Librarians as Knowledge Brokers: Navigating Informational and Relational Activities in Knowledge Mobilization Within NHS Trusts

Knowledge management activities are an interest of health librarians in the UK, and the English national strategy for NHS Knowledge and Library Services has emphasized the role of knowledge broker for health librarians and information professionals. The aim of this study is to investigate library and information staff perceptions and attitudes toward their role in knowledge management and mobilization. A quantitative online survey was first piloted with the NHS England Knowledge Management Team and then sent out to NHS library and information professionals via four established networks. Responses (n = 72, estimated 33.3% response rate) indicated that prominent factors that influence the knowledge and library service role in informational and relational activities included service funding, capacity, feasibility of gaining new skills, senior management engagement, and perceived value of the services. Informational activities (e.g. information retrieval, evidence synthesis) appeared more frequent and achievable than relational activities (e.g. supporting communities of practice, active learning). Attitudes within NHS KLS toward the knowledge brokerage role are primarily positive. Strategic policy documents for knowledge and library services need to highlight how to achieve some possible knowledge broker activities that would support better patient care.