Cannabis on campus: Gateway to student health literacy for academic health science librarians

Abstract

Introduction: Effective 17 October 2018, recreational or adult-use cannabis becomes legal in Canada, and Provincial legislation will soon follow. The objective of this paper is to determine how Canadian universities are responding to this new reality via provision of web-based education and awareness materials through campus health centres. In addition, the paper explores what framework might exist or be created to partner academic health sciences librarians with student health services in the provision of best practice research for both students and clinicians. Methods: A scan of English Canadian university websites was undertaken to determine whether information on cannabis or marijuana directed at students was available, and whether identifiable resources in the area of health science librarians or subject guides were available. Website searches were performed between 25 February and 20 March 2018. Results: Results of a website scan of 78 English-language Canadian Universities indicated that only 8 universities (10.25%) have links to material available on cannabis or marijuana (although one link was unpopulated) whereas some 49 universities (63%) have qualified professional librarians associated with health sciences who could provide guidance on such material. Discussion: Academic librarians and libraries already play a pivotal role in the retention and support of student academic goals through liaison, reference and instruction. There is precedent as well in some institutions for library partnerships with student services areas such as career services, accessibility and common book programs. This paper suggest that the complex factors related to cannabis education, public health initiatives and health literacy in general present a unique opportunity for academic health science librarians to engage and partner with university health services and clinicians and grow the presence and influence of librarian support on university campuses.