Health Literacy: An overview of an emerging field

Abstract

The field of library and information science has a long history of encouraging lifelong learning and literacy. The public library has been well documented as an educational resource throughout communities in the United States (De la Peña McCook, 2004; Johnson, 1938; Taylor, 2010). Public libraries have a history of offering a variety of programs to promote early literacy and adult literacy, and are now expanding services in some cases to include digital and financial literacy. Another type of literacy or skill set is coming to the forefront and has a significant impact on individuals' lives and well-being: health literacy. Do libraries and librarians have a role to play in this newly emerging field of literacy? This paper opens with background information and definitions of health literacy. Measurement tools, limited literacy, and implications for quality health care are then explored. A discussion of the role of libraries, future research, and implications of this emergent field of study are also addressed. Background and Definition