On the Air: Librarians and Doctors Using the Radio to Communicate with Listeners About Health

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  • February 22, 2019
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  • Renner, Barbara Rochen
  • Ladd, Robert
    • Affiliation: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Health Sciences Library
  • Silbajoris, Christie
    • Affiliation: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Health Sciences Library
  • Handler, Lara J.
    • Affiliation: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Health Sciences Library
  • Crowell, Karen
    • Affiliation: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Health Sciences Library
  • Blackwell, Jean
    • Affiliation: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Health Sciences Library
Abstract
  • Objectives: Librarians partner with producers of a weekly health-oriented radio show hosted by clinicians in the family medicine department. Previously, librarians helped develop the show's interactive website/blog and worked with the show's hosts and producer to improve website usability. Currently, librarians contribute to the show's blog on a weekly basis, supplementing what listeners hear on air with additional high-quality online sources. Methods: Supplementing weekly show topics, librarians provide consumer health links to reputable websites, supplying additional information and health education to readers of the radio show's website/blog. Librarians provide hosts with resources about communicating health information at a literacy level appropriate for the public. Challenges included communicating with everyone involved, changing blog organization as it expands in scope, and scheduling librarian coverage of shows. Results: The library is listed as a sponsor on the show's website and is acknowledged on-air weekly. Hosts mention librarian assistance when directing listeners to the website for more information. Website statistics show the blog has been visited over 10,000 times in the last year and that the library sponsorship link on the website/blog sidebar is among the most frequently visited links from the show's site. This partnership increases the public's access to quality health information on the Internet. Feedback from the show's producer and hosts is favorable and the partnership continues. The show is expanding statewide. Conclusions: This is a unique partnership allowing a health sciences library to collaborate with a radio show to reach the public. The librarians have made valuable contributions in areas including social media, design, knowledge and provision of consumer health resources, and health information literacy.
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  • Medical Library Association. Annual Meeting (2012: Seattle, WA)
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