Telemedicine in Public Libraries: Innovation Among Early Adopters

Despite inequitable access to telemedicine video visits for those lacking home-based broadband, and the ability of public libraries to address this gap, the adoption of telemedicine in public libraries has been slow. The purpose of this research is to describe the implementation experience of five libraries and library programs that were among the earliest adopters of telemedicine in public libraries. This research was guided by the Reach, Efficacy, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance implementation framework. A range of models have been implemented, but the most successful models include partnership with health providers or a health system. Dissemination of early adopters’ experiences can aid other libraries to learn from their example, enabling more rapid uptake of this important programming.