Susanne Dida, a student from the Library and Information Science Program (PSI) at Fikom Unpad, has published a scholarly article titled “Health Information Literacy among Children at Reading Communities in Sumedang Regency.” The publication discusses how health information literacy is implemented for children through services and activities at Community Reading Gardens (TBM), as well as the strategies used to promote healthy behaviors.
This research was conducted with the support of PSI Fikom Unpad faculty members, namely Elnovani Lusiana, Retasari Dewi, Evi Nursanti Rukmana, and Abdul Qayoum Safi. This collaboration reflects Fikom Unpad’s commitment to encouraging student research that not only contributes to the advancement of knowledge but also has practical relevance in community information services.
The background of this study highlights the importance of health information for children, who are vulnerable to illness due to unhealthy lifestyle habits. TBMs, as knowledge repositories and managers, provide health information services through books and literacy activities, enabling children to learn and practice healthy behaviors from an early age. The main objective of the study was to examine the level of health information literacy among children at TBMs in Sumedang Regency.
The study employed a qualitative descriptive method, focusing on children from three TBMs in Sumedang Regency: TBM Lingkaran Cahaya, TBM Bina Kreasi Muda, and TBM Pabukon Ngadongeng. The analysis focused on children’s understanding of health information, the TBMs’ strategies for delivering information, and the literacy activities they implemented.
The results revealed that children were aware of their health information needs but had limited understanding of the proper application of such information. The three TBMs provided diverse health-related reading materials, such as books, comics, and magazines, and employed different strategies in planning health information activities. Literacy activities were conducted according to users’ competencies and interests, with comprehension processes evaluated through reading understanding, discussions, read-aloud, and think-aloud activities. Two TBMs recorded information in master books and catalogs and promoted health literacy activities through social media. Although access to health information remains limited, the TBMs have already shown innovation in practicing health information literacy through activities.
The article has been published in Jurnal Kajian Informasi & Perpustakaan, Vol. 12, No. 2 (December 2024), pages 325-344. The findings provide valuable insights for TBM and community library managers in Indonesia regarding strategies for implementing health information literacy among children.
This research is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3 on Good Health and Well-being, and Goal 4 on Quality Education. By emphasizing the role of TBMs in enhancing children’s health information literacy, this work makes a tangible contribution to creating a healthier and more knowledgeable society.
Full research results can be accessed at: http://media.unpad.ac.id/files/publikasi/2025/rpm_20250210092231_3457.pdf
Authors: Ridha Amalia, Nadziva Shaqeena, and Naresh Aurelia Berliana.
