Previous
Senior library and knowledge services assistant
How to become a public health librarian
To become a public health librarian, you’ll need a post graduate level qualification. You can also apply for roles with 2 years of equivalent experience, such as delivering knowledge management services in a public health or healthcare environment.
What is a public health librarian?
A public health librarian delivers specialist knowledge services to internal and external service users. They lead on the delivery of knowledge services, making sure that the organisation has high-quality resources to support its staff.
Starting your career as a public health librarian
Choosing subjects at school
School subjects that could lead to a career as a public health librarian include:
- English
- Maths
- Information Systems
- Business Studies
Speak to your guidance teacher about subjects offered at your school.
Work placements and volunteering
You may find it helpful to get some healthcare experience by doing a work placement or volunteering. You’ll get training, increase your knowledge, and learn new skills. This could help you when applying to college or a new job with NHSScotland.
Education and training pathway
College and university
You can apply for a university undergraduate degree programme directly from school. Otherwise, you may choose to go to college first. You can study for an HNC at SCQF level 7 or an HND at SCQF level 8 to get you into university. There are lots of courses that are useful if you're interested in a career in knowledge services:
- Library and Information Services HNC
- Administration and Information Technology HND
Widening access
Widening participation supports adult learners who want to go to university. If you’re an adult with few or no qualifications, you could get into higher education through the Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP). Many universities also provide access programmes to help you get the degree entry qualifications you need.
Degree programmes
If you choose to go to university, from school or college, there are several relevant undergraduate degree subjects that could lead to a career as a public health librarian, including:
- English
- History
- Psychology
- Linguistics
If you already have an undergraduate degree at SCQF level 10, you may also consider applying for a postgraduate programme. When you graduate, you can apply for a range of roles which may lead to a career as a public health librarian.
There are 3 universities in Scotland that offer postgraduate qualifications in information and library studies:
- University of Strathclyde
- Robert Gordon University
- Glasgow University
Get to know the role
You will provide tailored literature searches, and evidence and information management support. In your role you will liaise with external stakeholders to understand their information needs and providing them with timely access to relevant resources. You will also contribute to the development of knowledge, such as reviews, reports, and guidance documents, making sure that they meet with the priorities and goals of the organisation.
As a public health librarian, you’ll support NHS Scotland staff and external stakeholders with their information needs. Stakeholders include:
- Scottish Government
- NHS boards
- higher education institutions
- local authorities
- research organisations
- third sector organisations
Public health librarians need these skills:
- data analysis
- research
- attention to detail
- teamworking
You could work with:
- knowledge services assistant
- library services manager
- health librarian
You could work in:
- hospital library
- community library
- public health library
- national public health bodies
Learning and development
You will be encouraged to develop your career in the NHS. As well as learning specific to your role, you'll need to complete mandatory training, including:
- health and safety
- occupational health
- fire safety
- counter-fraud
- moving and handling
- safe information handling
Your NHS employer will confirm their mandatory training requirements during your induction.
Career progression
You’ll be encouraged to develop in your role at NHSScotland. With experience you could progress to:
- library services manager
- head of library and knowledge services
Speak to your manager about training and development opportunities available to you.
Professional bodies
Membership of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) is desirable for this role. Once you have gained membership with CILIP you can access:
- professional development
- accreditation
- resources, including journals and research papers
Explore careers
Discover the skills and qualifications you’ll need for each role and what the work will be like.
Explore careers