A Matter of Perception: A grounded theory case

study of consumer health information use

Anna HuberLI810XO

Emporia State University

Topic: How does the formation of health information influence

patron perception and usage?

What is perception?

Literature Review

• Health education research

• Theory of constructed preference

• Evaluability• Literacy vs.

Numeracy • Health Activation

Questions guiding research

1. How is patron perception measured? 2. What do patrons identify as key factors in determining the value of information? 3. Is format one of those factors? 4. Is there a consensus on preferred formats for specific subject matter?5. Does format influence how information is used?6. Is there a way that libraries could adapt this information of better serve their patrons?

Design• Qualitative

Research• Focus on

“grounded theory”• Multi-method

format – Use of human

subjects– Interviews and

surveys

Data Collection

• Surveys available for 4 weeks• Interview 5 patrons who have

indicated their willingness to be interviewed

• Interview will consist of 10-15 standardized questions, lasting between 30-45 minutes

• Interviews will be taped and transcribed

Timeline

• Literature review 2- 4 weeks

• Surveys available for 4 weeks

• Interviews for following 4 weeks

• 2 weeks to transcribe, assemble notes

• 4 weeks to assimilate research and write up findings

All over but the writing …

• Collaborate research done by health educators

• Engage in dialog about libraries role in providing usable health information

• Implications for collection development, reference