The Roles of Medical Library in Information Seeking Behavior of Health Care Professionals: A Review of the Literature

• Published in: Journal of hospital librarianship Vol. 21; no. 4; pp. 405 - 416
• Main Author: Geda, Firesenbet Adela
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Routledge 02.10.2021; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: computer user training; health care; health professionals; information need; information-seeking behavior; information skills; librarians; libraries; literature; medical; review; Information literacy; Information seeking behavior; Information sources; Internet resources; Librarians; Medical libraries; Medical personnel; Professionals
• ISSN: 1532-3269; 1532-3277
• DOI: 10.1080/15323269.2021.1982263

Medical libraries are designed to assist healthcare professionals by providing up-to-date information resources. This paper outlines the roles medical libraries play in the information-seeking behavior of health professionals. An in-depth English language literature search was conducted with different Medical Subject Headings and keywords. The search was executed in CINAHL, PubMed, LISTA and other relevant resources. Journal articles were searched and reviewed between 2000-2020. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were set. The search results are presented using the PRISMA flowchart. In this study 354 articles were retrieved and 50 articles met the inclusion criteria. The results show that medical libraries and librarians have a significant role in shaping the information-seeking behavior of health professionals. The lack of professional medical librarians in certain settings, IT and Internet availability, hinder the information-seeking behavior of health professionals. Medical libraries play a significant role in addressing the information needs of health professionals by facilitating access to information literacy training and electronic information resources. University and college administrators must prioritize investments in medical library infrastructure, including personnel, physical facilities, collections and information technology.