Provision of IAG through public libraries
Local access to careers information, advice and guidance for employability: Provision through public libraries in the North East of England
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.
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’
CFE developed recommendations to 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.
A summary and the full report can be found here and a case study can be found here.