Farmer, L. (2014). Issues in
teen technology use to find health information. The Journal of Research on
Libraries and Young Adults, 4(1). April 27, 2015.
Summary
Lesley Farmer’s article outlines the information seeking
behavior of teens in regards to them looking for information related to health
issues. She says that teens seek health information when they need it or are in
fear about their health (are afraid that they may be sick), rather than being
proactive about wanting to maintain or stay healthy. Another reason they may
seek health info is because they value anonymity because of a health condition
they may feel embarrassed asking about (acne, mental illness, sexuality).
Because of this, a great majority of teens will not seek librarians for help.
Rather, teens will oftentimes go to the internet first for confidentiality
reasons. Due to the information-sensitive nature of the content teens are
seeking, Farmer lists ways in which libraries can help connect teens with the
health information they seek.
Evaluation
I wanted to read this information because of HIPAA laws. In
what capacity can librarians aid patrons, especially minors such as teens, find
the health information they need? For example, what types of reference
interview questions are we permitted to ask, and which ones should we refrain
from asking at all? As a librarian working at a school, sometimes I hear too
much information that a teen divulges about their personal well-being that I am
mandated to report (i.e. suicidal thoughts, abuse, etc). I found Farmer’s
suggestions on how libraries could still involve themselves in helping teens (whether
directly in person or as an intermediary by including/referring good health
website links on our website) as something I’d consult in the future.
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