Dr. Stanley Reiser Dr. Reiser opened the session with comments regarding the role of institutions such as those who make up the Texas Medical Center in providing health care information for consumers, particularly via the Internet. The group identified issues for discussion, which are listed below, then discussed as many issues as time permitted. We believe the academic health institutions should be purveyors of information about health and illness to the public at large. Dr. Tom Burks added that we would not be here today if we did not believe that we have a responsibility in this area. Ms. Naomi Boehring suggested that all government agencies, including the FDA, CDC, and county health departments have an interest and a responsibility to provide such information, but that first and foremost, health care providers are the purveyors-they have the responsibility to direct patients to more information.
Libraries have a responsibility as well, but more indirectly.
The library's role is usually one of facilitation and coordination rather than development of information for public consumption. Dr. John McMahon responded that universities have the responsibility because they can bring together the best and strongest resources. Dr. Reiser suggested this is a new function for libraries. The job of libraries is also to preserve and transmit knowledge. Private practitioners also should transmit knowledge because they have a moral responsibility to pass it on to their patients and others who will benefit from it.