Supporting our library assistants

Insights from the 2024 Development Survey.

As anyone working in NHS library and knowledge services (KLS) knows, our library assistants are the backbone of our operations. They're often the first point of contact for users, the friendly faces who keep our services running smoothly, and key members of our teams.

As healthcare continues to evolve—for example, with increasing digitalisation—the role of library assistants is more vital than ever. Ensuring they have the skills and support to navigate these changes is crucial for the future of NHS knowledge and library services.

During summer 2024, we invited NHS library assistants and apprentices across the country to participate in a development survey. The response rate was exceptional – with 90 respondents completing the survey, representing approximately a quarter of all NHS KLS library assistants nationwide.

Why we did this

This survey wasn’t just an information-gathering exercise. We had a clear purpose: to inform the creation of a learning development pathway that will help library assistants reflect on their skills gaps, find appropriate learning opportunities, and explore potential career development routes. By investing in our library assistants, we’re not only supporting their professional growth but also strengthening the resilience and adaptability of NHS knowledge and library services.

What we discovered

What do library assistants want for their future?

One of the most interesting findings was that the majority of our library assistants (56%) want to stay in their roles and to continue developing within them. This speaks volumes about job satisfaction levels and the supportive environments many of our libraries provide.

The survey revealed that 22% of respondents are interested in progressing to healthcare librarian roles – an encouraging sign as we face ongoing recruitment challenges in this area. Creating clear pathways for these staff members who wish to progress further in their career, represents a valuable opportunity to develop our future healthcare librarians from within.

Skills development needs

In an era of rapid technological change, emerging technologies topped the list of training needs. This aligns with the increasing digitalisation of healthcare and knowledge services. Following closely behind were marketing and e-resource, both crucial areas as we continue to demonstrate our value and expand our digital offerings.

Additionally, assisting users with digital skills (85%) and library marketing (83%) were among the most common tasks library assistants already perform. However, areas such as literature searching (16%) were identified as skills many assistants wanted to develop but were not part of their current roles.

Barriers to progression

The survey identified some challenges too. Lack of opportunities and limited access to qualifications were cited as the main barriers to career progression. Insufficient opportunities (44%) and lack of required qualifications (31%) were the most commonly mentioned barriers, alongside personal commitments (27%). This gives us clear areas to address as we develop our support framework.

Awareness gaps in training and development

One striking finding was that 50% of respondents were unaware of the Professional Knowledge and Skills Base (PKSB) for Healthcare, suggesting the need for better promotion of this professional development tool.

Additionally, some library assistants reported low awareness of funding for qualifications and training opportunities, indicating that improved signposting and communication could help more assistants access these resources.

Key takeaways from library assistants

Several key needs emerged from the survey:

More networking opportunities

Library assistants want to connect directly with peers across the NHS, perhaps through a dedicated community of practice on FutureNHS  collaboration platform. There’s a clear desire to share experiences and learn from others in similar roles.

Better signposting

Both for skills development and career progression opportunities. Sometimes the options exist, but they’re not easy to find or navigate.

Organisational support

This includes practical support like protected time for development activities. We know that learning and development often get squeezed out when workloads are high and when staffing levels are low.

What is happening next?

This valuable feedback is already being put into action. A task and finish group comprising library assistants has already been established to progress the creation of a skills and career development pathway. The framework is being designed by those with firsthand experience in these roles.

The pathway will aim to address the identified gaps and barriers while building on the positives that emerged from the survey. It will provide a structured approach to skills development and career progression, with clear signposting to relevant opportunities.

What does mean for managers?

If you manage a library assistant or apprentice, consider:

• How you can provide protected time for your assistants' development
• Whether you're effectively communicating development opportunities
• How you might facilitate informal networking with other library assistants, for example through the new CILIP Shadowing scheme
• What support or coaching can you offer for library assistants who wish to gain a qualification including CILIP certification?

What does this mean for library assistants?

If you’re a library assistant:

• Look out for the new development pathway—it’s being created with you in mind
• Think about your own skills gaps in relation to emerging technologies
• Talk to your manager about development opportunities
• Consider joining the community of practice when it launches

Find out more

If you’re interested in diving deeper into the survey results:

• The full survey report is available on the library managers workspace on FutureNHS
• For specific questions, email Sarah Lewis on [email protected]

A huge thank you to everyone who participated in the survey. Your input is invaluable as we work together to strengthen support for library assistants across NHS knowledge and library services.

By investing in our library assistants, we ensure they have the tools and knowledge to thrive—and in turn, strengthen the entire healthcare system for the benefit of staff and patients alike.