Finding, Organizing and Using Health Information: A Training Manual For Students, Researchers and Health Workers In Africa

Abstract

This book is a product of the devotion and dedication of medical librarians in Africa for the development of a healthy society through information literacy. Information literacy has become an essential requirement in today’s world of information and technology. The web has revolutionized information retrieval and in today’s information world, the word literacy therefore goes beyond the traditional definition of knowing how to read and write. Wilson, E an American Scientist rightfully stated “we are drowning in information, while starving for wisdom. The world henceforth will be run by synthesizers, people able to put together the right information at the right time, think critically about it, and make important choices widely.” This cannot be overemphasized when it comes to health as information literacy is crucial in ensuring all those involved with health including healthcare providers, medical librarians and consumers know how to find, use and manage health information. This is due to the fact that access to right and accurate information is a prerequisite to good health.