English public libraries’ significant contribution to health and well-being in communities is highlighted in new research by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA), published today (21 May).
The study carried out by The Reading Agency (TRA) and Department of Information Science at Loughborough University (LISU) and funded by the MLA outlines the important role that libraries play in addressing people’s health and well-being needs and the extent of work carried out alongside health and social care partners in local authorities.
111 public libraries reported a total of 1,109 current activities related to health and well-being, with a further 107 in preparation at the time of the survey. Activities included health information; providing community space; Books on Prescription and online activities such as computerised cognitive behavioural therapy sessions.
Ailbhe Mc Nabola, Head of Research said, "This study for the first time provides an insight into libraries’ work to deliver activities that provide real support to community health and well-being. The publication of this report is a timely opportunity for public libraries to strengthen their position and raise their visibility in health and social care policy and strategy, at both local and national level. Libraries are well-placed to help partners make cost savings in delivering local health priorities, such as early intervention, preventative services, and patient outcomes.”
Some of the findings include:
- Health and social care partners say that libraries offer a neutral, non-stigmatised, non-clinical space, and access to individuals that can be hard to reach
- Three quarters of all activities identified in the study are delivered in partnership with health and social care partners, and over a third of these partnerships were described as long standing
- One of the three chosen best practice case studies showed that Macmillan Cancer Support professionals view libraries as providing an important community element that is missing from hospital services
- Further case studies highlight that the people often access information about a specific health need, but find help through a wider range of well-being and social care activity on offer such as mental health days or reading groups
- Key success factors in partnership working include the presence of champions on either side to drive the work forward, clear lines of communication and flexibility
- Key barriers to partnership working include the lack of resources, such as staff or funding, followed by the difficulty in locating the best person to contact/liaise with in the partner organisation, the lack of understanding of libraries’ contribution by health partners.
The Public library activity in the areas of health and well-being Final report is available at http://research.mla.gov.uk/evidence/view-publication.php?dm=nrm&pubid=1068