Rowman & Littlefield Publishers Consumer Health Information Services and Programs (Best Practices in Library Services)

Consumer Health Information Programs and Services: Best Practices presents examples of successful and long-standing library programs and services that provide health information to consumers-the general public, patients, and families or patients - who seek information about health and diseases. This best practices volume brings together library programs and services currently offered in hospital libraries, public libraries, academic health sciences libraries, and standalone consumer health libraries, covering a range of topics and special programs. Advice and best practices provided by these experienced CHI librarians will help readers who are planning a new consumer health information service, or who are looking to upgrade and expand their current program or service. This best practices book will highlight successful library consumer health information programs and services, offering advice and tips about all aspects of providing health information to the general public and patients, from planning and establishing a CHI program, to offering specialized services to special populations. Readers will find both solid, tried-and-true methods for providing these services, as well as guidance on using newer, updated techniques to reach persons needing health information. Review Consumer Health programs can be challenging to get started and to maintain, but M. Sandra Wood has come to the rescue. Consumer Health Information Services and Programs is a collection of writings that looks at a variety of successful consumer health programs and allows the reader to benefit from their experience. Each chapter focuses on a different program and offers background information, a description of the program, and information about lessons learned. People directly involved with these programs share their experience and discuss best practices they have learned. What did it take to get started? What worked? What didn't? How did they fund their program? What kind of partnerships were formed? All of this is covered and much more. Chapters are clearly labeled so that you can easily find specific sections and simply skim the information you need. However, I highly recommend reading all of this book. There is so much to be learned here. Not only does the reader benefit from the information offered, but it's hard not to be excited and inspired by the wonderful programs that are detailed in this book. Whether you are looking at starting a new consumer health program or reassessing an existing one, this book is great place to start.--Consumer Connections Consumer Health Information Services and Programs: Best Practices is an excellent guide to current best practices for both new and experienced consumer health librarians. It is a handy resource for how to effectively design, implement, and evaluate a variety of consumer health programs and services in institutions ranging from large academic health centers to small public libraries.--Medical Reference Services Quarterly This book is an invaluable resource for consumer health librarians, especially for those who are solo.... Whether you are looking for ideas while planning your consumer health information library service or are trying to find successful enhancements for your existing program, you will find many interesting and patron-oriented best practices in this book. It is very well written and contains detailed information that will apply to a wide range of consumer health libraries. Up-to-date resources are also included, as well as information on the backgrounds and experience of each chapter's author. Any consumer health information librarian would be wise to include this book in his or her collection of essential resources.--Journal of the Medical Library Association This work offers invaluable real life experiences of providing consumer health information in a wide variety of libraries with a wide variety of consumers.--Journal of Hospital Librarianship Looking for inno