Well‑being support and further education libraries: supporting the whole student

Recent years have seen increased interest in well‑being support within academic libraries, yet UK further education (FE) libraries remain under‑researched in this area. This study, utilizing a cross‑sectional survey conducted in England in May 2025, collected 42 responses to explore the drivers, approaches, challenges and impact of student well‑being support in FE libraries. Analysis involved quantitative methods alongside content analysis of open‑ended questions. The findings indicate various drivers suggesting a non‑targeted strategy, frequently integrated with core services. While a wide array of approaches exists, collection‑based initiatives are most prevalent. Strong evidence of cross‑college partnership and initiative evaluation was found; however, this data often failed to demonstrate clear impact to senior leadership. Primary barriers include limited staff time and budgets, alongside difficulties in fostering engagement and promotion. These results largely align with broader academic library literature. Key recommendations emphasize adopting a strategic approach to well‑being that aligns with specific college priorities. Depending on available resources, libraries should prioritize demonstrating the impact of core services rather than overstretching by introducing initiatives beyond their primary scope. This ensures that well‑being support remains sustainable and relevant within the FE context.