The knowledge and attitudes of librarians regarding HIV/AIDS

Abstract

HIV/AIDS has become the most significant public health problem in Namibia and the rest of the world. The knowledge and attitudes of librarians towards HIV/AIDS is very a important in the fight against humanity's worst crisis facing the world today. It is of utter importance to note that providing information in itself does not change behavior. It has to make sense to its users. They have to make it their own. People should be made aware of HIV/AIDS through various information and media agencies to change their sexual and social practices. This study aimed to investigate whether the knowledge and attitudes of librarians play a role with regard to HIV/AIDS infected and affected users and staff. How they can use their level of knowledge to create effective and affordable services, in order to generate a better understanding of information problems. It also aimed to investigate the role of libraries and librarians in combating the pandemic. For data collection, the study made use of questionnaires that were administered to 100 librarians and assistant librarians in charge of libraries from different organizations. The findings of the study revealed that about 90 of the respondents are knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS, whereas 10 are wavering. 89 of the respondents portrayed positive attitudes towards users requiring HIV/AIDS information. 11 showed a negative attitude. The study also found out that only 25 of the investigated libraries have current HIV/AIDS information services, 5 have other agencies that provide HIV/AIDS information and 70 do not have current services available on HIV/AIDS