Utah Library Association 2016 Conference

ILEAD leadership institute brings together librarians to create innovative, participatory technology projects that address an identified community need. A 2015 ILEAD team in Utah developed a project connecting people physically and socially isolated by multiple sclerosis (MS) to information, resources, and support. The MS Buddy program loans customized, preloaded iPads to participants to help them learn more about their disease through vetted online content and support resources. Content is tailored for the participant’s geographical location, providing links to their doctor and health care facility, MS chapter, and public and health libraries. Initial evaluations have been excellent, with participants gaining the skills and confidence needed to use the various technologies and access meaningful information in between doctor visits, and increase their support connections. The team also created a detailed toolkit, enabling other public and health librarians and health care providers to adapt and implement a similar project in their communities.