Application of Bibliotherapy Technique in Library and Information Service Provision for Clients with Certain Mental Disorders

Abstract

Libraries have the responsibility of engaging the public with the necessary information and providing free and open access to the library for all citizens irrespective of their health challenges. Bibliotherapy is the technique of healing through reading, and it refers to the therapeutic process in which the client uses books and educational materials to enhance their mental health. This paper discussed the importance of bibliotherapy application in library and information services and reveals the effectiveness of Bibliotherapy to library customers with mental disorders. Research indicates that Bibliotherapy effectively treats various pathological symptoms that prevail in major depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, grief, and trauma. This study shows the relevance of bibliotherapy skills in attending to customers with a mental disorder in the University Library environment and provides Librarians with an effective and efficient mechanism to implement the approach.