Identifying Health Information Services for Older Adults in Public Libraries: A Systematic Review

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Faezeh Sadat Bahrololoumi Tabatabai 1
Nosrat Riahinia 2
Davoud Haseli 3
Fatemeh Pazooki 4
1 PhD Student, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
2 Professor Department of Knowledge and Information Science, Faculty of Psychology and Education, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran - - - Department of Knowledge and Information Science, Faculty of Psychology and Education, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
3 Department of Knowledge and Information Science, Faculty of Psychology and Education, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
4 Assistant Professor National Library and Archives of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this study was to identify health information services for older adults provided in public libraries through a systematic literature review.

Methods: This research employed a systematic review approach based on the framework proposed by Kitchenham and Charters (2007). Relevant documents were retrieved from three citation databases—PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science—covering the period from 2010 to 2024. Appropriate keywords were used, and references and citations of the retrieved documents were examined to ensure maximum coverage. Inclusion criteria comprised research studies addressing health information services for older adults within the context of public libraries. Ultimately, 54 English-language documents were selected and analyzed. Data were qualitatively coded and categorized.

Findings: The results revealed that health information services for older adults in public libraries can be classified into three major categories: 1) Health information functions, including individual health information services, public health information services, and digital resources; 2) Health education and informational empowerment functions, encompassing digital and health literacy training, library-based learning and skill development, and support for lifelong learning and empowerment; and 3) Social and cultural support functions, including cultural and social participation services, strengthening communication and reducing isolation, and ensuring physical and service accessibility.

Conclusion: The public libraries can play a significant role in improving the health and quality of life of older adults by providing accessible and reliable resources, promoting health and digital literacy, fostering social support, and facilitating referrals to health services. Achieving this role requires adequate library infrastructure, enhanced professional skills among librarians, and collaboration with health institutions. Overall, this study offers an evidence-based framework for developing health education services in public libraries and highlights their role in addressing the needs of aging communities.
Keywords
elderly
Health Information Services
Public libraries
Systematic review
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Human and Information Interaction
Volume 12, Issue 2
Summer 2025
Pages 1-24