Public library websites for teenagers: How are they addressing the consumer health information needs of today's teens?

Abstract

AbstractYoung adult use of the Web both for creating and reviewing content continues to grow and the Internet has become an important tool for teenagers seeking health information (Borzekowski & Rickert 2001, Gray et al 2005; Rideout 2001; Richardson 2002; Vargas 2005). More than 70 percent of 15 to 17 year olds say they have used the Internet to look up health information (Rideout 2001, Richardson et al 2002). In fact, the Kaiser Family Foundation study reported in “Generation Rx.com” found that more youth had looked for health information than had engaged in various Web 2.0 behaviors as purchasing something online or using a chat room (Rideout 2001). Researchers cite availability, anonymity, and affordability as the key reasons teenagers turn to the web for answers to their health‐related questions (Barak & Fisher 2001; Gray et al 2005).While the Internet provides teenagers with access to a wealth of health‐related resources, it also presents challenges that can negatively impact the ability of adolescents to access quality information online. Difficulty conducting searches, judging the credibility of the information retrieved, and accessing sites due to filtering software are just a few of the barriers teenagers face (Gray et al 2002; Gray et al 2005; Richardson et al 2002). Like many Web users, teenagers also express concerns about privacy and confidentiality, especially in chat rooms or email correspondences (Vargas 2005).Given the issues teens face when searching for health information online, it seems natural that public libraries take the lead in providing assistance to teenagers who need help finding health information. Libraries, particularly public libraries, have a long history of providing consumer heath information to adults in their communities, and this service has transitioned online as libraries provide Internet access to electronic consumer health information (Smith 2006). In addition, many public libraries have developed websites specifically for teenagers. As more teens look for personalized information or the ability to ‘create’ their own content, these library web pages often serve as centers for reference, educational support, popular materials, community information, and library programming (Hughes‐Hassell & Miller 2003; Jones 1997). Including links to useful websites would alleviate some of the frustration teenagers face when searching for quality health information on the Internet and allow them to make their own informed decisions (Vargas 2005). But how common is it for these web pages to provide consumer health information for teenagers?