Study the Status of Providing Health Information Services in Public Libraries in Tehran



Kendri MA¹ ; Varnaseri A¹ ; Khoshnood MG² ; Ahangari SAH³ ; Saberi MK⁴ ; Bourghi H⁵ Show Affiliations
Source: Journal of Payavard Salamat Published:2024

Abstract

Background and Aim: This research aimed to study the status of providing health information services in public libraries in Tehran, which was conducted based on the views of librarians working in these libraries. Materials and Methods: The research method was applied in terms of its purpose and descriptive in terms of data collection, which was conducted as a survey. The statistical population was 150 librarians of public libraries in Tehran. The tool for collecting information was a researcher-made questionnaire. Data analysis was done using SPSS statistical software.. Results: The status of health information resources available in public libraries of Tehran is low and very low in most sources. The level of familiarity of librarians with health and public health issues is %20. The level of familiarity of librarians with selective dissemination of health information services is low and very low with %77.4. The participation rate of librarians in medical information workshops is faced with the non-participation of %70 of librarians. The familiarity of librarians with the services of selective distribution of health information is low and very low. %60 of librarians are not familiar with medical information systems. The percentage of familiarity of librarians with internal medical websites is %60-78 weak. The percentage of familiarity of librarians with foreign international websites in the field of health is average. Librarians consider the main reason for providing selective health information services to improve the level of health literacy in the society. Also, the main obstacle to providing health information dissemination services is the librarian not having enough time to provide services. Conclusion: The country’s public libraries should consider measures to familiarize librarians with the field of health information and implement policies in this field. Considering the appropriate technical facilities of public libraries in Tehran, it is possible to create and access internal and external health systems and websites. and expanded the sources and documents of librarians’ health information. © 2024 the Authors.