CILIPS speaks out for school libraries at the Scottish Parliament

Category: Blog, News, SLG Scotland

From 17th to 19th December, CILIPS are attending the Scottish Parliament to highlight why our school libraries deserve support, recognition and protection.

Scotland’s school libraries play a significant role in education – raising attainment, providing access to books and resources, improving critical thinking and fighting misinformation, creating an inclusive and safe space and improving environmental literacy. Have a look at our posters below and our evidence bank to read some of the reasons why they are so important.

However, school libraries need support. Many schools no longer have a full-time trained librarian and school libraries have no legal protection, making them vulnerable to budget cuts and creating a postcode lottery of provision. There is a reason most private schools fund their libraries and ensure they are staffed at all levels – all young people deserve the same.

Here is how MSPs and other decision makers can help:

1. Visit a school library and see the many ways they are supporting young people and their families. We can help arrange this – please contact us here.
2. Support better protection for school libraries and librarians, and ring-fencing of funding alongside a continued strategic approach nationally.
3. Share the evidence on why school libraries are essential.