Designing of the Health Information Model in Iranian Public Libraries

Abstract

Abstract This study aims to provide a health information model for public access to reliable and up-to-date information resources at public libraries. The study was based on a Sequential-Exploratory Mixed Methods Design and combination of qualitative and quantitative methods. Quantitative method was applied for 12 library managers in the health domain as well as officials of the institution of public libraries for whom in-depth and semi-structured interviews were applied. The third group (475 managers of the Iranian public libraries) participated in the quantitative survey. Quantitative results indicated the libraries’ space needs to be extended and the librarians require training courses about health information. Qualitative results, after coding, lead to extraction of ground theory. From the library managers’ point of view, for implementation of this model, a coherent planning and structured memorandum of understanding between public libraries and ministry of health is required. Finally, using the quantitative and qualitative results, the model of health information through public libraries in Iran has been extracted and presented. The present model includes three parts: management actions, strengthen resources, and education. It could be concluded that paying attention on information resources, especially in the field of health information, will lead to an increase in the level of awareness in the society, and consequently health status and quality of life of the people will improve. Thus, considering the variations in the referred people to the libraries, presentation of a health model in the field of health information in public libraries could be promising.