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School Librarians

CILIPS set up a School Library Advocacy Group in 2012 and this was a sub-group of the CILIPS Trustee Board set up to help respond to the growing number of cuts to school librarians.

During its time as a CILIPS sub-group, the collective produced an advocacy strategy, campaigned for school libraries and librarians and developed a strand at the CILIPS Autumn Gathering.

This work, combined with the work of other groups and individuals, was followed by the Scottish Government establishing additional funding for school libraries and beginning the development of a strategy document.

In September 2018, Vibrant Libraries, Thriving Schools – A National Strategy for School Libraries in Scotland 2018-2023 was released by the Scottish Library and Information Council. This strategic document highlights the important role the school library and school librarian plays in facilitating Curriculum for Excellence from 3-18. In addition to stressing the importance of the school library to the students and the community at large, it informs head teachers, school librarians, and parents how to best utilise school library services. Hard copies of the National Strategy were sent to every school in Scotland and digital copies are available here or through the digital resource on the right and hard copies can be requested by emailing info@scottishlibraries.org.

Useful Links

Vibrant Libraries, Thriving Schools – A National Strategy for School Libraries in Scotland 2018-2023

Our briefing for Deputy First Minister John Swinney in February 2017

An Advocacy Strategy for school librarians, our document published in 2014

Why School Libraries Matter – Scottish Book Trust blog

Responses to Save Scotland’s School Libraries Petition to the Scottish Parliament

School library advocacy film produced for the SLIC stand at the 2015 Scottish Learning Festival

Save Scotland’s School Libraries Facebook page

Today in a Scottish School Library Twitter feed

Robert Gordon University report on the Impact of School Libraries on Learning#

How to ensure the book doesn’t close on (school) libraries – TES Article

School librarians and employability (video)