BRIEFING SHEET FOR THE NHS TRUSTS’ CHIEF EXECUTIVES ON THE NHS LIBRARY QUALITY ASSURANCE FRAMEWORK (LQAF) ENGLAND
This briefing is for the NHS Trusts’ Chief Executives and Senior Managers and explains the purpose of the NHS Library Quality Assurance Framework (LQAF) England and how implementing it will guide the future development of library/ knowledge services and their staff in the NHS.
The NHS Library Quality Assurance Framework (LQAF) Englandis available to download from
The background to the NHS Library Quality Assurance Framework (LQAF) England
Knowledge is a core function in the full range of health care services, including the provision of evidence for clinical and management decision making, support for clinical governance, information for education and lifelong learning, and information for research. This is consistent with recent reviews, such as the Tooke review on clinical effectiveness[1], and the outcomes of the Darzi Review[2], as well as the pursuit of world class commissioning.
The underpinning aim of NHS library/knowledge services is to put knowledge to work, which in turn will transform patient care and public health. This aim will be supported by implementing the NHS LQAF England.
Whether knowledge is accessed through a library space, via the web, in the workplace, in the ward, clinic, or in the community, the delivery of knowledge requires the appropriate infrastructure to enable safe, efficient and effective access to the knowledge base.
The Framework is generic to any type of knowledge service, whether a library, a resource centre, information unit or an individual in a specialized role. The implementation of the LQAF is a significant development in guiding NHS library/knowledge services through an integrated assessment process, with a review of strategies, policies and practices that ensures a 360 degree review of provision. The new standards are based upon and will replace the Health Library and Information Confederation (HeLICon) standards.
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The Framework enables a robust quality assessment of library/knowledge services so that an organisation can assess its level of compliance to national standards and demonstrate the fitness for purpose that our 21st century health system demands. It provides a clear focus for action planning across all NHS organizations, driving forward a quality improvement plan, offering clarity of direction for service managers and transparency of development to meet business and client need.
Self-assessment against the criteria of the standards within the LQAF will enable each library/knowledge service to identify any gaps in their service management and provision so that these requirements can be built into their business and service planning.
NHS library/knowledge services will be working toward the implementation of the LQAF standards from the summer of 2010 onwards.
NHS Strategic Health Authority Library Leads (SHALL)
June 2010
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[1]Department of Health (2007) Report of the High Level Group on Clinical Effectiveness: chaired by Professor Sir John Tooke. (Tooke Report)
[2]Department of Health (2009) High Quality Care For All: NHS Next Stage Review Final Report (Darzi Review).