Network of the National Library of Medicine Evaluation Center (U24) (Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) invites cooperative agreement (U24) applications for organizations to serve as the Evaluation Center for the Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM). The goal of the NNLM is to advance the progress of medicine, improve public health by providing U.S. health professionals and the public with equal access to biomedical data and information, and improve individual's access to information to enable them to make informed decisions about their health. The NNLM works through libraries and other member organizations to support a workforce for biomedical and health information resources and data, improve health literacy, and increase health equity. Seven health sciences libraries function as the Regional Medical Library (RML) for their respective region. The RMLs work together to coordinate a network of member libraries and other organizations to carry out local, regional and national programs. These Network members develop collaborations with other organizations to improve access to biomedical information resources throughout the nation. The NNLM program is coordinated by the NLM Office of Engagement and Training. The NNLM Evaluation Center (NEC) will coordinate the assessment of the impact, efficacy and value of NNLM activities, services, and resources. A special focus will be placed on assessing community engagement and measuring its impact on persons who experience health disparities, and populations underrepresented in biomedical research. The NECs activities will include, among others, developing evaluation tools, planning studies, providing evaluation training to the RMLs, Offices, Centers, and sub-awardees of the NNLM, and assessing the effectiveness of national initiatives and selected programs. The NEC will provide NNLM with essential information for developing, maintaining, and evolving effective health information engagement and outreach activities for diverse populations.