Who we are
The Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) is the independent advisory body to the Scottish Government on library and information matters.
Our greatest strength is our membership which includes public sector libraries, higher education institutions, further education colleges, health libraries and special interest libraries.
Every member brings expertise, knowledge, and innovation to the library sector. By working together, that expertise is shared through SLIC.
Our goal is to support library and information services in Scotland through service innovation, funding provision and informative research. We achieve this through adhering to our Strategic Aims. These are:
- Advocacy
- Standards
- Innovation
- Partnership
- Funding
- Research
The Scottish Library and Information Council has expanded considerably over the last five years. We have built upon existing partnerships and forged new ones, particularly in the education sector and business community.
We aim to:
- Provide a leadership focus for Scottish library and information services, facilitating coordination on a national level.
- Lead development in the library sector.
- Promote understanding of Scotland’s library and information sector and its firm contribution to the life of the nation.
- Monitor standards of provision and promote development.
- Advise the Scottish Government on all matters concerning library and information services.
- Undertake research and promote innovation.
- Foster partnerships with relevant organisations and institutions to further SLIC’s strategic objectives.
- Award grants to promote innovative development in Scottish library and information services.
Why join SLIC?
The Scottish Library and Information Council continually works with, and on behalf of, our members to support, maintain and improve library and information services in Scotland.
Our focus is on enabling and supporting our members by providing a wide range of professional services to our subscribers.
- Place libraries at the heart of every community, promoting their contribution and supporting innovative, quality services which benefit society.
- Raise the profile of libraries and information services locally, nationally, and internationally.
- Channel investment in library services, ensuring libraries and library services meet the changing needs of the 21st century.
- Provide a robust evidence and research base which facilitates best practice.
- Represent your views to the Scottish Government and negotiate on key UK and European issues which influence library and information services.
- Develop strategic partnerships with key agencies across the UK and Europe.
Membership
If you are a library or information services provider in Scotland, you may be eligible for SLIC membership. Subscriptions are paid on an annual basis.
Membership benefits include:
- Free or low-cost training.
- Networking events.
- The opportunity to apply for the Public Library Improvement Fund or the Innovation and Development Fund.
- Access to our regular SLIC Newsletter and SLIC Funding Newsletter.
- Bursary opportunities to attend various library conferences and events.
- Two free places per organisation to attend the annual SLIC Showcase and accompanying Annual General Meeting.
If you would like to discuss the ongoing benefits of SLIC membership, please get in touch by emailing info@scottishlibraries.org
Our History
The Scottish Library and Information Council was formed in 1991. It provides a leadership focus for Scottish library and information services. SLIC leads development in the library sector, monitors standards of provision and promotes development. We also regularly undertake research, promoting innovation and a greater understanding of the library and information sector in Scotland.
Over the last five years SLIC has expanded considerably. We have built upon existing partnerships and forged new ones, particularly within the education sector and business communities. By developing relationships with key agencies, we are better placed to drive innovation in libraries and ultimately enrich lives.
In 2021 we led in the creation of Forward: Scotland’s Public Library Strategy 2021-2025. The strategy builds on the collective desire for a vibrant, sustainable future for Scotland’s public library network.
SLIC was also a key partner in the development of the UK’s first strategy for school libraries. Vibrant Libraries, Thriving Schools: A National Strategy for School Libraries in Scotland 2018-2023. The strategy advises decision makers of the central role school library services play in the education sector and advocates for appropriately sourced resources.
The Scottish Library and Information Council has been supporting libraries in Scotland for well over three decades. It is a registered charity and registered company, guided by a Board. The SLIC Board has strong sector and industry representation as well as independent members. The organisation is core funded by the Scottish Government and achieves additional funding to support its purpose through its membership, projects, and donations.
SLIC recognises Fair Work First and is committed to deliver the Scottish Government policy. We ensure SLIC’s operating model embeds positive practices, behaviours, attitudes, and outcomes through constructive dialogue. The organisation is an accredited Living Wage employer and Cyber Essentials certified.
Our Partners
At SLIC we work with a wide range of organisations to support the library and information community. By developing relationships with key agencies, we are better placed to drive innovation in libraries and ultimately enrich lives.
In this section you will find information about some of the formal and informal partnerships we are engaged in.
The Association of Public Libraries Scotland has representation from all 32 of the country’s local authorities. SLIC works closely with APLS in areas such as strategy development, quality standards and assessment.
SLIC works with the BBC on their national Love to Read campaign and Weather Watchers project. We also regularly collaborate on BBC initiatives.
We enjoy a productive partnership with BBC Scotland, regularly working on joint initiatives such as Build It Scotland, part of Make It Digital.
SLIC works closely with Carnegie UK on a number of initiatives. This has included the formation of Scotland’s first national strategy for public libraries and the Future Libraries Hackathon.
During 2017 SLIC delivered country-wide Code Club Training for librarians in partnership with Code Club Scotland. The charity introduces and supports Code Clubs for Children.
The Digital Champions group was set up by SLIC to help promote digital participation in public libraries. The network includes representatives from all of Scotland’s 32 local authorities. The group meets four times a year in various locations.
SLIC is a member of Literature Alliance Scotland and we work together on various campaigns. LAS is Scotland’s largest network for literature and languages at home and abroad.
LAS are responsible for developing the online search tools Find a Book Festival – a calendar of the 50+ book and literature festivals across Scotland – and Literary Celebrations – a list of the national literary days and the big anniversaries of Scottish authors, their works and other significant literature-related events to mark.
SLIC collaborates with Publishing Scotland on various projects including their annual Book Cover Design Competition. The membership body is a network for trade, training and development.
SLIC works with Scotland’s Town Partnership to raise the profile of libraries as key venues in our towns and communities. Scotland’s Town Partnership represents and promotes the diversity of towns and places.
SLIC works closely with the Scottish Book Trust on a number of national campaigns including Read Write Count and the First Minister’s Reading Challenge.
SLIC funds and contributes to the Scottish Confederation of University & Research Libraries, which has been working across the sector for over 30 years. Through SCURL we support the development of further and higher education libraries.
We work collaboratively with Young Scot on regular campaigns and projects such as the Future Libraries Hackathon and 5Rights. The charity provides young people aged 11-26 with a mix of information, ideas and incentives.
Evidence-Led Libraries: Inspiring Innovation and Creating Communities
Scottish Library & Information Council
Annual General Meeting 2025
