Healthcare librarians and learner support: a review of competences and methods

Objectives: London Health Libraries (LHL) are undertaking a project in order to develop the role of their library and knowledge services staff in supporting learners within the NHS in the London area (LHL Learner Support Project). This paper reports on the first phase of the project. Methodology: A literature analysis was carried out to provide guidance on the skills and competences needed for library and knowledge staff to perform this function. Results: A variety of competences are identified, and structured in a model incorporating both training skills and general professional competencies. Library and knowledge staff will themselves need to have a high-level of information literacy and to be active lifelong learners. Conclusions: A 'blended learning' approach, involving e-learning together with other methods, is identified as the most appropriate way for skills to be acquired.