A survey of nursing libraries in the Northern Region

The results of a survey of nursing libraries (both nursing college and multidisciplinary) in the Northern Region are summarized. The survey consisted: (1) collecting data on the use of the libraries and (2) a questionnaire survey of library resources. The results for individual libraries and colleges showed some differences in the percentage use by different professions but were practically identical for usage by reason, facility and time. Use by student nurses and qualified nurses (studying) were the majority; use by qualified nurses (not studying) was small. Use by non‐nursing professionals could be large; however, for college‐funded libraries, only, this use was small. Cross‐college use of libraries was small for student nurses but could be large for qualified nurses (studying). There was a small, but inconclusive, indication that Project 2000 (P2000) students made more use of library services than pre‐P2000 students. The pattern of usage was identical between these two groups of students. The professions could be grouped into two, based on their patterns of use: (1) students and (2) practitioners. The major use of the library services was for study purposes. The facilities most used were books, journals, study space and consulting the librarian. In conclusion, the results showed that libraries have an important role in the training and updating needs of all National Health Service (NHS) staff. Resourcing libraries to provide the basic components of stock, library staffing and accommodation is vital to meet these users' needs. The questionnaires were analyzed against the College of Further and Higher Education (COFHE) standards document. Overall library resources, on a range of measures, did not meet COFHE standards at the further education level; on the few occasions when they did pass this level they did not reach the higher education level. The results of both parts of the survey led to the drawing up of eleven recommendations for improving the planning and management of library services.