Provision of IAG through libraries

Museums, Libraries and Archives North East

CFE was commissioned by Museums, Libraries and Archives North East to explore the potential of libraries in engaging and delivering IAG services to employability target groups in 'Local access to careers information, advice and guidance for employability: Provision through public libraries in the North East of England'.

The research was designed to assess:

  • How effective libraries are at engaging 'hard to reach' groups, particularly in deprived communities
  • Whether target groups using libraries require support with making choices about education, training and work
  • How interested are individuals in accessing support in a library?

CFE designed a mixed method research approach centred on the end user. The research included: a survey of 3,226 library users across 38 deprived areas of North East England, an online survey capturing IAG activity across 200 libraries in the region, qualitative interviews and a strategic workshop with key stakeholders including policy makers and nextstep prime contractors’.

The research findings enabled CFE to gather comprehensive information and found that:

  • Libraries are a frequently used and accessible resource by IAG target groups
  • One in five (19%) library users had used a library to find out about or make choices about learning and work
  • Two thirds (67%) of library users were ‘somewhat’ or ‘very’ interested in receiving help about education, training and work in a library setting

Developing an IAG offer from libraries

CFE developed recommendations for MLA based on the research findings which included; the design principles of a ‘minimum IAG offer’ that all library locations could provide in terms of engagement and referral strategies and an ‘expanded IAG model’, exploring delivery options, staff workforce development approaches and undertaking the tracking and monitoring of those who visit libraries for IAG services.

Following the success of the work in the North East, CFE is currently working with MLA to map IAG activity in libraries across England. This has included the facilitation of a national seminar involving policy makers and service planners to further develop the library IAG offer and broker libraries' involvement in the testing phase of the Adult Advancement and Careers Service. 

The final report is available here.