Health information outreach: a survey of U.S. academic libraries, highlighting a midwestern university's experience

Abstract

Background and objectives: As a result of their involvement in a campus health fair, the authors of this paper became interested in the extent to which other academic libraries were engaged in health information outreach (HIO). The authors present the results of a nationwide survey they conducted in 2010 and share a specific example of HIO at their own institution. Methods: The authors conducted an online survey of approximately 1700 U.S. general academic and academic health science libraries with the objective to create a broad picture of HIO activity and its context within patron information-seeking behavior. Results: The survey yielded a 21% response rate. Nearly 55% of all respondents indicated that their libraries did not participate in HIO, while 37% indicated that they did. Other responses yielded information on patron usage patterns concerning health information, specific types of HIO that libraries are involved in, and barriers to library involvement in HIO. Conclusions: As libraries' traditional roles and information delivery methods evolve, librarians must do more to provide services that are relevant and accessible to users. Even as virtual services become more commonplace, librarians involved in HIO should consider also increasing their visibility by collaborating with others on campus.Keywords: academic libraries, collaboration, consumer health information, health information needs, health science libraries, information seeking behaviour, library outreach, students, surveys, United States of America Key Messages• Academic libraries should become familiar with national goals to promote campus-community health.• For maximum support and effectiveness of health information outreach (HIO) endeavours, a library should align its mission with its institutional mission.• Librarians are encouraged to seek out collaborations with other professionals at their institutions to maximize resources and effectiveness in the delivery of HIO.• Libraries should evaluate their campus constituents' healthcare information needs on a regular basis.• Librarians should consider students as a target group when delivering consumer health information.

Abortion is an Information Issue

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Access and Use of Reference Sources and Services for Health Information among Nigerian Undergraduates: The Case of Samuel Adegboyega University, Ogwa Edo State

“…Academic librarians, as purveyors of information, are in a central position to lead undergraduates to reliable resources for health information. 1 Librarians in the universities should acquire the knowledge of health resources and medical terminology, search capabilities and a focus on user-centered services. 18 Librarians must be ready at any point in time to provide health information materials and guidance to their patrons, especially the students.…”

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