The aim of this article is to share experiences of developing an information literacy programme for NHS healthcare staff who require preparation for higher level study and for those without recent formal learning experiences. Initial evaluations concluded that the course was very clinically centred with a high number of nurses attending with a variety of needs. A more learner-centred, blended approach, including e-learning and self-study materials that will widen participation to nonclinical staff, support life-long learning and provide transferable learning is recommended.

This study was undertaken to provide evidence that library outreach projects in the NHS in the Thames Valley Strategic Health Authority area were effective and could justify continued funding. The major findings of this research are that training health-care personnel in the use of electronic resources impacts positively on their information literacy skills and confidence, and that the information available to them is considered to have potential value across health-care practice.