Challenges in Health Information Seeking and Librarian’s Role

Abstract

Background: In recent years, millions of individuals around the world have relied on various methods and information sources to obtain new information; a significant part of the users’ activities is related to the activities of searching for their information needs. An increasing number of individuals use the Internet to have access and search for health information, and the amount of health information provided on the Internet has increased dramatically. As the amount of information increases, the complexity of the information also increases. Whenever complex information is presented, expertise is required to retrieve useful information. Objectives: Fulfilling information needs is not only limited to printed sources; the existence of wide communication networks has made it possible for users to satisfy their information needs in different ways without time and place restrictions. One of the information needs noticed by different individuals is the need to have access to health and health information. Individuals are looking for information to make an informed decision, and they refer to various information sources. The purpose of this article was to examine the new challenges associated with health information search and then to emphasize the role of librarians in this process. Methods: A comprehensive search of relevant texts, articles, and studies related to health information seeking and the role of librarians was conducted. The selection criterion was defined as studies that provided insights into the challenges faced in this area. Results: Scientific sources indicate that access to health information from multiple sources leads to the emergence of challenges, such as information overload, information anxiety, health anxiety, uncertainty, cyberchondria, information avoidance, and self-isolation. Conclusions: This study emphasizes that health information seeking is a complex task, primarily due to the abundance of online information and varying levels of digital literacy. Librarians serve as valuable allies in this process, providing expertise, guidance, and access to reliable resources. By recognizing the challenges and leveraging the librarian’s role, efforts can be made to ensure that individuals have access to accurate health information, ultimately leading to better health outcomes.