Volume 19, Issue 2 (7-2025)
payavard 2025, 19(2): 137-150 |
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Bahrololoumi Tabatabai F S, Riahinia N, Haseli D, Pazouki F. Identifying the Health Information Needs of the Elderly in Public Libraries: A Systematic Review. payavard 2025; 19 (2) :137-150
URL: http://payavard.tums.ac.ir/article-1-7902-en.html
URL: http://payavard.tums.ac.ir/article-1-7902-en.html
1- Ph.D. Candidate in Knowledge and Information Science, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
2- Professor, Department of Knowledge and Information Science, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran ,nriahinia@khu.ac.ir
3- Assistant Professor, Department of Knowledge and Information Science, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
4- Assistant Professor, Department of of Knowledge and Information Science, National Library and Archives of Iran, Tehran, Iran
2- Professor, Department of Knowledge and Information Science, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran ,
3- Assistant Professor, Department of Knowledge and Information Science, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
4- Assistant Professor, Department of of Knowledge and Information Science, National Library and Archives of Iran, Tehran, Iran
Abstract: (1299 Views)
Background and Aim: With the increasing elderly population and their specific needs, access to health information in public libraries has become increasingly important. Public libraries can play a crucial role in providing reliable health information and enhancing health literacy among the elderly. This study aimed to identify the health information needs of the elderly in public libraries based on global experiences.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted as a systematic review using the Kitchenham and Charters framework. Relevant articles were retrieved from three major citation databases—PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science—covering the period from 2010 to 2024. Relevant keywords were used for searches, and reference lists and citations of the retrieved documents were examined to ensure comprehensive coverage. Inclusion criteria consisted of research articles related to the health information needs of the elderly in public libraries. Ultimately, 40 English-language articles were selected and analyzed. The extracted data were coded and categorized qualitatively.
Results: The findings indicated that the health information needs of the elderly in public libraries could be classified into four main categories: (1) Information Needs, including access to diverse health information resources, primary health information, public health and prevention information, and self-care and personal empowerment resources; (2) Educational Needs, encompassing information literacy, health information literacy, and educational events; (3) Social and Cultural Needs, including cultural and recreational activities, social and communication needs, social participation, and reducing social exclusion; and (4) Library Services and Facilities, comprising appropriate physical spaces, assistive reading technologies, and mobile and remote library services.
Conclusion: With the growing elderly population, public libraries face a critical responsibility in promoting the health and well-being of this demographic. The findings of this study reveal that the health information needs of the elderly extend beyond mere access to resources; they encompass educational, social-cultural, and library service dimensions. Therefore, it is essential to move beyond traditional information dissemination approaches and adopt a comprehensive, multilayered, and participatory framework—one that positions libraries as active institutions in enhancing public health among the elderly.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted as a systematic review using the Kitchenham and Charters framework. Relevant articles were retrieved from three major citation databases—PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science—covering the period from 2010 to 2024. Relevant keywords were used for searches, and reference lists and citations of the retrieved documents were examined to ensure comprehensive coverage. Inclusion criteria consisted of research articles related to the health information needs of the elderly in public libraries. Ultimately, 40 English-language articles were selected and analyzed. The extracted data were coded and categorized qualitatively.
Results: The findings indicated that the health information needs of the elderly in public libraries could be classified into four main categories: (1) Information Needs, including access to diverse health information resources, primary health information, public health and prevention information, and self-care and personal empowerment resources; (2) Educational Needs, encompassing information literacy, health information literacy, and educational events; (3) Social and Cultural Needs, including cultural and recreational activities, social and communication needs, social participation, and reducing social exclusion; and (4) Library Services and Facilities, comprising appropriate physical spaces, assistive reading technologies, and mobile and remote library services.
Conclusion: With the growing elderly population, public libraries face a critical responsibility in promoting the health and well-being of this demographic. The findings of this study reveal that the health information needs of the elderly extend beyond mere access to resources; they encompass educational, social-cultural, and library service dimensions. Therefore, it is essential to move beyond traditional information dissemination approaches and adopt a comprehensive, multilayered, and participatory framework—one that positions libraries as active institutions in enhancing public health among the elderly.
Type of Study: Review |
Subject:
Medical Library & Information Sciences
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