Public library lending programs increase radon testing in rural communities

Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer, yet few Americans test their homes for radon, particularly in rural areas. The academic team and community partners engaged the public library systems in four rural counties to offer digital radon detectors for check-out as a means of increa...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Library & information science research 2024-01, Vol.46 (1), p.101283, Article 101283
Main Authors: Stanifer, Stacy R., Rademacher, Kathy, Beckett, Whitney, Simpson, King, Rayens, Mary Kay, Thaxton-Wiggins, Amanda, Hahn, Ellen J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Feasibility
Libraries
Radon
Radon testing
United States
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Summary:Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer, yet few Americans test their homes for radon, particularly in rural areas. The academic team and community partners engaged the public library systems in four rural counties to offer digital radon detectors for check-out as a means of increasing the public's access to free radon testing. The check-out procedures and instructional materials were created through an iterative process, and library personnel were educated on radon and home radon testing prior to launching the lending program. Library patrons reported high usability, feasibility, and acceptability of the program. Library patron-staff interactions mainly included discussions about the logistics of radon testing. Given that public libraries are invested in making communities thrive and promoting health, providing library lending programs for radon detectors is a novel, feasible, and acceptable way to reduce the risk of lung cancer in the community. •The radon detector library loan program was designed and evaluated using citizen science methods.•The radon detector library loan program was usable, feasible and acceptable to library patrons.•Library patrons were appreciative of having access to radon detector kits at no cost.•Public libraries can serve as partners to promote the health of communities.•Radon detector loan programs are innovative and attract community members who may not have otherwise utilized the library.
ISSN:0740-8188
1873-1848
DOI:10.1016/j.lisr.2024.101283