Information Needs of Special Populations: Serving People with Mental Illnesses Using Computer Aided Instruction in a Multimedia Library for Outpatients

The interactive presentation of information has special utility for individuals with cognitive disorders who may experience difficulty processing information from books. This article reports on a use of computer-aided instruction (CAI) and multimedia technology to meet the information needs of a special population-people who have severe and persistent mental illnesses. LSCA Title I monies funded this alternative approach to traditional institutional library services to explore the promise held by CAI for helping thought-disordered patrons internalize information, in this case on consumer health and vocational topics. Described here are this population's special needs, the rationale for services to be tailored accordingly, uses of computers in psychiatric rehabilitation, collection development and usage, and reaction to the project.