Contextualising library and information policies for health-care delivery in Zambia

Purpose - The paper highlights the need for grounding library and information policies within the environment they operate. The purpose of this paper is to argue for the grounding of health library and information policies within the health sector context. Design/methodology/approach - The paper is an opinion piece which discusses the importance of grounding library and information policies in the national health sector strategic plans. Findings - A comprehensive and structural approach to improving access to health information as part of the overall priorities in the health sector requires concrete policies, strategies and services to be put in place at all levels of the national health system. Practical implications - The paper offers insights into how to influence the formulation and eventual implementation of a national policy for library and information services in the health sector. Originality/value - It describes the areas in which library and information policies can be used to fulfill the critical roles of supporting the mission of health-care delivery in the country.