| dc.creator | Kamau, Nancy | |
| dc.creator | Gichohi, Paul | |
| dc.date | 2019-06-07T13:23:23Z | |
| dc.date | 2019-06-07T13:23:23Z | |
| dc.date | 2018-04 | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2019-09-29T21:07:44Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2019-09-29T21:07:44Z | |
| dc.identifier | https://www.scecsal.org/publications/papers2018/023_kamau_2018.pdf | |
| dc.identifier | http://repository.kemu.ac.ke:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/376 | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://library.adhl.africa/handle/123456789/8687 | |
| dc.description | Consumer health information has gained prominence worldwide due to the need
for preventive as opposed to curative healthcare. Availability of diverse online
consumer health information (CHI) sources necessitates that public library users
become aware of quality CHI sources as they make important healthcare
decisions. An academic library received a grant for a project on the promotion of
consumer health literacy through public and community libraries in Central and
Upper Eastern Kenya. The first phase of the project carried out a CHI resources
training and provided seed money to two public libraries to acquire consumer
health books. The second phase of the project forms the basis of this paper aimed
to examine the impact of the first phase by evaluating the application of the
information literacy skills gained during the training and by assessing the use of
the consumer health collection by the public. A qualitative approach and survey
design were used. Data was collected from twelve users and nine librarians who
were purposely selected for a Focused Group Interview (FGI). An observation
guide was also used during physical visits on selected public and community
libraries. The results show that many public/community libraries established
health corners/hub after attending the training. There was an increase in queries
and demand for e-resources on diseases and general lifestyle information, a
change of attitude by staff and users towards CHI, improved customer care
services, and heightened image and value of a librarian in the provision of CHI.
Challenges faced included semi-illiteracy among the public, users’ insufficient
time to visit libraries, inadequate training skills and knowledge among library
staff, and insufficient funding. The paper concludes that partnership between
academic and public/community libraries in reaching out consumer health
information users was inevitable and significant in fostering community health
development. | |
| dc.format | application/pdf | |
| dc.language | en | |
| dc.publisher | SCECSAL(Standing Conference of Eastern, Central and Southern African Library and Information Associations) | |
| dc.relation | SCECSAL;XXIII | |
| dc.subject | consumer health information | |
| dc.title | Reaching out to consumer health information users through academic and public/community libraries partnership: Experience from Kenya | |
| dc.type | Article | |
