Library Trends 53 (2) Fall 2004: Consumer Health Issues, Trends, and Research, Part I: Strategic Strides toward a Better Future

Abstract

The Internet has propelled the consumer health movement to the forefront of libraries. Academic health sciences, clinical, hospital, consumer health, and public librarians across the country are seeing a continuous growth in the number of requests for health information from their patrons. Internet savvy consumers are completing their own online health information searches. Patrons are seeking free, quality, electronic health information written in lay terminology, though both Internet and non-Internet users are seeking librarians for what they can not find. An exploration of consumer health issues, trends, and research is covered in these issues of Library Trends. In part 1—Strategic Strides toward a Better Future—contributors examine the many facets that comprise consumer health information services.