A librarian's guide to providing resources for pet owners

Abstract

JAVMA, Vol 232, No. 10, May 15, 2008 T consumers are exposed to a great amount of new information both digitally and in print. Pets and their care are popular topics, and a large amount of information is published in these fields. Therefore, clients arrive at their veterinary clinic with greater expectations, ask more difficult questions, and crave more in-depth health-related information. Because owners are active participants in their pet’s medical treatment, they need credible information to make informed decisions. In general, there is growing interest in health care information among the public, many of whom are expanding their access to health information via the Internet. At the same time, the health care community is becoming aware of the realities of low health literacy and the difficulty that complex medical information poses to the public. This creates challenges and opportunities for veterinary professionals. In the librarian community, there is an emphasis on critical assessment of potential resources and their use for various kinds of patrons. In the medical field, health care providers are placing greater value and trust in patient education materials that have been prepared with health literacy principles in mind. For veterinarians, a similar emphasis on client education is leading to a growing interest in what materials make the best resources for pet care. Research done by librarians has led to suggested techniques to help determine clients’ informational needs and an understanding of what makes a resource a quality source of information for pet owners.