Creating a state‐wide virtual health library: the Michigan experience

Describes the AccessMichigan Electronic Community Health Information Initiative (AMECHII) which aims to provide state‐wide access to high‐quality, timely, reliable and valid health information for consumers and practitioners, regardless of geographical location or economic status. A formal exploration phase has been completed which was notable for the involvement of experts from every type of library in the state and a variety of health‐care organisations. The next phase will be a strategic planning process, outlined to ultimately result in methods for economic sustainability and a new paradigm for multi‐type library and health‐care stakeholder collaboration for the acquisition, distribution and use of electronic health information over a wide geographical and culturally diverse area.