CILIP | Working in an NHS Trust: Library Manager

Working in an NHS Trust: Library Manager

by Lesley Allen

Organisation
Working in a large acute Trust like this one is a very challenging. There is always change within the organisation, driven by both internal and external forces. It certainly keeps you on your toes.

Library users include doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, scientific staff and managers to name just a few. We also provide a service to the large number of medical, nursing and other students who can be on placement in the trust at any one time. The information needs and skills of this large group of people are wide and varied. It is important that we keep an awareness of developments in health care to be able to identify and support developing trends.

I work with a staff of library assistants to provide the full range of library services to our users including interlibrary loans, lending, reference, enquiry and current awareness services, and training in search skills.

The supply of electronic resources is now very important to a widely spread health service staff.

Main duties
• Develop strategies, policies and services to increase the effectiveness of the library service.

• Plan and manage the library budget, produce business plans and bids for specific projects.

• Develop, implement and maintain a training programme in search skills and critical appraisal. Provide induction sessions and tours to new and existing staff as requested.

• Recruit and manage library staff, including appraisals and personal development.

• Advise trust managers in all relevant legislation affecting library services.

• Work with trust staff to develop and expand library services to meet the changing needs of staff and students at the Trust.

• Market and promote the library services, organising publicity materials and events.

• Manage the library journals and book stock to ensure it meets the needs of users – balancing electronic and paper based resources.

• Work cooperatively with local health care libraries to provide a ‘one stop shop' for users across the area

Lesley Allen
Library Manager
Birmingham Heartlands and Solihull NHS Trust
allen@heartsol.wmids.nhs.uk

Updated: 24 October 2005

Health Libraries

Working in an NHS Trust: Library Manager