The use and selection of sources in information seeking: the Cancer Information Service experience. Part 8.

The Cancer Information Service (CIS), the voice of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) for more than 20 years, disseminates information through two channels: a toll-free telephone service (1-800-4-CANCER) and an outreach program which develops partnerships with organizations that reach underserved populations. In 1996, the telephone service handled approximately 500,000 calls on a range of topics, including cancer treatment, clinical trials, coping issues, referrals to services, prevention, causes, and symptoms of cancer. As part of a national telephone service user survey, conducted in 1996, that examined the impact of the CIS program, callers were asked what additional sources they went to for the same information that they requested from the CIS. The survey revealed that the CIS plays a critical role for information seekers. Almost 59% of surveyed callers contacted no other sources to address the topic they discussed with the CIS. Almost half of the callers who contacted other sources made all of those contacts before calling the CIS. Younger callers (under 40), those with a higher level of education, and those seeking information about treatment and causes of cancer were more likely to contact other sources for the same information. Health professionals, libraries, and bookstores were the most commonly used non-CIS sources. This variety in information seeking highlights the need for services, like the CIS, that can meet the diverse information needs of callers.