Abstract:
The outbreak of Ebola (2014-2016) while devastating presents a rare opportunity to examine
information use using information and knowledge transfer models from the field of library and
information science. With an emphasis on information use and cultural, a review of the literature
suggests that the World Health Organization (WHO), and other organizing stakeholders, utilized
the services of a cultural knowledge broker to better transmit information within the field. The
review highlights important areas of cultural distinction that impacted the transfer of information
in outbreaks prior to 2014 and the control and treatment of the disease that followed. Finally, the
importance of incorporating a cultural broker to improve use of research-based information in
current and future outbreaks is highlighted as a means to prevent disease and misunderstanding
between health care workers and the local populace.
