A comparison of health information on Florida's free-nets

In the popular rush to provide electronic consumer health information, particularly via the Internet, one system has been largely overlooked-the free-net. Free-nets are often text-based systems from which users choose topics from "menus." While the World Wide Web can be more graphically appealing, it can also be overwhelming. Medical information resources are available to diverse populations through free-nets, which are convenient, free services. The amount of information and range of topics they offer are vast. A study of Florida's free-nets during a six-month period involved five free-net systems. Survey items included user demographics, interlibrary loan services, attitudes toward providing medical advice, and availability of medical librarian expertise. Comparisons include the number of user queries on medical and health-related free-net menus, user-friendliness, and the type of health information provided.