Abstract
The Museums Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) recently published two research reports that emphasise the role for libraries in supporting social inclusion through greater access and support in obtaining health information and support online. There are 12.5 million adults in the United Kingdom that do not use the internet and those not using it risk missing out on the full benefits of digitally delivered public services (BIS, 2010). While some choose “digital self-exclusion”, others experience “involuntary exclusion”, and it has been estimated that these people represent four million people and are the least advantaged members of society (The Independent, 2010). Many libraries realise that they can make a positive contribution to the national and local health and inequality targets. They can respond to a national government agenda in prioritising health improvement in those who are “socially disadvantaged”, as well as local partnership development. MLA’s recent survey of English authorities shows that one hundred and eleven public libraries reported a total of 1,109 current activities related to health and well-being, with a further 107 in preparation at the time of a comprehensive authority-wide survey (Hicks et al., 2010a). Approximately three quarters of all the existing health related activities in libraries are delivered in partnership. In a separate MLA study (CFE, 2010), libraries have been found to play a strong role in supporting and promoting digital participation
Highlights
The Museums Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) recently published two research reports that emphasise the role for libraries in supporting social inclusion through greater access and support in obtaining health information and support online
Many libraries realise that they can make a positive contribution to the national and local health and inequality targets. They can respond to a national government agenda in prioritising health improvement in those who are “socially disadvantaged”, as well as local partnership development
MLA’s recent survey of English authorities shows that one hundred and eleven public libraries reported a total of 1,109 current activities related to health and well-being, with a further 107 in preparation at the time of a comprehensive authority-wide survey (Hicks et al, 2010a)
Summary
The Museums Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) recently published two research reports that emphasise the role for libraries in supporting social inclusion through greater access and support in obtaining health information and support online. Evidence from MLA’s recent health study (Hicks et al, 2010a) indicates that health and social care partners are keen to capitalise more on the potential of libraries to bridge the digital divide They recognise libraries for providing a number of benefits, in particular that they offer a neutral, nonstigmatised, non-clinical space, and access to individuals that can be ‘hard to reach’. SHS provides cCBT services in Manchester and the surrounding area It is a Manchester based, user-led mental health charity offering self help initiatives and services to people affected by mental health problems. The challenge ahead is to make the offer visible to a broader range of social and health care partners, and by doing that reaching out to a greater number of people who face isolation and potential and/or actual health risks
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
