Libraries helping residents navigate web of online
information
Libraries across Worcestershire are offering help and
guidance to residents who need help in navigating health advice
information sources on the web.
Worcestershire County Council is working in
partnership with SCL, Directgov, and other national partners to
develop tools that will help people to easily access information
sources from the web relating to Health and wellbeing.
A new website has been created http://www.myhealthlibrary.co.uk/.
This website brings together the most commonly sought information
in one handy location, including links to searches for health
practices, hospitals and support groups, and information on other
services in the health and social care area.
Residents will also be able to find out more about
health conditions and treatments, conduct online checks on symptoms
and for their own wellbeing. Links have also been made to Books on
Prescription schemes, which are run through libraries with the
support of the NHS.
Nicki Hitchcock,
Area Manager for Partnerships and Inclusion Libraries and
Learning Servicesaid: “We are delighted
to be involved in this project; many library users are unaware of
how much they can do online, from finding a support group to doing
a health check. The aim of this project is to make sure barriers to
information are broken down, especially for those who are
uncomfortable with using the web.”
The website also features YouTube clips to
introduce the different content and demonstrate where searches can
take people and what they can do. These can be used by people
exploring the services available, or by staff and volunteers
supporting people in making use of online services.
This is a pilot project funded by Arts Council
England and as such is reliant on feedback to find out how best to
develop the service. A questionnaire sits on the page, and those
who complete it can be entered into a draw to win £100.
For more information call the Worcestershire
Hub on 01905 822722.
This page was last reviewed 28 March 2012 at 10:39.
The page is next due for review 24 September 2013.