Health Information Services and Technology Access during and after a Disaster: Lessons Learned by Public Librarians in South Carolina

ABSTRACT

A situation-specific case study was conducted to identify health information services and technology access during and after the October 2015 catastrophic flooding in South Carolina. Using a framework for risk communication preparedness and implementation recommended by public health experts, this study investigates public libraries and their legitimacy as partners of public health agencies during and after a disaster. The methodology includes focus group meetings and a one-on-one interview. Preliminary results reveal essential health information and technology access needs. It is recommended that public libraries be proactively prepared to provide reliable disaster and health digital resources for adult users.

KEYWORDS:

• Digital library resources
• disaster preparedness
• health information
• natural disasters
• public libraries

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Feili Tu-Keefner

Feili Tu-Keefner, MLIS, PhD ([email protected]) is Associate Professor, School of Library and Information Science, University of South Carolina, 1501 Greene Street, Columbia, SC 29208, USA.

Jingjing Liu

Jingjing Liu, MLIS, PhD ([email protected]) is Assistant Professor, School of Library and Information Science, University of South Carolina, 1501 Greene Street, Columbia, SC 29208, USA.

Elizabeth Hartnett

Elizabeth Hartnett, MLIS, ABD ([email protected]) is a PhD Candidate, School of Library and Information Science, University of South Carolina, 1501 Greene Street, Columbia, SC 29208, USA.

Samantha K. Hastings

Samantha K. Hastings, PhD ([email protected]) is Professor, School of Library and Information Science, University of South Carolina, 1501 Greene Street, Columbia, SC 29208, USA.