Libraries as 'everyday' settings: the Glasgow MCISS project

Whitelaw, S. , Coburn, J., Lacey, M., McKee, M. J. and Hill, C. (2017) Libraries as 'everyday' settings: the Glasgow MCISS project. Health Promotion International, 32(5), pp. 891-900. (doi: 10.1093/heapro/daw021) (PMID:27006366)

Abstract

A settings-based approach is now well-established in health promotion, initially undertaken in conventional places like schools and workplaces, but more recently being expressed in a wider range of what Torp et al. call ‘everyday’ settings. In this context, libraries have emerged as another potential setting whose ubiquity and accessibility suggests that they may be particularly effective in addressing health inequalities. Drawing on a case study—the Glasgow Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Services Library project—this paper reports on the potential for seeing ‘libraries as settings’ and in the context of a set of associated theoretical resources, specifically scrutinizes the nature of initiative implementation. Data were drawn from multiple sources: semi-structured interviews and focus groups with strategic partners and stakeholders, operational staff, project volunteers, service users and members of the general public. Qualitative data were complemented by quantitative insights from surveys with members of the partnership, libraries staff and volunteers. Despite some concerns associated with potentially hostile cultural and financial contexts that might threaten longer term sustainability, insights suggested that in pragmatic terms, the project was attracting sizable ‘footfall’ and successfully addressing a range of needs. Additionally, the formal implementation processes associated with project implementation were considered to have been highly successful in embedding the model into the library culture. In summary, there is evidence that libraries have the potential to be considered as supportive settings and could act as a model for an emergent vision of what libraries do.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Lacey, Mrs Marion and McKee, Mr Martin and Whitelaw, Dr Alexander and Hill, Professor Carol
• Authors: Whitelaw, S., Coburn, J., Lacey, M., McKee, M. J., and Hill, C.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > MRC/CSO SPHSU
• Journal Name: Health Promotion International
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• ISSN: 0957-4824
• ISSN (Online): 1460-2245
• Published Online: 22 March 2016
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2016 Oxford University Press
• First Published: First published in Health Promotion International 32(5):891-900
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

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