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Libraries as Catalysts for Health Sector Development: Insights from a Systematic Review

Jelly A. Okomo
Directorate of Library Services, The University of Dodoma
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Abstract
Libraries are valuable sources of health information required for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases. Numerous studies have shown that libraries enhance access to and dissemination of health information, which is crucial for health sector development. Despite the importance and rapid growth of research in the field, researchers have made few attempts to systematically review and incorporate findings from previous studies on the role of libraries in health sector development. The main purpose of this study was to provide a better understanding and a detailed review of the current state of research on the contribution of libraries in health sector development. A systematic review was conducted using the PRISMA 2020 Methodological Framework. In this systematic review, data on the role of libraries in health sector development were collected, analyzed and synthesized from journal articles published in digital databases between 2014 and 2024 using prescribed procedures. The research field, publication dates, journal language, and methodological characteristics were included in the analysis. The findings indicate that libraries contribute to health sector development through the dissemination of health information required for the prevention and management of diseases, health professionals’ development, the promotion of health science research, and community outreach programmes. Overall, the review indicated that several studies have been conducted on the role of libraries in healthcare settings, with most of them focusing on educational health institutions. Although these studies are relevant to the development of the health sector, more high-quality research is needed to focus on the economic development aspect of the health sector.

Keywords: Libraries, Library services, Health services, Health sector, Development, Medical libraries, Health institutions

Proceedings of the 6th COTUL Scientific Conference, 11–12 November 2024 at TMDA, Mwanza, Tanzania