Availability of birth defects and genetic disease information in public libraries -- implications for the Human Genome Project

Journal Article · Thu Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1994 · American Journal of Human Genetics

OSTI ID:134649

Sell, S; Gettig, E; Mulvihill, J J

In order to better educate the public about birth defects and genetic diseases/testing, access to information is critical. The public library system of the United States is extensive and serves as an invaluable resource to citizens. We surveyed reference librarians at each of 87 public libraries in Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties, Pennsylvania. The study design included a questionnaire to ascertain the genetic knowledge of reference librarians and cataloged current resources in print and via telecommunications available to the public. A high compliance rate was achieved due to the incentive of providing copies of the Alliance of Genetic Support Group Directory to those who responded to the survey along with complete sets of the forty-three March of Dimes Information Sheets currently available. Analysis of demographic data related to the age, gender, and educational background, in addition to the occurrence of personal experiences with genetic disease was ascertained. Reference librarians were chosen as the study group due to the common experience of families seeking further information from the public library after or prior to a genetic consultation. As the Human Genome Project identifies new genes for conditions, people will seek public information more frequently. The study shows that public libraries are an appropriate point of education to and for the public.

• OSTI ID: 134649
• Report Number(s): CONF-941009--
• Journal Information: American Journal of Human Genetics, Journal Name: American Journal of Human Genetics Journal Issue: Suppl.3 Vol. 55; ISSN AJHGAG; ISSN 0002-9297
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

55 BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
BASIC STUDIES
99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS
CONGENITAL MALFORMATIONS
EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES
HEREDITARY DISEASES
LIBRARIES
PENNSYLVANIA
PUBLIC INFORMATION