CILIP | Working in an NHS Trust: Assistant Librarian

Guide to Working in Health Information Case Studies:

Working in an NHS Trust: Assistant Librarian

by Philip Rawle

Organisation:

The NHS Trust I work for provides hospital and community services for 300,000 people, employing some 6,400 staff.

The aim of the Library is to provide a comprehensive information service to all employees of the Trust and medical and nursing students on placements from the local universities.

The majority of the Library funding is provided by the Trust, the University of Glamorgan and the Postgraduate and Undergraduate Deans of the University of Wales College of Medicine.

I work in a team of four – a senior librarian, assistant librarian (myself) library assistant and clerical assistant.

Main Duties:

• Assisting in the development of user education including the preparation of leaflets and guides and instructing staff and students in the use of databases and the Internet.

• Undertaking literature searches on online databases via HOWIS (Health of Wales Information Service).

• Dealing with telephone and personal enquiries as required.

• Maintaining and developing an up to date stock of books, periodicals and videos to reflect the needs of each user group and providing an information service from that stock to answer enquiries.

• Providing an inter-library loan service ensuring rapid delivery to staff of any book, article or video that they might need.

• Developing use of information technology systems within the library, such as an automated issue system.

• Managing the budget that is provided by the University of Glamorgan as their contribution to Library funding.

• Undertaking training to update and acquire skills, including attendance at relevant study days and courses.

• Showing new staff and students around the Library as part of their Trust induction.

• Keeping up to date with literature in librarianship by reading appropriate articles.

Philip Rawle

Assistant Librarian
Princess of Wales Hospital
Postgrad.Library@bromor-tr.wales.nhs.uk

Updated: 24 October 2005

Health Libraries

Guide to Working in Health Information Case Studies:

Working in an NHS Trust: Assistant Librarian