Librarians are constantly searching for clear answers to confusing consumer-health questions. Any librarian who answers consumer-health questions will find this comprehensive guide to be a treasure chest of professional information. Librarians, social workers, teachers, and anyone seeking the best avenues to take for researching all major health issues will find themselves using the Handbook and CD-ROM as a master map. Barclay and Halsted list and annotate hundreds of sources for consumer health information and illustrate the principles and practice of consumer-health librarianship. The CD-ROM includes templates for developing an effective consumer-health Web site and for designing in-house consumer-health information brochures. This handbook covers standard resources for answering health-related questions, discusses the art of the health-reference interview, and touches on such related matters as the legal implications of providing consumer-health information. Without giving short shrift to the many indispensable printed consumer-health information resources, it puts a heavy emphasis on the use-and evaluation-of electronic health-information resources. In order to help librarians and others develop complete consumer-health information services, the authors also cover such topics as how to create an effective and useful consumer-health Web site; how to promote consumer health information resources and services through outreach; and how to collaborate with health agencies and healthcare providers to improve access to consumer-health information.

The Handbook and CD-ROM will serve as an indispensable aid and guide for answering crucial, complicated, and unavoidable healthcare questions. If your library selects this outstanding Medical Library Association resource, you will find that it is in constant use.