Health Literacy: Challenges and Implications for Consumer Health Librarians

n recent years libraries have experienced a bigger demand from the general public for accessible and reliable health information sources and services. Not only have public libraries been responding to the growing needs of America’s health-conscious consumers, but many academic and hospital libraries have responded as well, opening their doors to worried patients and inquisitive community members in search of valuable, even life-saving, medical information. Extending health information services to the layperson involves unique challenges that all librarians must recognize and address if they are to effectively meet the diverse information needs of today’s health consumer. Because consumers may rely on the health information they obtain from libraries to make important decisions regarding their personal well-being, it is imperative that the librarians responsible for selecting and disseminating consumer health information are mindful of the farreaching implications of their services. This paper will explore some of the most important issues involved in providing patrons with consumer health information, and, more importantly, offer practical strategies for managing these issues.