Public Libraries and Consumer Health Information Resources and Services Report Available

Dr. Charles R. McClure and Ebrahim Randeree of the Information Institute at Florida State University (http://www.ii.fsu.edu) recently completed a needs assessment report as part of the 2007–2008 Evaluation Activities for the Florida Electronic Library grant. The report, Public Libraries and Consumer Health Information Resources and Services provides results that address and support the continued delivery and future development of medical and consumer health information services and resources through the Florida Electronic Library (FEL). Information Institute staff collected data from Florida’s multi–type library cooperatives (MLC) and public librarians through interviews, focus groups and surveys. The study was funded by the State Library & Archives of Florida. A copy of the report is available:

Overall, the study finds that public libraries provide a broad range of consumer health services and use numerous approaches to make these services and resources available. The findings also indicate that Florida citizens utilize public library consumer health information resources and services by asking questions on a range of topics such as diseases, diagnosis, medications, medical procedures, and E–Government health–related issues. Despite the significant amount of involvement in the provision of consumer health information resources and services by Florida public libraries, public librarians are not in agreement as to their specific roles and responsibilities for this effort.

In addition to presenting the results of various data collection activities, the report includes detailed discussions with a number of recommendations. Some examples of recommendations include:

  • Clarify public library roles in the provision of consumer health information services;
  • Develop a comprehensive public librarian consumer health information training program;
  • Make available more FEL consumer health information resources;
  • Increase FEL marketing and advertising;
  • Encourage collaborative partnerships between public libraries and health care organizations;
  • Encourage collaborative partnerships between public libraries, other libraries and government agencies;
  • Develop Web 2.0 and Ask A Health Librarian Services; and
  • Conduct additional research regarding the continued delivery and future development of medical and consumer health information services and resources through the FEL.

These recommendations provide a beginning strategy to improve Florida residents’ access to and use of consumer health information through public libraries. For preliminary research investigating the role of public and non-profit organization networks in addressing health literacy needs within the Florida Panhandle, a copy of the report is available: