Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Date of this Version
2019
Document Type
Article
Citation
Okuonghae, O. & Abimbola, M.O. (2019). Information Management in Herbal Research: Nexus of Trends and Application of Emerging Technologies. Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)
Abstract
In recent time, herbal information and products have been used to treat different sicknesses and diseases such as arthritis, insomnia, ulcer, diabetes, cough, fever, constipation and cardiovascular problems. Several researches conducted have given birth to the use of different herbal products (such as rosemary Lavenders, sage, curry leaf’ Tea bush, Bitter leaf, Thyme, garlic, ginger, Ginseng and Aloe Vera) for medicinal and culinary purposes. Due to the ever increasing importance of herbal research information, there is need for adequate and proper management of herbal research information. This article examines the need for information management in herbal research, characteristics of herbal research information as well as the nexus of trends of information management in herbal research. It discusses and identifies the roles of libraries in the management of herbal research information. The paper also identifies some emerging ICT tools used for information management in herbal research. It concludes that apart from helping to preserve valuable information on herbal medicinal research, proper management of herbal research information also help to preserve the indigenous knowledge of the people from being lost as a result of factors such as acculturation and biodiversity. The paper recommends that government and information agencies should draw up strategy for proper management of herbal research information as this will enhance access to quality herbal information