHIS requirement, please fill out an Individual Participant Request (IPR) form. We recommend you submit the IPR in advance of your application so you can take replacement coursework if the course is found ineligible.
What is the Cost of CHIS?
Most CHIS courses are offered by the Network of of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM) at no cost. It is easy to meet the requirements for both levels with NNLM courses. MLA charges a modest fee (members: $99, non-members: $132) for reviewing applications and granting certificates. NNLM generously sponsors the CHIS application fee for library staff and students who reside within any region of the NNLM. Use this Google form to apply to have NNLM cover your application fee.
Applying for or Renewing Your CHIS
- Take the required number of MLA-approved consumer health courses for the level for which you are applying.
- Check your transcript to ensure you have met all the competencies for your application level.
- You will only need certificates of completion if courses do not appear as completed in your transcript
MLA will process your application and, on approval, send you a certificate recognizing your accomplishment.