LET’S READ TOGETHER: GETTING CLOSE WITH PAEDIATRIC PATIENTS AT HOSPITAL UNIVERSITI SAINS MALAYSIA

Abstract

Cultivating reading habits among children from the early stage is a big challenge in information
age. Reading habits is a starting point to be a literate person; who is able to read and have
formal or informal education. Indeed, children’s with healthcare condition needs special support
from all parties include parents, caregivers, teachers and hospital administrators to nurture
reading habits among them. Bibliotherapy technique has been applied to help pediatric patients
in solving problems and coping with life changes by using books or reading materials especially
related to their health. This technique will help them to undergo recovery process and treatment
from caregivers. Book Buddies project conducted by Hamdan Tahir Library implements this
technique on paediatric patients at Hospital USM. The impacts of the project measure via
observation, discussion and involvement of pediatric patients in activities scheduled. A mobile
library service was introduced as an extended of library services to pediatric patients and
guardian. The service will help the needy people to increase knowledge and spend their leisure
time with a benefit activity. The number of book loan transactions increased from time to time
which is achieved the project’s objectives. May this project will create a good dimension and
increase reputation of library and university’s role in the eyes of Malaysian society