Classes can be arranged according to your schedule. All provide ways you can learn, at your own pace, about areas of health that are of interest to you. The libraries also are staffed by personnel who can help locate information on a specific topic. In addition, the hospital libraries carry a number of on-line databases, such as the Health Reference Center, that contain pamphlets and articles of consumer health information which patients and family members can easily access via the Internet. On-line searches can also be done by the librarians at a patient's request.
Many patients also use the libraries' Internet service to access on-line support groups.
Recently, the wife of a patient who had his leg amputated came to the Sister Joseph Library looking for information about amputations. A librarian referred her to the Internet, where they found an on-line discussion group that her husband could go to for support. Along with health information resources, the libraries provide patients and visitors with computers for personal Internet and e-mail access. Smith says there is a huge demand for this service. When individuals at the hospital tire of catching up on their e-mail correspondence or researching health topics, and they just want to relax, the library resources can still be of service.