Meeting the Health Information Needs of Diverse Populations

Alpi, Kristine M.; Bibel, Barbara M.

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/1730 Copy

Description

Title

Meeting the Health Information Needs of Diverse Populations

Author(s)

• Alpi, Kristine M.
• Bibel, Barbara M.

Issue Date

2004

Keyword(s)

• Consumer health information
• Health information
• Public services (Libraries)

Abstract

Meeting the health information needs of diverse communities is a challenge for librarians. Libraries of many types have a duty to identify and maintain contact with constituents having a variety of health information needs. Assessing community needs includes identifying specific population groups, the languages that they speak, the health issues affecting their lives, and their preferred methods of obtaining information. Locating, acquiring, and disseminating materials that address relevant health issues in an accessible manner takes commitment, funding, and a variety of collection development techniques. Library efforts have improved access to health information for diverse communities, but significant barriers to accessing health information remain. Reaching communities effectively includes community outreach via programming and partnering with communitybased organizations and local health care agencies. By assisting information creators and health care providers in understanding how materials are being used and what materials need to be developed, library staff can play an important role in promoting the development of culturally and linguistically appropriate health information.

Publisher

Graduate School of Library and Information Science. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

ISSN

0024-2594

Type of Resource

text

Language

en

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/1730

Copyright and License Information

Copyright owned by Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois. 2004.

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