Role of librarians in information therapy (Ix): a comparative study of two developing countries

Abstract

Purpose - The main aim of the study is to determine whether information therapy (Ix) services are rendered in hospital/medical libraries in Iran and India and to identify the role of librarians in providing health information to patients in the context of information therapy (Ix) services, and the problems and prospects for rendering Ix services in hospital/medical libraries. Design/methodology/approach - An exploratory survey was conducted using a questionnaire to collect data. Librarians were selected by a simple random sampling method from the membership list of the Iranian Medical Library Association and the Medical Library Association of India. In total, 100 questionnaires were distributed through mail and e-mail to each of the sampling frames. A total of 71 and 84 valid responses were collected from Iran and India, respectively. Simple descriptive statistical analysis was utilized using SPSS version 15.5. A Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test was used to compare variables. Findings - Information therapy (Ix) services are rendered in the hospital/medical libraries of Iran and India, formally and informally. There are various obstacles for librarians in rendering Ix services in both countries. Originality/value - The study brings to light the state of information therapy services in Indian and Iranian health science libraries in supporting patient care. It reflects the librarian's role in Ix, the problems and prospects. It enables library managers and health care policy makers to make evidence-based decisions and develop standards and programs for successful national consumer health information and information therapy services.