#LibrariesAreEssential Policy Responses – the Scottish Green Party

As part of our #LibrariesAreEssential campaign in the run-up to the May 2021 Scottish Parliament elections, we asked the main parties standing for election in Scotland to answer a short series of questions about how their policies meet the needs of Scotland’s libraries and librarians. Below are the responses we received from the Scottish Green Party.

What commitments can your party give to support libraries and librarians over the next parliament?

One of the primary guiding principles of the Scottish Green Party is that cultural rights are human rights. This includes the right to participate in cultural life and access the benefits of literary production. We will support and encourage libraries to increase their purchases – specially to support local authors and purchase books published – as part of a broader aim to ensure everyone has access to enjoy and learn from an increased provision of books, resources and information that libraries can offer.

What steps does your party intend to take to combat misinformation and disinformation and do you see information professionals and libraries playing a role in these efforts?

We recognise the very real threat the spread of misinformation is having in shaping culture and politics. We believe tighter regulations on online platforms to contain the spread of misinformation will be essential, but we also need to encourage people to pursue more reliable avenues for acquiring accurate information. Increasing the capacity of information professionals and libraries to develop as a welcoming space for public learning will also play a vital role.

What steps would your party take to ensure that local government has the resources to deliver library services that meet the community needs?

The undervaluing and financial neglect shown to public libraries over the last decade that has led to over 800 closures is a form of cultural and societal vandalism. Green pressure helped save cuts to libraries and leisure facilities across Scotland during the coronavirus pandemic and they will continue to defend local funding for libraries. Over the last three years we have secured around £500 million extra funding to go into local services, including libraries, through the green budget deals with the Scottish government.

Does your party believe all school pupils should have access to both a school library and a trained professional school librarian?

Yes, the Scottish Greens believe that all school pupils should have access to both a school library and a trained professional school librarian.

To return to the main campaign page and read the other policy responses we’ve received so far, please click here.