Policy work as a health librarianship role.

Health librarians and knowledge specialists are well placed to make the most of policy work to develop and embed health libraries and information services. Search and evidence summary skills allow staff to identify existing policies that can be of benefit to health library services, respond to policy consultations and develop policies. This editorial introduces the importance of policy work to health library and information services and how policy can be used as a lever for change.

Development and spread of health literacy eLearning: A partnership across Scotland and England.

With international health challenges, there are opportunities for collaboration between nations on health issues, including developing and sharing resources for teaching and learning. This article outlines collaboration across Scotland and England to develop a core resource for eLearning on health literacy. It describes the development of the resource with case studies of the implementation in Scotland and England, demonstrating the balance between shared development and tailored implementation.

Making the most of public policy in health libraries and information services: Example of the Health and Care Bill 2022.

Public policy changes, such as new legislation, can seem distant from health knowledge and libraries services. The changes can provide, however, opportunities for health libraries and information services across sectors to demonstrate their value, supporting their ongoing funding and integration. The Health and Care Bill 2022 is an example of a public policy change that has specific implications in England, but also demonstrates the elements to look out for in new legislation as opportunities for health libraries and information services.

Increasing participation by National Health Service knowledge and library services staff in patient and public information: The role of Knowledge for Healthcare, 2014-2019.

Background: The strategy lead for the National Health Service (NHS) knowledge and library services withn the NHS in England is held by Health Education England, working with 184 local NHS libraries based predominantly in hospitals OBJECTIVES: As part of the strategic framework Knowkedge for Healthcare, the objective was to increase the role NHS knowledge and library services staff play in both indirect an direct support for evidence-based information for patients and the public.

Methods: The study took an integrated multi-level approach: encouraging local staff to share their expertise through Task and Finish groups, developing tools, offering training and reviewing levers available through Health Education England's quality assurance role.

Results: Between 2014 and 2019, the percentage of services supporting patient and public information increased from 27% to 78%.

Forward view: advancing health library and knowledge services in England.

This article is the fourth in a series on New Directions. The National Health Service is under pressure, challenged to meet the needs of an ageing population, whilst striving to improve standards and ensure decision making is underpinned by evidence. Health Education England is steering a new course for NHS library and knowledge services in England to ensure access to knowledge and evidence for all decision makers.

The power of information: health information and UK agendas.

The Department of Health published a new health information strategy in May 2012. The document provides a framework for health information in England over the next 10 years. Health information developments in England, however, do not mirror developments in other parts of the United Kingdom.