One dependable source for library workers and their patrons is MedlinePlus from the National Institutes of Health, a website with authoritative and up-to-date information compiled by the National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus has directories, a medical encyclopedia, health information in Spanish, extensive information on prescription and nonprescription drugs, and links to thousands of clinical trials; all of this is available online anytime, anywhere, and for free.
Although library staff cannot answer specific questions about medical conditions or treatment options, they can guide their community members to trusted health information so that they can make educated decisions about their health and that of their loved ones.