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This dissertation study investigates the ways that NHS libraries are currently marketing their services within their organisation and was submitted as part of the MA Library and Information Management at the University of Sheffield in 2019. This paper presents the findings from twelve semi‐structured interviews carried out with NHS library managers in the East of England to identify the most and least successful methods, and in comparison with that which is currently in the general marketing literature. The study found that outreach marketing was the most effective and that librarians are currently conducting marketing to the best of their ability, but they lack time and funding to be able to make the most of their promotional campaigns. F.J. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research goals were to obtain an understanding of who the users of e‐books in the NHS are, what they are using e‐books for, and when and how they use them. This article presents the methodology used and the findings from the research. It also explores the outputs and next steps from the research, both for the individual countries and collectively. The Five Nations group, (library leads in England, Northern Ireland, Ireland, Scotland and Wales) commissioned research into healthcare staff use and non‐use of e‐books to understand the behaviours, needs and expectations of healthcare staff and to identify shared challenges around e‐books to inform policy and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the role of health information professionals in medical practice in England. Indication of the decision-making scenario; Familiarity on appraisal skills, resources and techniques; Knowledge on research methods and designs.

Background : Using specific examples, this paper describes the tools, methods and resources used to develop Managed Knowledge Networks (MKNs) within the NHS Scotland e-Library ( ). MKNs help to complete the knowledge management cycle by providing a place to share the learning and discuss the evidence for practice through combining the use of the published material (explicit knowledge) with the experience and knowledge held by individuals, communities and organizations (tacit knowledge). Objectives : First of all, this paper outlines the e-Library infrastructure, which provides an inter-operable framework to manage the published knowledge using a metadata management system; and a knowledge-sharing tool to support the development of MKNs. It then covers the various stages involved in developing an MKN: gathering and analysing information needs in a variety of ways; presenting and organizing the resources and services for the users as identified in the needs analysis; managing the tacit, personal and local knowledge. Conclusion : The toolkit described enables the Knowledge Services Group to take the needs of users, transcribe these into Specialist e-Libraries to provide access to the published information and to support this with accessing and sharing the knowledge of colleagues via MKNs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives: This two-part paper aims to identify the main transferable lessons learned from both the quantitative and qualitative evaluations of the Knowledge Access 24 (KA24) service of online databases and selected full-text journals for health and social care staff in London and the south-east of England. The quantitative evaluation analysed usage rates and user registration with the objective of measuring uptake by previously disadvantaged staff, and to inform the subsequent qualitative survey. Methods: User and usage data were analysed by type of NHS Trust, by type of user, and by what was being used. The evaluation assessed development in user registration and usage of both databases and journals over a 2-year period. Data were aggregated and analysed both monthly and quarterly. Results: Usage levels increased, but uptake in both the mental health and primary care sectors was comparatively slow. Nurses and allied professionals used the service more than doctors. The increase in usage of full-text journals over the usage of databases was marked. Conclusions: Previously disadvantaged staff used electronic resources. A qualitative survey was needed to identify the main enablers and barriers to uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives: Virtual environments such as Second Life are increasingly used as venues for public health education. This paper reports an evaluation of a sexual health project in Second Life, designed to provide education about sexually transmitted infections, prevention of unintended pregnancy and promotion of equalitarian sexual relationships. Methods: The University of Plymouth Sexual Health SIM provides a wide variety of educational experiences, including opportunities to test knowledge of sexual health through quizzes and games, web resources integrated within the virtual context and live seminars on sexual health topics. Primary methods of evaluation consisted of a survey ( n = 135) and traffic statistics on the virtual programme. Results: Evaluation results indicated that the Sexual Health SIM was positively viewed by its audience and fostered development of a vibrant virtual community. Conclusions: While these results are promising, it is important to keep in mind the many challenges of delivering and evaluating the impact of educational programmes within 3-D virtual environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This paper reports an evaluation, carried out for London Health Libraries, of the impact of outreach services to primary care and mental health workers in 13 different settings. The main aims of the project were to identify the impact being made by the service, and to produce best-practice guidelines for outreach services in this kind of community setting. Methods: Analysis of documents, analysis of any evaluation already carried out, interviews with outreach librarians, survey of a representative sample of users (eight services). The services evaluated were very diverse in terms of setting, structure, functions and activities. The evaluation was therefore largely qualitative. Emphasis was placed on trying to identify critical incidents, where it could be shown unambiguously that the outreach services made a difference to practice. Findings: Service recipients felt better informed, more up to date, more aware of resources, more confident and supported in their work, and saved time. Direct impacts, such as improved patient care, cost savings, etc., were more difficult to establish. Conclusions: The study identified the main areas of impact, and the main factors which affected this. Recommendations for good practice in such outreach services are made. Lessons of this evaluation for impact studies in general are presented, in particular the difficulty of assessing ‘direct’ impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives: The aim of this two-part paper is to identify the main transferable lessons learned from both the quantitative and qualitative evaluations of the KA24 (Knowledge Access 24) service of online databases and selected full-text journals for health and social care staff in London and the south-east of England. The objectives of the qualitative evaluation were to assess the enablers and barriers to usage, and to assess the impact of the service on patient care. Methods: Telephone interviews ( n = 65) and a questionnaire survey ( n = 296) were conducted with various types of user, in various Trust settings. Some non-users were also contacted. Selection of interviewees and questionnaire recipients was not random, and aimed to cover all groups of users representatively. Results: Results show that policy goals were being delivered, with indications of changes to clinical practice, and improved clinical governance. Promotion, training and support needs to be extensive, and tailored to needs, but users are not always aware they need training. The sharing of passwords cast doubts on the reliability of some usage data. Conclusions: Digital health library services, delivered at the point of care, are changing the way some clinicians practise. A combination of qualitative and quantitative evaluation methods are needed to assess digital library services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An editorial is presented which discusses changes in the National Health Services institution in England, which has resulted due to political changes as well as advancements in technology and medicine. The article focuses on the change brought about by the development of the philosophy of effectiveness, accountability and transparency, which has altered the role of the information professional.

Background: Responding to the COVID‐19 pandemic, Health Education England (HEE) mobilised a group of expert searchers from NHS libraries in England to develop a platform for librarians to share peer reviewed search strategies and results on the Knowledge for Healthcare website. Objectives: (1) To document the origins of the COVID‐19 search bank, (2) evaluate attitudes of NHS librarians in England towards the search bank and (3) identify lessons learned and consider whether the initiative might be developed further. Methods: Structured interviews with the peer reviewers (n = 10) were conducted, and a questionnaire survey of the NHS library community using the search bank was undertaken. Results: The interviews confirmed the value of collaboration. Expert searchers worked in pairs to peer review submitted search strategies. The survey (85 responses) indicated that a majority had used the search bank, and approved of the project, with some differences of opinion on functionality and future developments. Discussion: Collaborative working for the search bank probably saved time for individual NHS librarians. The quality of the searches submitted was variable as were librarians' approaches to presentation and development of search strategies. Peer review benefits from a buddy approach among expert searchers and agreement about feedback provided to contributors. Conclusion: Search strategies are the most useful element of a search bank. Peer review can be challenging and would benefit from a formal structure, but it is professionally rewarding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

National Health Service (NHS) knowledge and library services in England are integrating digital advances into their systems and services. Health Education England (HEE) leads on the development of NHS library services. A key workstream focuses on (1) improving the infrastructure to enable discovery and management of digital knowledge resources; (2) collaborating with local teams to establish regional library management systems that are integrated with the new national discovery service for healthcare staff and learners. This article explores initiatives on resource discovery as well as the need for system‐wide partnership working to ensure that biomedical knowledge in computable form is findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable. Low levels of health and digital literacy pose a significant barrier to using health information and accessing health services. A range of interventions are aimed at enhancing citizens' digital and health literacy skills. The education and life‐long learning needs of the knowledge and library services workforce are considered. Working with CILIP and higher education institutions, HEE delivers a range of educational offers through its Learning Academy. As Artificial Intelligence and automation are implemented in health systems, knowledge and library staff form a crucial bridge between technology and those who use it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: What does the publicly available literature tell us about the attitudes of health care staff to the development of information technology in practice, including the factors which influence them and the factors which may be used to change these attitudes? Methods: Twelve databases were searched for literature published between 2000 and 2005 that identified research related to information technology (IT), health professionals and attitude. English language studies were included which described primary research relating to the attitudes of one or more health care staff groups towards IT. Letters, personal viewpoints, reflections and opinion pieces were not included. Results: Complex factors contribute to the formation of attitudes towards IT. Many of the issues identified were around the flexibility of the systems and whether they were ‘fit for purpose’, along with the confidence and experience of the IT users. The literature suggests that attitudes of practitioners are a significant factor in the acceptance and efficiency of use of IT in practice. The literature also suggested that education and training was a factor for encouraging the use of IT systems. Conclusions: A range of key issues, such as the need for flexibility and usability, appropriate education and training and the need for the software to be ‘fit for purpose’, showed that organizations need to plan carefully when proposing the introduction of IT-based systems into work practices. The studies reviewed did suggest that attitudes of health care professionals can be a significant factor in the acceptance and efficiency of use of IT in practice. Further qualitative and quantitative research is needed into the approaches that have most effect on the attitudes of health care staff towards IT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Indications on the development of the health library and knowledge workforce (LKS) in England suggest that more staff may need to shift into clinical librarian (CL) roles. Anecdotal evidence suggested that CL roles have changed recently. Objectives: To examine perceptions of CL tasks and required personal characteristics of CLs, amongst both practising CLs and other LKS staff in England. Methods: An online survey was followed by descriptive statistical and content analysis to identify any differences in perceptions between the CL and non‐CL staff groups. Results: Response rate: 10% (123/1181). Both staff groups identified literature searching as the top core task and agreed on the main CL roles. Perceptions on the necessary personal characteristics were also similar. Ranking differed for a few tasks: non‐CL staff may ascribe more importance to some tasks (evidence synthesis, critical appraisal training and attending ward rounds/team meetings) than the CL staff state. CLs spent more time on staff management, and less time on study skills training than non‐CL staff perceived. Discussion: Results indicated that CL roles are continuing to develop, but that CLs are more integrated into library administration than some non‐CL staff believe. Conclusion: Shared perceptions around CL roles should help workforce development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights the First Ever Evidence-based Librarianship Conference hosted by the School of Health and Related Research at the University of Sheffield in Sheffield, England. Suggestion that librarians should seize opportunities to share contemporaneous experiences from related projects; Shift in the attitudes of librarians to projects in which they are involved at a local level; Application of evidence-based health care approaches to health sciences librarianship.

This study considers the status of trends in value and impact research in health libraries and discusses how return on investment approaches such as social value analysis could be used. It uses an example, based on the Health Education England evaluation framework for health library and knowledge services, to outline how a theory of change can be developed. Health libraries now work more closely with health care staff and researchers in co‐creating value and impact for improving patient care. Therefore, collection of data to assess social value should be drawn not only from performance data already collected by libraries, but also data collection by and for the health care organisation on evaluation of care quality and professional competence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the preservation of historical medical records in England. Linkage between general practitioners and social services; Assessment of the non-hospital and non-classical healing treatments; Management of the community health services.

This feature discusses how the library curriculum was developed at Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust Library Service to aid the delivery of Skills for Life. In particular, the feature describes how, through collaboration with learndirect, literacy and numeracy skills were embedded into the broader library and information skills training programme. The article reports on how the programme resulted in the provision of qualifications and skills development opportunities to NHS staff, and an increase in the NHS library profile. HS [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many healthcare librarians are undertaking training in critical appraisal but a significant number are not cascading the training to their end-users. To examine the barriers to healthcare librarian involvement in delivering critical appraisal training. A questionnaire survey of 57 library services across 48 NHS Trust Library Services in north west England followed up with 21 semi-structured interviews. Two types of barriers were noted: extrinsic barriers (organisational, environmental, training, role expectations) and intrinsic barriers (knowledge, skills, attitude). These barriers are not mutually exclusive and by overcoming one of them it does not necessarily follow that healthcare librarians will engage in delivering critical appraisal skills training. The challenge lies in developing strategies to deal effectively with these barriers to encourage and support healthcare librarians in the delivery of critical appraisal training at a level at which they feel confident and able. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this article is to analyse ‘professional’ health information vacancies advertised on three specific websites for 6 months from 1 April 2006 (to 30 September 2006). The objectives for this research were to identify the frequency of health information vacancies advertised on three specified websites and on an e-mail discussion group. Methods: Each fortnight all health-related vacancies advertised directly by the hiring organizations were identified. The job descriptions and person specifications for relevant vacancies were either downloaded or requested from the hiring organization. The main criteria for determining the relevance of a vacancy was that a degree or higher qualification in an information-related subject was ‘essential’ or ‘desirable with previous experience’. The core skills and experiences required from the job descriptions and person specifications for professional health information posts were identified. Results: The results highlight the importance of the Internet in locating suitable vacancies. However, not one website listed all the potential job opportunities. The importance of information technology (IT) skills (including literature searching) and teaching skills were identified from the person specifications and job descriptions. Conclusions: The Internet is a useful tool for identifying health-related employment opportunities. However, to obtain a full list of vacancies, several websites must be searched. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background : Anatomy and physiology (A&P) teaching and learning in nursing curricula poses problems for educators because of the often varying levels of students’ background knowledge. This study reports on a pilot project that attempted to normalize these differentials by delivering A&P teaching using an online interactive e-book–virtual learning environment (VLE) hybrid. Objectives : Evaluate the effectiveness of using an online interactive resource to deliver A&P teaching. Methods : Data were collected from pre-registration and post-qualifying students by questionnaire and observation, and from lecturers by structured interviews. Scale-up issues were identified and documented as part of support for the ongoing pilot. Results : The pre-registration group encountered problems accessing the resource and yielded evidence to suggest that inexperienced learners require a high level of direction to use the resource effectively. The post-qualifying group benefited from the resource's interactive elements and 24/7 availability. There was clear evidence that the group were able to relate knowledge gained from the resource to practice. Conclusions : This hybrid has great potential to add value to A&P learning on nursing programmes at post-qualifying level. The resource could replace its printed equivalent; however, negotiations need to take place between institutions and publishers in order to resolve scale-up issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the accreditation scheme for health library services in England and Wales. It was determined that the use of an accreditation scheme for health library services can be an effective method to develop positive changes that improve access to the knowledge domain of health care for health care personnel. Organizations which are in charge in the library services for the National Health Service (NHS) should also adopt or maintain its use. However, in the survey on the assessment accreditation of NHS library services, it showed at least 15 percent positive perceptions for the accreditation.

Background: The National Library for Health offers a comprehensive searchable database of nationally approved clinical guidelines, called the Guidelines Finder. This resource, commissioned in 2002, is managed and developed by the University of Sheffield Health Sciences Library. Methods: The authors introduce the historical and political dimension of guidelines and the nature of guidelines as a mechanism to ensure clinical effectiveness in practice. The article then outlines the maintenance and organisation of the Guidelines Finder database itself, the criteria for selection, who publishes guidelines and guideline formats, usage of the Guidelines Finder service and finally looks at some lessons learnt from a local library offering a national service. Conclusions: Clinical guidelines are central to effective clinical practice at the national, organisational and individual level. The Guidelines Finder is one of the most visited resources within the National Library for Health and is successful in answering information needs related to specific patient care, clinical research, guideline development and education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust was formed in 2002 with the merger of two existing trusts. The library services unified to create a new expanded service with 11 staff. Objectives: The librarians wanted to test out users’ opinions of the service, as a basis for a developmental strategy. They also wanted to find out to what extent they were offering a multi-disciplinary service, available to all staff. Therefore it was decided to include both users and non-users in the survey. Methods: A twenty-question questionnaire was sent out to a 10% sample of registered users in all staff categories. The same questionnaire was sent out to a 10% sample of non-users, with the help of the Human Resources Department. Results: The library staff and facilities were generally well regarded. The stock needed expansion in various areas, especially allied health and biomedical science. Non-users were in fact often occasional or remote users. Other non-users needed informing that they were entitled to use the service. Conclusions: Further research is required, especially concerning the information needs of allied health and scientific staff. There is a need for stock expansion. A marketing strategy is required to capture the interest of potential users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A report on the findings of research into the learning resource needs of support staff conducted at York Hospital. Methods: A qualitative method of focus groups was used to explore the views and experiences of support staff. This provided a rich source of data and allowed an often overlooked group to give their own experiences of learning and libraries. This was supplemented by one-to-one interviews using more in-depth questions. A literacy and numeracy test gave a general picture of essential skill levels within the sample group. Results: An improvement in communication to support staff needs to take place to ensure that all support staff know about the library, how and where to access training and obtain a network computer password. The project confirmed the need to expand library resources for support staff. It was found that there were no obvious essential skills resources within the Trust and a lack of awareness of essential skill issues. Conclusion: The learning needs of support staff need to be addressed sensitively. Many have had unfavourable experiences. Lack of access to computers and information technology (IT) training contributed to the group favouring written communication. More work needs to be done on essential skills for all staff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article summarizes the experience of librarians who attended the Teaching Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) in Oxford, England. Each morning all participants assembled for a plenary session, covering topics such as ‘EBM in homeopathic doses’ and the dynamics of small-group teaching. The librarian tutor at the EBM workshop took on both tutor and participant roles which enabled them to both provide and gain knowledge as well as participating fully in all aspects of the small group work. At the end of the week, workshop participants completed an evaluation form, which included questions on the searching sessions and the librarian tutors’ involvement.

Discusses the role of the library and library staff in post-qualifying nursing distance education at Northumbria University in England. Emphasis on the awareness of and use of library services, use of electronic resources and delivery of information skills; Importance for students to develop and upgrade their information technology skills; Implication on library service developments to improve the learning experience of nursing students studying through distance education.

This study examined the role that health librarians could play in helping patients to find information. A questionnaire survey was sent out to 50 health librarians in the north-west of England. It examined the following: the type of library and users, access to information for patients, librarians’ attitudes to provision of information to patients and their knowledge of other sources available to their users. Ninety-seven per cent of librarians said that they could recommend quality information sources to patients, but many suggested that there were practical problems in allowing patients to use health libraries due to lack of appropriate resources, facilities and funding. Advantages of health library involvement in patient information include having a local point of contact for patients and the ability of librarians to find, evaluate and organize good-quality resources. However, health library staff may not have enough time to answer enquiries from the public and may lack training in dealing with patients. Innovation, especially in developing on-line services, could offer a way to provide a service without overloading the physical requirements of a library. Librarians could also collaborate with other staff to improve patient information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights the Saint George's Hospital and Medical School's Graduate Entry Programme (GEP), a medical course for graduate students in London, England. Features of the program; Ways by which information services staff supports the GEP course; Phases of the teaching process involved in the GEP course.

Abstract There is a need for people to have access to health information but this may not be readily available for some black and ethnic minority groups living in England. This study aims to improve access to health information for ethnic minority groups by providing this in their own language, in an audio and visual format through a touchscreen computer. The study was led by health promotion and public health workers informed by advisory panels of representatives from local black and ethnic minority groups in the cities of Nottingham, Sheffield and Leicester. Discussion within the advisory panels and local epidemiological data helped to identify groups to be targeted and priority health issues to be addressed. Other issues covered during development included interface design, language translation and identification of accessible locations. A number of problems were addressed in establishing appropriate touchscreen facilities, mainly relating to producing information in an electronic format for multiple languages and populations not necessarily computer-literate. Three touchscreens, containing information on 10 health topics, translated into five languages are currently installed, one in each city. They are being rotated through a series of locations including a library, GP practice, and a temple. Their use, and satisfaction with use, is being evaluated over a 2-year period, by statistical analysis of computer logs and the collection of qualitative information by bi-lingual interviewers with users, over an 18-month period. Health information can be made available for ethnic minority groups even if they are unable to read their mother tongue. Touchscreens appear to be a suitable medium for achieving this. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the development of the National Electronic Library for Health in London, England. Introduction of virtual libraries; Assessment of patients by healthcare professionals; Indications of research and methodologies.

The article focuses on the impact of information skills training within primary care. In 2002, an information skills training program to teach users to search the literature and find evidence on the Internet was set up at Health Information East London, England. Training was therefore carried out in large multi-disciplinary groups, using a variety of computer training rooms available in the different Primary Care Trusts. Many staff cited lack of time as a major barrier to attending the training and to using the new skills following training. Training participants were leaving courses, but as many of them did not practice after the course, they were often returning after a few months to repeat the training. Unless skills were being used immediately and for work purposes, the relevance of the training was lost and the skills quickly forgotten. Of those staff who attended training, most attended for reasons related to improving patient care, and felt that the courses had a high impact upon their work.

Focuses on the Nottingham librarians' involvement in encouraging evidence-based practice among their clients. Role of journal clubs in providing an opportunity to begin to bring evidence-based principles into one's daily work; Benefits of a journal club; Challenges faced by the journal clubs.

Identifies some overarching themes raised by the concept of evidence-based librarianship which was presented during the Evidence Based Librarianship Conference held in England. Implication of the concept on continuing education of practicing librarians; Provision of Library and Information Service Abstracts; Nature and quality of research in health librarianship.

Presents an obituary for Ronald E. Sturt, founder of Skill National Bureau for Students with Disabilities in Leicester, Great Britain.

Reports on the successful study day organized by libraries for nursing at the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) in Cavendish Square, London. Launching of electronic services as part of the RCN's information strategy; Access to electronic journals; Libraries for Nurses' websites.