Health and Medical Information On and Off the Internet: What Part Can and Do Public Libraries Play?

摘要

A veritable ocean of health and medical information exists on the Internet as well as "off the Internet in the form of commercially produced aggregations of health information. Some studies have shown that there seems to be a disconnect between many health information seekers and much of this information. Many public libraries have adequate to impressive arrays of health information electronically available through commercial databases or through their provision of links to free Web sites. This paper explores some of the habits of health information seekers, the resources which are available in libraries, and suggests some ways to begin to connect the information seeker to good health information that is readily available. The public library can, and should, be one of the resources health information seekers will explore.