Development of the vector education, communication, and training online resource (VECTOR) library: a vector-borne disease education database.

backgroundThe emergence of invasive arthropod vectors and the rising prevalence of vector-borne diseases (VBDs) affecting humans and domestic animals have spurred a rapid increase in educational materials. In the United States, the Cooperative Extension System (Extension) can play a role in developing and sharing these resources. MAIN TEXT: Extension has historically served rural and agricultural audiences but has expanded to provide information to a variety of other communities throughout the states it serves. One topic that Extension has begun to expand its focus on in certain areas of the U.S. is VBDs. Due to the way each Extension service may focus on and address its own set of issues and topics, regional gaps in material and a lack of information sharing between institutions may arise. We created the Vector Education, Communication, and Training Online Resource (VECTOR) Library as a repository of educational materials related to vectors and VBDs, developed by Extension offices from across the United States, to address issues of knowledge sharing and access. We hope to continue curating VBD content from Extension offices, as well as to add educational materials created by other non-Extension university departments and each state’s state public health department.

conclusionThis database offers a single platform for accessing educational VBD materials from Extension offices nationwide.