Health promotion by setting up medical and health information services in public libraries: A qualitative approach

The aim of the present study was to provide a model for medical and health information in public libraries for citizens.
The methodology was qualitative using grounded theory to extract analytical and comprehensive model. The population consisted of 18 specialists and officials in the field of Health and Public libraries selected using purposive sampling. The research tools were semi-structured interviews. To ensure the validity and reliability of qualitative data, measures with standards of scientific rigor were used. The interviews were analyzed using open coding, axial, and selective methods. The main issues were identified, and so were causal conditions, grounded, interferer, strategies, and consequences.
The main features of both the manufacturer and distributor of health information were found as the proposed model: high potentials and abilities in the Ministry of Health like specialists in Health area, access to health information, the skills of trained librarians, and the general audience of public libraries. Strategies were establishing agreement between the two organizations, planning programs, and promoting interactive atmosphere, which can lead to promotion of health and health literacy individuals’ access to more reliable and up to date resources.
Since users need to have access to reliable information, it seems necessary to provide a local model for this purpose. Using this model to produce and distribute medical and health information resources can be helpful to the public.