This course text outlines the objectives and content for a professional continuing education course on patient education for the hospital librarian. Topics covered include: (1) definition of terms; (2) national studies and surveys; (3) compliance issues; (4) patient/learner motivation; (5) elements of a successful program; (6) role definition; (7) legal mandates; (8) the concept of informed consent; (9) current awareness resources; (10) learner characteristics; (11) pedagogy versus andragogy; (12) physical considerations of learners; (13) examples of health education programs; (14) librarian roles; (15) wellness and self-care programs; (16) planning models; (17) needs assessment; (18) goal setting; (19) selection of methodologies; (20) program delivery; (21) evaluation; (22) costs and reimbursement; (23) library cost considerations; (24) materials selection; (25) organization and control of materials; and (26) copyright concerns and acquisition. References and recommended readings are listed at the end of each chapter. (MES)