Guidance for library staff over pre-election period

Category: News

We have had a few members ask for some guidance about what they can and can’t do in the lead up to the general election during the period commonly described as ‘Purdah’ (although we note the various concerns around the use of this word).

We would recommend that library workers (in places such as local authority funded public and school libraries) clarify with their line manager and/or employer in the first instance over what they are specifically allowed to do. However, our general guidance is that library workers should continue to deliver services as they normally would but should not publish any material or deliver any services which, in whole or in part, appears to be designed to affect public support for a political party. This would not include helping people register to vote or providing info on the process of voting however. A helpful guide is available online here.

You can also read what the current election means for Scotland’s libraries here.