New roles and challenges for health information specialists: professional changes over the years

Abstract

In this article, guest writers from the Istituto Superiore di Sanità in Italy, the leading scientific technical body of the Italian National Health Service present a historic case study considering the role and evolution of the information specialists at their institution over a twenty year period. The paper places a particular emphasis on the initiatives undertaken in consumer health information and health literacy promotion, in order to improve public health in Italy. Areas covered include the development of online health information provision, early strategies to support the improvement of health literacy, and national projects and collaborations. H.S.

Embedded librarians: An innovative experience in health and wellness communication

“…Currently, the website contains hundreds of structured web pages covering the descriptions, causes, symptoms, treatments and prevention of different diseases and health conditions, and commentaries on fake health news (Pizzarelli et al, 2019).…”

Wither health science librarianship? Many questions, many options

“…To engage in these activities, librarians will need new competencies and an impressive education and professional development programme has been created to ensure staff are prepared. The second article by Pizzarelli, Cammarano, Sampaolo and Della Seta () sets out the challenges faced by Italian health librarians working in the field of consumer health information and health literacy promotion. Working to improve public health in Italy has provided an ‘opportunity for the group to … go beyond the traditional tasks of day to day heath information provision’.…”