Prepared for service? A mixed-methods study on psychosocial support in the UK public library, with a focus on staff perceptions and training

This mixed-methods study considers the ways in which the public library is increasingly supporting the mental, emotional and social – or ‘psychosocial’ – needs of individuals within its local communities; reflecting on an emerging body of US research which is exploring this topic. This research aimed to determine how prepared UK public library services are to support the psychosocial needs of users, with a focus on staff perceptions, confidence and training. The research identified the psychosocial services and relevant staff training currently taking place in Southeast England, through an online survey with public library staff. This data provided a background of understanding, before in-depth, semi-structured interviews were completed with nine public library staff within one library service, to uncover staff perceptions and attitudes around this area of work. The quantitative and qualitative data revealed findings which largely reflected the research that has taken place in the US. Public library staff are committed to delivering psychosocial support by providing information, signposting, delivering library groups and activities, and showing compassion to users. However, staff experience feelings of uncertainty around this work, particularly when responding to users with complex needs or those in crisis, and they have a strong desire for more targeted training in this area. This paper concludes that this aspect of modern public library work necessitates the development of targeted staff training and further research in this area.