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Completed Projects

Creating access to NELH in Public Libraries

Final Report (PDF)

The increasing demand for access to medical information, together with the continuing development of the Internet and other electronic information sources, suggests that there may be a demand for an in depth, validated medical information resource, such as the NeLH, in public libraries.

This project created access to the National Electronic Library for Health (NELH) website in two case study public library authorities: Birmingham and Hampshire, investigating the demand for the service and patterns of use. The libraries chosen for this pilot were varied in terms of size, location, specialist services and staff expertise. They also served diverse user groups. Any problems arising out of the provision of the service were investigated and solutions recommended. The success of the service was evaluated and the implications of further provision were developed.

The findings of this research was used to draw up guidelines to facilitate the introduction of the NeLH or similar electronic health information services into other public libraries in other areas. The research benefited managers of public libraries by providing evidence of the value and effectiveness of providing the NELH service and informed library services and the NHS as to the most cost-effective and efficient means of providing this service.

Publications

McNicol, S. and Nankivell, C. (2002)
Creating Access to the National Electronic Library for Health in Public Libraries: Final Report (PDF)
Lancaster, K (2003). Patient empowerment. Library & Information Update. 2(3), 36-37.
Lancaster, K (2003). How the NeLH is providing the public with health information. Public Library Journal. 18(1), 1