Librarians and doctors learn online health research skills

Librarians and doctors in Vanadzor in Armenia’s mountainous Lori Region have undergone advanced computer training for their library’s Health Bridge service, which will support clinics and hospitals by providing vital health information, especially about local health issues. New health material on display at the launch of the Health Bridge ServiceNew health material on display at the launch of the Health Bridge Service.

The computer training, which took place in December 2011, marked the launch of the service. Training focused on researching online medical databases. With their new skills librarians will be able to locate and refer community members to reliable e-health resources, and doctors will be able to consult with patients online.

The library has also launched its new interactive Health Bridge website, which features a confidential question and answer service for the community, staffed by doctors.

‘Our library can support the work of busy health clinics, and improve free access to health information for people with limited financial means. As women often serve as the health information caretakers for their families, we will especially reach out to women. We have tremendous support from library staff, our partners, and others in the community,’ said Ms Anahit Kocharyan, Director of the Lori Regional Library.

The launch of Health Bridge in November 2011 was well attended by representatives of medical institutions and non-governmental organizations. The launch also attracted local media coverage, and reports were aired on Lori TV, 9 Channel TV and published in local newspapers.

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