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Background: Clinicians' information‐seeking behaviours impact patient care quality. Earlier studies indicated that barriers to accessing information deter clinicians from seeking answers to clinical questions. Objectives: To explore primary care clinicians' information‐seeking behaviour at point‐of‐care, focusing on when and how they seek answers to clinical questions. Methods: Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 45 clinicians after clinical sessions to investigate their information‐seeking habits. Follow‐up interviews were conducted after a week for those intending to address unanswered queries. Results: Two thirds of clinicians encountered questions during care, with nearly three quarters resolving them during the session. Colleagues, guidelines and online platforms were common information sources, with smartphones being used to access Google, WhatsApp or UpToDate®. Facilitators included reliable sources and the drive to confirm knowledge, while barriers included ineffective search methods and high workload. Despite challenges, most clinicians expressed satisfaction with their information‐seeking process. Discussion: The findings underscore the increasing use of smartphones for accessing clinical information among Singaporean primary care clinicians and suggest the need for tailored training programmes and guidelines to optimise information‐seeking practices. Conclusion: Insights from this study can inform the development of training programmes and guidelines aimed at improving information‐seeking practices among primary care clinicians, potentially enhancing patient care quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Objective Methods Results Conclusions Pakistan is a densely populated South Asian country. It is facing numerous health challenges, as well as problems of the digital divide. The government of Pakistan established e‐libraries as a pilot project in 2018. These libraries are functioning through community centers/public libraries in the largest province of the country.This paper examines the role of Pakistani e‐libraries in creating health awareness and providing health information to the public.The qualitative research design was based on focus group discussions with the head librarians of all 13 of the 20 e‐libraries contacted.The findings revealed that e‐libraries actively create health‐related awareness and connect the public to health advisors. The e‐libraries were engaged in four types of health‐related activities (seminars, awareness campaigns, open health camps, and special health day celebrations) with high attendance from the public. Attendees of these programs returned to librarians with additional health‐related queries.The study suggests a need for more liaison between the community and local healthcare institutions. This approach can make these programs more effective in helping individuals manage their health. The results of this study can serve as a useful guide for other developing nations in developing similar services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The traditional qualifications and work of a health librarian may not, at first glance, seem like they readily lend themselves to the wider work of an organisation. Too often librarians are seen as experts in a small specialist field. However, as librarians, we know that at our core is extensive digital experience and knowledge as well as a core set of transferrable skills that can be adapted to meet the ever‐changing needs of the organisation. This article describes how the library evidence team became part of a wider board project to develop a governance system for Apps. It also describes how the skills of librarians can be developed to work in this area and raise the profile of the team within the board. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study reviews the effect of multiple sources of information on the mental focus of Egyptian university students, as the researcher tried to identify and understand the phenomenon of information overload and develop methodological ways to deal with it better. To achieve the objectives of the study, the researcher relied on the descriptive analytical research method through surveying and extrapolating studies and research related to the subject of the study. The researcher used a questionnaire directed to Egyptian university students to identify students’ information behaviours and measure the degree of information dispersion among them. One of the results of the study is that the more information sources students use, the higher their levels of distraction, which negatively affects academic achievement and increases the feeling of information overload. The study also indicates that students find it difficult to identify reliable sources and process the huge amount of information available. The study also presented the most important techniques and methods that can be used to improve concentration and control information overload. Among the most important recommendations called for by the study is the importance of enhancing critical and analytical reading skills among students, in addition to encouraging them to benefit from reliable and high-quality sources. The study also recommended providing academic and psychological support to students to improve their tolerance of academic pressures and increase their level of concentration and academic performance.

This article presents an analysis of seven articles published within the International Perspectives and Initiatives regular feature series on the impact of technology on the provision of health information. The articles provide a road map of how technology is facilitating new and enhanced services for library users in seven countries: Australia, Bangladesh, China, England, Germany, Sweden and the United States. Although there are differences in how countries are implementing technological solutions, only one describes problems in leveraging technology to improve library services. Authors from the remaining six countries describe how they ensure that the 21st century library consults with its user groups and find way of using the latest applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current research is practical in terms of purpose. In present study used a qualitative approach to examine and analyze the status of the Information Systems of the National Library and Archives of Iran (NLAI). Documentary analysis, Tem analysis, and Fuzzy Delphi techniques were used to collect data. The research community includes the Information systems of the NLAI and experts in the field of information technology. The Information Systems consisted of Digital Library system, Iranian Newspaper System (SANA), National libraries network, National document center network, Iran Publications database, Manuscript database, Iranian Scientific Publications System. Also, 21 people (10 people to interview and 11 people to Delphi techniques) was selected experts in the fields of information systems, digital libraries, copyright and technology. For data analysis, coding and categorization of concepts were used in the form of open coding for documentary analysis and Tem analysis. Qualitative data analysis was done manually and using the MAXQDA 2020 software. Also, descriptive survey was used to analyze the indicators in fuzzy Delphi method and calculations were done using Excel. Tableau 2018 software was used to display and draw indicators better.Therefore, using Tem analysis method, 70 indicators of preventive technical requirements were identified, and then these indicators were given to 11 experts, and after two rounds of the fuzzy Delphi panel, 69 indicators identify. These indicators included 12 components was carried out. Finally, indicators “Adobe Reader and other tools” was removed from the checklist. The use of different methods to collect technical indicators and the use of triangulation method gives credibility to the research. Network Security; standards and frameworks; Authentication; digital reading tools; digital preservation; payment systems; rights metadata; access control; copy control; License; Digital repository and transfer have formed 12 components of preventive technical requirements. Also, the findings of the research showed that digital and bibliographic systems were at a weak level in terms of taking advantage of preventive technical requirements for copyright. This study offered technical framework. Also, the use of technical requirements such as: look inside, the copyright of policy, rights metadata, development and updating of systems and communication and interaction with the software support company, METS standard and use of digital repository offered in the studied information systems.

The purpose of the current research is to identify technical requirements for protection of information resources in the information systems (ISs) of National Library and Archives of Iran (NLAI) and evaluate them. The present study is an applied research in terms of purpose. In present study a qualitative approach is used to examine and analyze the status of the ISs of the NLAI. Documentary analysis, Tem analysis, and Fuzzy Delphi techniques were used to collect data. The research community includes the ISs of the NLAI and experts in the field of information technology. The ISs consisted of Digital Library system, Iranian Newspaper System (SANA), National Libraries Network, National Document Center Network, Iran Publications database, Manuscript database, Iranian Scientific Publications System. Also, 21 people (10 people to interview and 11 people to participate in Delphi techniques) were selected experts in the fields of Iss, digital libraries, copyright and technology. For data analysis, coding and categorization of concepts were used of open coding for documentary analysis and Tem analysis. Qualitative data analysis was done manually using MAXQDA 2020 software. Also, descriptive survey was used to analyze the indicators in fuzzy Delphi method and calculations were done using Excel. Tableau 2018 software was used to display and draw indicators better. Therefore, using Tem analysis method, 70 indicators of preventive technical requirements were identified, and then these indicators were given to 11 experts, and after two rounds of fuzzy Delphi panel, 69 indicators identified. These indicators including 12 components were carried out. Finally, indicators “Adobe Reader and other tools” was removed from the checklist. The use of different methods to collect technical indicators and the use of triangulation method gives credibility to the research. Network Security, standards and frameworks, Authentication, digital reading tools, digital preservation, payment systems; rights metadata, access control, copy control, License, Digital repository and transfer have formed 12 components of preventive technical requirements. Also, the findings of the research showed that digital and bibliographic systems were at a weak level in terms of taking advantage of preventive technical requirements for copyright. This study offered technical framework. The use of technical requirements such as lookInside, the copyright of policy, rights metadata, development and updating of systems and communication and interaction with the software support company, METS standard and use of digital repository offered in the studied ISs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Australia is no different to any other country in that information technology (IT) and the speed of its advancement has a huge impact on health care and therefore on health libraries. Australian health librarians are valuable members of health care teams and strive to integrate services and resources across hospitals. This article looks at the role Australian health libraries play in the broader health information landscape and the importance of information governance and health informatics as a tenet of the work undertaken by libraries. Of particular focus in this is the Health Libraries Australia/Telstra Health Digital Health Innovation Award, offered annually, to help focus on particular technological challenges. Three cases studies are explored demonstrating impact on the systematic review process, inter‐library loan system automation and a room booking service. Also discussed are the ongoing professional development opportunities, which help upskill the Australian health library workforce. Australian health libraries also face many challenges with piecemeal IT systems across the nation, resulting in lost opportunities. Also, many Australian health services do not have a qualified librarian on staff, which undermines information governance. However, resiliency shines through with strong professional health library networks working to challenge the status quo in an effort to improve the application of health informatics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From the point of view of the development of libraries, technology has made possible the emergence and development of library automation; digital libraries; mobile libraries; and smart libraries. This article briefly describes the impact of technological developments and application in Health Science Libraries in China in relation to collections development, service provision and the role of library associations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Caregivers of children may rely on internet sources, health care providers, peers or family for health information. Objective: To examine the impact of sociodemographic factors on the use of the internet for health information by caregivers of children, and the impact on self‐efficacy, effort and frustration. Methods: Using data from the 2019 Health Information National Trends Survey, the effects of information source on self‐efficacy, effort and frustration was examined using the complex samples module of SPSS. Results: The internet was the most common source of health information for caregivers of children (n = 247), with high confidence, low frustration and effort reported. Younger, higher educated and higher income caregivers were significantly more likely to use the internet for health information. Information from Health Care Providers (HCPs) was associated with greater confidence, and information from peers associated with lesser effort and frustration. No significant effects on self‐efficacy, effort or frustration for online health information was noted compared to other sources. Conclusions: Efforts to reduce barriers to online health information may be required for some groups of caregivers, and health care providers may have a role to play in this. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigates the use of Smartphone for Digital Information Resources and Services Access by University Academics: A Survey of Faculty Members of Modibbo Adama University, Yola Nigeria. The study was guided by six objectives, six research questions and three hypothesises were tested at 0.05 level of significance. The study adopted survey research method. Questionnaire was used as the method of data collection. The population for this study is 648 academics. The study adopted simple random sampling techniques. The collected data was analysed by inferential statistics, and hypothesis was tested at 0.05 level of significance, the study among others revealed that 16.250% mostly used Android phones types of smartphone device mostly used by academics in accessing information resources and services. It revealed that respondents agreed to the items raised on the reasons for using various applications of smartphones by the academics to access information resources and services. It was also revealed that the respondents agreed to the items raised on the challenges faced by academics in accessing information resources and services. The study concludes among others that most of the academics used android phone in accessing the information and digital services also satisfied to the extent with the services. The study recommends among others that the library management should strive and make all information resources and services digitalized in order to make them accessible through digital devices, and management should provide internet with enough bandwidth to curtail the challenges faced by the academics in accessing information resources and services [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

National Health Service (NHS) knowledge and library services in England are integrating digital advances into their systems and services. Health Education England (HEE) leads on the development of NHS library services. A key workstream focuses on (1) improving the infrastructure to enable discovery and management of digital knowledge resources; (2) collaborating with local teams to establish regional library management systems that are integrated with the new national discovery service for healthcare staff and learners. This article explores initiatives on resource discovery as well as the need for system‐wide partnership working to ensure that biomedical knowledge in computable form is findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable. Low levels of health and digital literacy pose a significant barrier to using health information and accessing health services. A range of interventions are aimed at enhancing citizens' digital and health literacy skills. The education and life‐long learning needs of the knowledge and library services workforce are considered. Working with CILIP and higher education institutions, HEE delivers a range of educational offers through its Learning Academy. As Artificial Intelligence and automation are implemented in health systems, knowledge and library staff form a crucial bridge between technology and those who use it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Health science libraries have been using information technology since the late 1960s, shaping both the profession and the mission of these libraries. To explore the impact of technology, a series of articles has been commissioned for the HILJ Regular Feature, International Perspectives and Initiatives. This editorial sets the scene for this series of articles, which starts in this issue. These articles, written by health science librarians from around the globe, will explore the impact of technology on the way health science libraries provide information in the digital age. Some articles will look at national trends and others will focus on a particular library. A key theme is how technology is being used to support the mission of health science libraries and whether technology has altered that mission. This editorial provides a brief overview of the technologies libraries have adopted, from the 1970s to the present day. From this, it is clear that information technology has transformed the way health information is collected, catalogued, and disseminated to users. And it is certain that in the coming decade new technologies will be incorporated into health science libraries, which will pose challenges for both users and librarians. However, librarians will continue to find ways to adapt and use these tools to meet the needs of their users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the last of three articles based on a series of articles published in the Health Information and Libraries Journal's Regular Feature (International Perspectives and Initiatives). Key trends from 12 countries in Europe, North America, Africa, and Asia were identified. In this issue, the last five trends are considered: (1) Participation in collaborations, networks, partnerships, social networks; (2) Repurposing library space; (3) Focus on user experience; (4) Impact of technology on the provision of services; and (5) Engaging with the public. Readers are challenged to compare these trends with their own experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA) is an untreatable disease that negatively impacts patients' and caregivers' quality of life. Objectives: The aims were to improve the quality of the information for FRDA patients and caregivers and suggest a possible tool to spread this information. Material and methods: Thirty-four FRDA patients and 45 caregivers were interviewed separately using a structured self-administered survey about their information-seeking behavior, their level of expectation and satisfaction for the information received, and the need for further information. Results and conclusion: For patients and caregivers, the main source of information was the FRDA specialist and the media. The most searched items were "general information"; patients and particularly caregivers desired to get more information on existing and experimental therapies. Adequate information supply is part of good medical care; therefore, a deeper insight of clinicians in information-seeking behavior of FRDA patients and caregivers would provide tailored information and improve therapeutic alliance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patient‐centred e‐health (PCEH) focusses on the interaction between patients and physicians. However, only a limited number of studies have focussed on the design of physician–patient value cocreation mechanisms in the PCEH context. Thus, we extend Grönroos' concept of value cocreation to understand how PCEH might improve the quality of care. Objectives: This study proposes a theoretical framework to embody PCEH‐supported value cocreation and presents some empirical validation. We expect that PCEH‐supported value cocreation should comprise capabilities for patient empowerment, intention for information sharing, complementation for checking and verifying information, and interaction for shared understanding. Methods: This study surveyed a small group of patients that have used PCEH, 'My Health Bank' in Taiwan. The questionnaires were delivered to patients in hospitals (n = 167 questionnaires, 98% response rate). Results: Results indicate that certain PCEH‐supported value cocreation mechanisms—capabilities for patient empowerment and interaction for shared understanding—affect the perceived quality of medical care. Limitations: The survey only considered patient perceptions of value cocreation. Conclusion: This study shows the patient perception of value cocreation in patient‐centred e‐Health. Further research needs to validate the framework for health professionals and in other e‐Health record information sharing settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The innate need for growth and the growing popularity of digital information resources have prompted many academic libraries, including Lead City University to invest on the provision of digital information resources. However, studies have shown that provision of digital information resources does not automatically guarantee utilization. This study therefore investigates the utilization of digital information resources among undergraduate students at Lead City University, Ibadan Nigeria. The study adopted a quantitative research method with a questionnaire used as research instrument. The study sample consists of 342 undergraduate students and the data collected was analysed with aid of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings show that there is a low level of digital resources utilization among the undergraduates. It was also found that challenges such as lack information retrieval skills, slow internet and inadequate computer system are among the challenges affecting the utilization of digital information resources by the undergraduate students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]