Abstract: A nationwide survey study was conducted to gain understanding about how public librarians provided health information service for readers. Findings indicated that the popular health information needs encountered by public librarians covered a wide variety of topics, including the medical/health condition of human body, the concept of disease and medical, and the ?tness, diet or nutrition. The top two challenges faced by public librarians when providing readers health information service were the dif?culty in interpreting patrons' questions and the lack of knowledge about available, trusted and appropriate medical or health information source. Public librarians wished to receive training on a number of topics that could help address the challenges they faced, and the most favorable training format for them, among all the options provided in the survey, was the self-paced online tutorial. This study constituted the basis for establishing training requirements and developing training programs to meet the needs of public librarians. Their mastery of the necessary skills, knowledge and competencies via training would lead to effective and efficient delivery of readers' health information service in public libraries, and ultimately generate optimal patron experience.

Key words: Public library