K-12 Health Information Resources in the School Library

Connecting K-12 Students with Community Health Information ResourcesKristin M. BugnitzKent State UniversityLIS 60630Notes are talking points and cues, not scripts of presentation1What resources does your school library possess to address student health information needs?

What is the role of the school library/librarian in student health information seeking?

What are 2-3 community organizations that offer health information and services to Columbus students?

Ask yourselfParticipants will THINK and answer questions, PAIR with the person next to them, and SHARE their answers in pairs and with group if desired.2

Where do students go for health information?Source: Calvin and Hobbs-Kids have limited sources of health information; rely on friends first, passing along misinformation3

How do students use the Internet to find health information?Source: weknowmemes.comPopular Internet meme: often students dont know what they dont know and formulate inadequate queries using slang or incorrect terms, affecting search results.4

What types of sources do students trust?Source: cherispeak.comMemes and other graphics are attractive to student searchers, yet often are lacking credibility and source information.statistics are often accepted uncritically by student information seekers (nih.gov)5Background of K-12 health information seeking

Things to consider when selecting resources

Connecting students with health information and community resourcesProviding community health resources for K-12 studentsOutline of presentation 6The majority of students (87%) studied relied on search engines results and recommended links rather than direct site access. Most (83%) followed links came from the first 9 results.Participants scanned pages randomly and did not consider the source of information when searching.Adolescent Health Information Searches(Hansen, Derry, Resnick, & Richardson, 2003) Students tend to take a trial-and-error approach to search rather than systematically formulating search strings and assessing results. Overall consistent with other student information seeking behavior research.7Many communities lack viable health information.

School libraries can fill a void by providing equitable access to resources and organizations.

Networking with community agencies improve both quantity and quality of resource access.

Opportunities for K-12 School Libraries(Lunkenbill & Immroth, 2009)Panel of librarians in lower income area of Rio Grande Valley of Texas, high population of Mexican descent:

Generally the panel held that (1) health information is lacking in their communities; (2) school and public librarians can play important roles in making health information available; (3) school and public librarians can network with other agencies in promoting and disseminating health information for K12 youth; (4) resource availability will limit how much librarians can become involved in the dissemination of health information;(6) library staffs needed training in health information resources. We included recommendations for future research in health literacy.Students spend a great deal of time in school and working on information literacy already

8Health Information Literacy DevelopmentGet Net Smart for Good Health program

Role-playing and skill-building activities increased student confidence in evaluating health information sites.

(Trettin, May, & McKeehan, 2008)Workshop Collaboration between South Carolina high school and nearby medical librarians to improve health information literacy; some success though more research is needed9What role will the librarian/student/caregiver play in the information seeking process?

What are the ages and information needs of students?

How do resources support library mission and curricular goals? Things to Consider-While Lunkenbill & Immroth (2009) found that librarians shy away from a gatekeeper role, possibly due to terminology, it is important to decide how the librarian will fit in to the information seeking process. Many student health questions are sensitive or controversial in nature, how will librarian protect student right to information? Does the caregiver have any input?In addition to resource selection and evaluation, librarians must also provide instruction in health information literacy-Similar to other aspects of collection development, developmentally appropriate resource selection is key.-Resources selected must still fit in with the librarys goals and mission statements. Instruction should fit into big picture of student information literacy developmentStandards for the 21st century learner as well as common core

10Highlighting Health Information Sources for School LibrariansFinding reliable resources-dont reinvent the wheel! Many professional health organizations have developmentally appropriate, topical health resource guides ready and waiting for librarians and students

More sources available on session bibliography guide!!11

Hospitals and Health OrganizationsMaterial for patients and outreach12

National OrganizationsNIH, National Library of Medicine, science and health education section including tutorials for health information literacy development13

Medical Library LibguidesEvaluated by health and library professionals, variety of topics relevant to specific audiences; likely to partner with schools 14Connecting Students and Community ResourcesIntroducing community health organization presenters15Nationwide Childrens HospitalFamily Health Information CenterLinda DeMuro, MLS;Linda.DeMuro@NationwideChildrens.org

Source: Nationwide Childrens HospitalThis presenter will share NCHs approach to providing child- and family-friendly consumer health resources.

16The Childrens Advocacy Project of Columbus, OHLeslie Hill-Ali, CAP4Kids Coordinator:Leslie.HillAli@NationwideChildrens.org

Source: Cap4KidsThis presenter will discuss the Childrens Advocacy Projects outreach website and spotlight a few library-friendly resources.

17Center for Healthy Weight and NutritionMichael Bramlish, MPH, CHES; Michael.Bramlish@nationwidechildrens.org

Source: Ounce of PreventionThis presenter will highlight online nutrition and obesity prevention resources available through the Center as well as several outreach initiatives.

18Meet and GreetPlease take this opportunity to visit the presenter tables and learn more about local information resources.

Please take a session evaluation form from the podium with you to your seat.

Participants will make contact with agencies and obtain session evaluation form19Students have a definite need for credible health information and health information literacy instruction.

School libraries are in a position to fill that need through careful resource selection, instruction, and collaboration with community partners.ConclusionPlease help make this presentation better by completing the evaluation survey before you leave.

Thank you for attending and feel free to contact me at kbugnitz@kent.edu with any further questions or input.

Wrap Up/Evaluation21