NHS Libraries Research Articles

Core collections: Essential titles for health libraries.

Core collections have been produced by CILIP's Health Libraries Group, then called the Library Association's Medical Section, since 1952. Maintained by a Working Group of health librarians based in the UK NHS, higher education and specialist libraries, the collections provide an up-to-date curated list of reliable titles essential to health libraries. The core collections currently include nursing, midwifery, medicine and dentistry. The newest core collection is being developed in collaboration with the African Hospital Libraries to provide a list of key resources relevant to sub-Saharan Africa. Expressions of interest to help develop this latest collection are invited.

NHS librarians collaborate to develop a search bank peer reviewing and sharing COVID-19 searches: an evaluation.

BackgroundResponding 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.MethodsStructured interviews with the peer reviewers (n = 10) were conducted, and a questionnaire survey of the NHS library community using the search bank was undertaken.ResultsThe 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.DiscussionCollaborative 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.ConclusionSearch 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.

Outreach marketing may be a successful strategy for NHS libraries.

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.

Demonstrating the impact of your teaching: benefits of Higher Education Academy Fellowship for librarians.

This feature suggests that health librarians who teach or support Higher Education (HE) students can and should gain accreditation and recognition for their teaching by the route of HEA Fellowship. We outline the process by which Fellowship could be attained by those working within HE and those in NHS libraries who work with HE students, suggesting which aspects of librarianship practice could provide the necessary evidence for Fellowship. The synergies between Fellowship and Chartership are examined and the criteria for HEA (UK Professional Standards Framework or UKPSF) are mapped against those for Chartership (Professional Knowledge and Skills Base (PKSB). D.I.

Developing a generic tool to routinely measure the impact of health libraries.

Health libraries contribute to many activities of a health care organisation. Impact assessment needs to capture that range of contributions. To develop and pilot a generic impact questionnaire that: (1) could be used routinely across all English NHS libraries; (2) built on previous impact surveys; and (3) was reliable and robust. This collaborative project involved: (1) literature search; (2) analysis of current best practice and baseline survey of use of current tools and requirements; (3) drafting and piloting the questionnaire; and (4) analysis of the results, revision and plans for roll out. The framework selected was the International Standard Methods And Procedures For Assessing The Impact Of Libraries (ISO 16439). The baseline survey (n=136 library managers) showed that existing tools were not used, and impact assessment was variable. The generic questionnaire developed used a Critical Incident Technique. Analysis of the findings (n=214 health staff and students), plus comparisons with previous impact studies indicated that the questionnaire should capture the impact for all types of health libraries. The collaborative project successfully piloted a generic impact questionnaire that, subject to further validation, should apply to many types of health library and information services.

EBook management in NHS libraries in the North of England: perceptions and practice.

In this article, Katie Nicholas presents the findings of a very topical piece of research into the use of eBooks in health libraries, which she completed for a Masters dissertation. Katie graduated with an MA in Library and Information Management (Distinction) from Manchester Metropolitan University in July 2017. She would like to acknowledge the support of her supervisor, Rachel Delbridge, in helping her to gain a Distinction in her dissertation. In the article, she points out that the use of eBooks in the NHS is low compared to other sectors and she presents the findings from her research, which help to explain this. She outlines the development of an electronic tool to help library and information staff make sense of the complexity around eBooks and makes further very practical recommendations for practitioners. A. M.

‘Gamification’ for Health Behaviour Change in Smartphone Apps

‘Gamification’ for Health Behaviour Change in Smartphone Apps

An investigation into the move towards electronic journals: a case study of NHS libraries in Kent, Surrey and Sussex

Electronic journals are so embedded into practice in academic libraries that it is easy to forget that this is not the case everywhere. In NHS libraries, for example, the staff face a particular set of issues. This article is based on Rebecca England's dissertation on this topic, completed as part of the MSc Econ course in Information and Library studies at Aberystwyth University. Rebecca is E-resources Librarian at the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust. She investigated the momentum towards electronic journals in NHS libraries in the Kent, Surrey and Sussex region and the potential for a regional purchasing consortium.

NHS and public libraries are a real boon for free materials.

Bridget Ryan complains about having to pay for health articles (letters August 19). Has she never used her local NHS library?

Interlending and document supply trends in NHS North West health libraries 2003/2004 to 2006/2007

The Library and Information for Health Network North West (LIHNN) represents health libraries in Cheshire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Isle of Man, Lancashire, Merseyside and Wirral. LIHNN members take part in a regional co-operative network supporting interlending and document supply. Data were analysed over a 4-year period to identify trends and patterns. In addition, a literature review was conducted to compare trends seen in NHS libraries to those trends seen in other sectors and in other countries. RESULTS/TRENDS: Between 2003/2004 and 2006/2007 there was a significant drop in document supply activity reported by NHS North West libraries from 59 321 to 37 134 copies, representing a fall of 37.4%. During the same period, lending between libraries stayed constant. The NHS supplies a significant number of documents to its users and it is investigating a number of options to increase efficiencies. The observed fall in document supply activity has been reported in several sectors and has been attributed to a number of cofactors. Although the fall in document supply activity is expected to continue, a critical mass of information is likely to remain behind subscription barriers and this, in turn, will necessitate supply from external sources.

Practitioner commentary on Garfield E. The impact of health information delivery on the quality of patient care: whither medical information science? Health libraries review 1985, 2 (4), 159–169*

Practitioner commentary on Garfield E. The impact of health information delivery on the quality of patient care: whither medical information science? <i> Health libraries review</i> 1985, 2 (4), 159–169*

Evidence in Practice Award for UK Librarians

The Second Evidence in Practice Award in conjunction with the Third UK Clinical Librarian Conference is now open for entries. We hope to bring together case studies that can be shared and used to persuade decision makers of the value of library and information services.&#x0D; &#x0D; The Second Evidence in Practice Award is sponsored by The National Library for Health and BMJ Group Clinical Evidence. It is open to any library &amp; information professional in the UK who, working with health professionals, has made a difference in patient care. You may be working in any sector (e.g. primary or secondary care, consumer health information) and at any type of health organization (e.g. a professional body or a voluntary organization).&#x0D; &#x0D; Partnerships of information and health professionals are invited to enter the competition by providing a structured abstract, describing (in approximately 750 words) how health information provided by their library or information service has impacted patient care or service delivery.&#x0D; &#x0D; Entries can be submitted up to March 31,2007 after which anonymous case studies will be judged by an independent panel combining clinical and information expertise. The judges’ decision will be final.&#x0D; &#x0D; The winners will each receive a Personal Digital Assistant, financial support towards attendance at a professional conference or course of their choice, plus a free delegate place at the Third Clinical Librarian conference.&#x0D; &#x0D; The award will be presented at the Third UK Clinical Librarian Conference, 11th &amp; 12th June 2007, St William's College, York Minster, where the award winners will have an opportunity to share their example of successful practice. For more details, follow the link from: http://www.uhl-library.nhs.uk/clinlibconf2007.htm&#x0D; &#x0D; or contact&#x0D; &#x0D; Linda Ward&#x0D; Library Services Manager&#x0D; University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Libraries&#x0D; Education Centre Library, LGH, Gwendolen Rd. LE5 4PW. Tel: 0116 2588124 Fax:&#x0D; 0116 2588078&#x0D; Medical Library, GH, Groby Rd. LE3 9PQ. &#x0D; Tel: 0116 2502303 Fax: 0116 2563334&#x0D; &#x0D; Email: linda.ward@uhl-tr.nhs.uk or lmw12@le.ac.uk&#x0D; &#x0D; Please take a short while to reflect on how you have made a difference and share it with your professional colleagues.&#x0D; &#x0D; On behalf of the EiP Award / CL conference team.

Access to learning resources for students on placement in the UK: what are the issues and how can we resolve them?

To compile a list of the issues regarding access to learning resources which affect students on placement in the UK and suggest some ways in which these can be resolved. Issues relating to PC access, network access, software, firewalls, disciplinary procedures, electronic information resources, virtual learning environments, service level agreements, physical access to libraries, book loans, reading lists and course committees are identified and discussed in relation to NHS libraries. Successful resolution of the IT and library issues, which are increasingly inter-linked, can help to ensure that students have a positive placement experience. Resolution will depend on close, regular liaison and can be assisted by negotiation of a clear Service Level Agreement.

Access all areas: opening up NHS libraries in Trent

Access all areas: opening up NHS libraries in Trent

The changing role of NHS libraries: How you can access the new services

The changing role of NHS libraries: How you can access the new services

The knowledge workout for health

The results are reported for the Training Needs Census of NHS Library Staff, the first systematic survey of the training needs of NHS library staff. The survey was undertaken by LISU (Library and Statistics Unit) and was commissioned by the NHS Executive, together with the Regional Librarians Group (RLG). The study involved all librarians working in NHS libraries and was conducted at the end of 1999. The full text of the survey report is available at the NHS Regional Librarians Group Web site (http://www.nthames-health.tpmde.ac.uk/rlg/documents/TNA_commen-tary.doc). The UK response rate was 53 per cent (represented by 1017 replies out of an estimated potential 1902). Of the respondents, 48 per cent were in the 36-50 age group with 27 per cent over 50 years and 84 per cent were female. Most were employed by a NHS Trust (65 per cent), 17 per cent worked in a Higher Education Institution, while 40 per cent worked part time. With regard to Personal Development Plans, 73 per cent did not have a PDP at the time of the survey and 79 per cent believed they would not have a plan by April 2000. The tasks most frequently undertaken were circulation desk activities, dealing with requests for information, training library users in information skills and CD-ROM/internet/database searching. Few participants are currently involved in developing or managing web sites, intranets or know-how systems. Most respondents highlighted training needs connected to using electronic resources, with 76 per cent receiving training in internet searching but a relatively high number wanting more training in this and in related areas such as information retrieval, CD-ROM and online database searching. The survey attempted to stimulate respondents away from the tradition of ‘going on a course’ to learn by asking about preferred training methods. The most popular training style was hands-on practice (60 per cent), followed by workshop/seminar (33 per cent). The same three training methods (external local courses, work-based training and in-house off work training) were the most popular across the UK. Concludes that there are several challenges for management that emerge from this study: to stimulate the desire to be trained by developing appropriate incentives; to skill and reskill people adequately for the demands of the electronic workplace; and to nurture people’s interest in acquiring a much broader perspective of the work they do and where they do it.

Integrating electronic information resources for NHS Glasgow staff at the point of need: a model of interlibrary collaboration and resource sharing.

The Glasgow NHS Libraries Consortium has harnessed the political imperative of collaboration and the capability of electronic information resources to address inequalities in access to the knowledge base across NHS Glasgow. They have negotiated consortium arrangements to an extensive range of electronic databases and journals which no single Glasgow NHS library could afford independently. A Project Officer was appointed to undertake the administration, technical work and promotion required to build a Web-based electronic library to deliver resources to all NHS Glasgow staff on an equitable basis. Close partnership with online content providers enabled the Project Officer to find solutions to problems caused by authentication systems and license restrictions. These efforts have culminated in the production of a fully integrated virtual library--the NHS Glasgow e-Library--delivering 11 major electronic databases, 440 full-text electronic journals, 48 electronic textbooks and over 5000 journal contents pages. The NHS Glasgow e-Library is without precedent within the NHS in terms of its wealth of resources, and it provides a model for Scotland-wide access to the knowledge base. The sustainability and transferability of the resource is dependent on a number of key areas-maintenance, user training, evaluation, IT infrastructure and ongoing collaboration and unification. Ongoing research will monitor how far the NHS Glasgow e-Library has strengthened the connection between research evidence and clinical practice.

Continuing professional development in the NHS—what is to be done?

Continuing professional development in the NHS—what is to be done?

Performance indicators in NHS libraries

Performance indicators (PIs), workload statistics and accreditation are different ways to assess the quality of a library information service (LIS), and can be used together to give an overall picture of how well a LIS is performing its functions. PIs point out how something has been done. They are comparative values, often expressed partly as ratios or percentages, which indicate the quality or level of services and can be used to compare similar services, or the same service across time. PIs, performance ratios or performance standards are derived from performance measures, which show how much of it has been done. This paper looks at some aspects of performance measurement and suggests other areas for statistics collection in order to make better use of existing data, and considers the usefulness and derivation of PIs in NHS LIS.

Personal knowledge: a clinical perspective from the value and evince projects in health library and information services

The progress of initiatives concerned with implementing evaluated clinical research (such as evidence based medicine and clinical effectiveness) is dependent on the way individual health professionals actually acquire, use and value clinical knowledge in routine practice. The findings of two research projects, the Value and EVINCE projects, are compared with studies of the consolidation and application of clinical knowledge in clinical decision making. The Value project was concerned with the ways in which information from NHS libraries might be used in present and future clinical decision making. EVINCE was a similar impact study for nursing professionals. Both studies confirmed the importance of personal clinical knowledge. Health information services need to use a variety of strategies and knowledge management skills to ensure that the evaluated research evidence is assimilated and implemented into practice.