Health Information Around the Globe – Library Cards (2024)

Several of the highlighted readings and resources from the materials we explored in INFO 200 this week explicitly mentioned disability and accessibility as important areas where libraries are focusing efforts globally. There is growing awareness in the field of the barriers to accessing information, programming, and resources that people with disabilities face, including chronically ill individuals. As discussed in previous blog posts, there are American libraries that are taking steps to make programming more inclusive of people with differences who may need adjustments to be able to enjoy typical library programs. Stephens (2019) discusses a presentation at Next Library 2019 by Kylie Carlson, coordinator of community learning and partnerships at Yarra Libraries in Australia and mom to two autistic sons. Carlson started a program called Sensitive Storytime, which accommodates the sensory, emotional, and behavioral needs of autistic people and others who find typical storytimes uncomfortable. While this kind of storytime program is growing in popularity, a unique offering at Yarra is Sensitive Santa: kids can come and sit on Santa’s lap one by one in a private, quiet room without the glaring overhead lights that are so prevalent in malls and similar settings (SJSU School of Information, 2022). These inclusive programming options allow for full participation of not only disabled and chronically ill children, but for disabled and chronically ill parents and other family members as well.

Globally, people without internet and computer access are disadvantaged in modern information-seeking systems. If I have a question about a medical condition, I can easily access an answer, even if the information isn’t of ideal quality or from a trustworthy source. For people without phones and data plans, or who don’t have a computer with internet access, getting information that may be urgent can be a much more strenuous process. Holmquist (2014) reminds us that while many people take our access to such resources for granted, public libraries provide access to health-related information (and so much more!) for millions of people in Europe who would otherwise go without. In Uganda, the Hoima Public Library created an “e-health” corner dedicated to providing health information to patrons via computers and other technology. It was specifically targeted to help spread awareness of ways to prevent malaria, and has increased overall health information seeking behavior among their patrons dramatically, with increases ranging from 29-39% depending on age group and gender (Electronic Information for Libraries, n.d.). While many medical concerns are shared globally, environmental factors, differences in infrastructure, and lack of access to treatment due to finances or location contribute to geographically specific concerns about disease and illness. Providing resources for patrons to educate themselves on relevant conditions can lead to further pursuit of health-related information.

In terms of physical accessibility of libraries, standards vary widely across countries. In the U.S. the Americans with Disabilities Act requires certain standards be met in buildings built or renovated after specific dates. While there are numerous issues with the ADA and the way it is enforced, it has done a lot to help facilitate accessibility in public libraries. In 2005, the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) put out a checklist libraries can go through to assess how accessible their library is and determine what changes may need to be made (Irvall and Nielsen, 2005). A report from the IFLA (Bolt and Wyber, 2018) summarizing a 2017 survey of libraries in 92 countries indicates that many libraries have plans to improve accessibility by rewriting policies and renovating buildings, although it was not specified what standards they will be following. A follow-up survey is ongoing as of 2022, which should provide more information. It is promising that so many libraries are taking on the responsibility for improving the accessibility of their facilities when not required by law; measures like this go a long way to demonstrate that people with chronic illnesses and disabilities are welcome and wanted patrons.

References:

• Bolt, N. & Wyber, S. (2018). Library service to people with disabilities. International Federation of Library Associations. https://cdn.ifla.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/assets/hq/topics/libraries-development/documents/report_to_medd_on_library_service_to_people_with_disabilities_final_2_14_18.pdf
• Electronic Information for Libraries. (n.d.). Health Innovation Award: Hoima public library in Uganda helps the community fight life-threatening diseases. Retrieved April 29, 2023, from https://www.eifl.net/eifl-in-action/health-innovation-award
• Holmquist, J. (2014, January 25). The library is the hummingbird. The Library Effect. https://thelibraryeffect.com/2014/01/25/the-library-is-the-hummingbird/
• Irvall, B. & Nielsen, G.S. (2005). Access to libraries for persons with disabilities – Checklist. International Federation of Library Associations. https://repository.ifla.org/bitstream/123456789/238/1/89.pdf
• SJSU School of Information. (2022, July 13). Global Information Communities [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZdCA9EjUjU
• Stephens, Michael. 2019. With a little twist. Library Journal, 144(8). https://link-gale-com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/apps/doc/A597810112/AONE?u=csusj&sid=bookmark-AONE&xid=27298bd9