Information Therapy

June 08, 2012

As a reference librarian, I hear people complain frequently about wanting to know more about their health diagnosis or find information about a common disease. Many of them are frustrated by the overwhelming number of hits and the effort of wading through advertisements when they try searching the Web.  We ALL want just the information we need—when we need it! This is such a pervasive idea, the Healthwise Company is now marketing "Information Therapy – the practice of prescribing the right information to the right person at the right time," for doctors to actually "prescribe" to their patients!

You don’t need a prescription for good information.  MCPL has 14 health-oriented databases that eliminate the advertising and unreliable information, and allow you to easily find the information you want! Our databases offer safety, convenience, and reliability, with information that is up-to-date.

If you’re unsure about accessing or searching the databases, we are offering a class that will set you on the path to getting the information you want. Come learn the criteria for evaluating health information on the Internet, and practice your searching skills. We will also demonstrate the features of the health databases and suggest reliable health websites. Join us for Health Info on the Web at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 19th. We guarantee you’ll feel more confident about searching for health information!  

Jan C.
North Independence Branch