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Children in hospital: I. Survey of library and book provision
1Department of Information and Library Studies, University of Wales, Aberystwyth.
Insights
This study found that while children in hospitals have access to many reading materials, dedicated library services are scarce. Healthcare staff utilize these resources for children
Area of Science:
- Library and Information Science
- Pediatric Healthcare
- Children's Literature
Background:
- Hospital libraries and services for children are crucial for their well-being.
- Previous research indicated a need to assess the current provision of these services.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey the national provision of book and library services for children in UK hospitals.
- To profile the availability and utilization of reading materials by hospital staff.
- To explore the practice of reading therapy in pediatric care settings.
Main Methods:
- A national survey using questionnaires sent to all UK hospitals treating children.
- Targeted questionnaires for hospital librarians, senior pediatric nurses, and local authority library services.
- Follow-up questionnaires for facilities employing reading therapy.
Main Results:
- Significant availability of reading and other materials for children in hospitals was observed.
- A limited number of formal library services were identified.
- Nurses, teachers, and play staff actively used materials for pleasure, education, and therapy.
Conclusions:
- While reading materials are abundant, formal library services for children in hospitals are underdeveloped.
- Existing resources are effectively leveraged by healthcare professionals for therapeutic and educational benefits.
- Further investigation into reading therapy practices is warranted.
Abstract:
Between 1989 and 1991 two related research projects were undertaken by the authors at the Department of Information and Library Studies, Aberystwyth, into services for children in hospital. This article summarizes the findings of the first of the projects, a survey of book and library services to children in hospital, giving a national profile of provision. It demonstrates a substantial provision of reading and other materials available to children in hospital but a small number of library services, as such. Nurses, teachers and hospital play staff generally exploited these materials for pleasure, educational and therapeutic purposes. The survey was based on questionnaires sent to all hospitals in the UK which treated children and was addressed, where possible, to hospital librarians, otherwise to the senior paediatric nurse. A shorter questionnaire was also addressed to all local authority Young People's and Schools Library services for a public library or school library perspective. Where there was evidence of the use of reading therapy, a further questionnaire was sent to explore its practice. A second article will discuss the results of the second project, which was devoted to a further exploration of reading therapy with children in hospital.