Lessons learned in an information skills training programme for a mental health Trust

This paper discusses the lessons learned from the interim evaluation of a training skills programme for a Mental Health Trust. The main lessons learned were that design of a library skills training programme should be informed not just by the evidence of what has worked for other health library trainers, but also by the evidence from the educational literature on the approaches that should be used for adult learners. The training needs analysis helped to focus ideas on the content and methods of delivery. Dividing the learning outcomes into three sets (must achieve, desirable, and ideal) made it easier to design sessions and workbooks that would satisfy learners with diverse needs.