IMPROVING ACCESS TO HEALTH INFORMATION: EMERGING ROLES FOR MEDICAL LIBRARIANS

Abstract

Limited access to health information has remained a major barrier retarding effective healthcare delivery especially in developing countries. Morbidity and mortality rates can be reduced if access to health information within the health system is eased. Today, moving health information from the point of generation to where it is needed requires the Medical Librarians to be proactive. This paper examines the essence of health information; it generators and users; the problems to access and various steps the medical librarian can take in ensuring that all stakeholders are reached with their health information needs. Rising to these challenges even beyond the library walls will improve access to health information in different sectors with obvious positive impacts.