If you are planning on applying to the Innovation and Development Fund (IDF), you can find the answers to some Frequently Asked Questions below.

For information on the funding process, including the application deadline, visit our main Innovation and Development Fund page.

If the FAQs can’t help with your query, please email info@scottishlibraries.org and someone will come back to you. 

The Innovation and Development Fund (IDF) is a funding stream which supports pioneering library projects throughout Scotland. It is available to all Higher Education, Further Education and Specialist Library and Information Services in Scotland who are members of the Scottish Library and Information Council. The fund is administered and financed by SLIC.

The Innovation and Development Fund supports initiatives which align with the strategic aims of the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC). Libraries and Information Centres also have to be members of SLIC to apply to the fund. 

The SLIC Funding Sub-Committee approve applications on innovation, achievability, value for money, sustainability, and scalability. 

  • An application made by two or more Higher, Further or Specialist Libraries and/or Information Centres who are members of SLIC. 
  • An application with an external organisation or charity. 
  • An application made by two or more Higher, Further or Specialist Libraries and/or Information Centres and an external organisation or charity.

Note: SLIC encourages multi-disciplinary and cooperative working however collaborative applications must be led by an eligible library or information centre.  

The Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) has six strategic aims. These are: Advocacy, Standards, Innovation, Partnership, Funding and Research. You can find out more about SLIC as an organisation by visiting our What We Do page. 

There is a limit of two Individual Applications as this gives every eligible library service an opportunity to prioritise what is important to its service.  

There is no limit on the number of Collaborative Applications SLIC will accept.

If you have any questions about applying to the Innovation and Development Fund you can email info@scottishlibraries.org

You are advised to read the Application Guidance prior to applying as this takes you through the application process step-by-step. 

Please submit your Innovation and Development Fund application by filling in the online form. 

Please submit your application by filling in the online form. Please ensure you read the Application Guidance before submission. You may wish to copy and paste from a Word document on to the online form.  

The online application form does not require signatures. Confirmation of signatures, including those of partners will be required, if successful, as part of the Conditions of Grant. 

SLIC will contact you via email after submissions close, following the final decision of the SLIC Funding Sub-Committee, to let you know whether you have been successful or not.