Foreword
Alan Clark, Chair, SLIC Board of Trustees
As we reflect on 2023-24, it’s inspiring to see how Scotland’s libraries have reconnected with their communities, evolving to meet the changing needs of our time, once again demonstrating their invaluable role in supporting learning, wellbeing and inclusion for all.
The Scottish Libraries and Information Council (SLIC) has been at the forefront, providing essential leadership and support to public library services, libraries in schools, colleges, universities and the broad range of specialist information services. Our focus on funding, standards, innovation and partnerships ensured our members could engage and thrive. Key achievements of this year are outlined this annual review, with initiatives like the Lend and Mend Hubs, climate engagement projects such as Shelf Life, and new data collection efforts which have enabled us to continue delivering on our objectives.
I am proud of the resilience and innovation shown across our library services, meeting new challenges with a shared commitment to serve our communities. Together, we continue to unlock opportunities, inspire future generations, and create spaces that reflect the needs and hopes of Scotland today.
SLIC’s activity is shaped by six key work priorities:
SLIC Board
- Professor Ian Ruthven
- Alison Stevenson
- Craig Vickery
- Gary Cameron
- Richmond Davies
- Anna McInnes
- Lindsay McKrell
- David McMenemy
- Aileen Morton
- Richard Parsons
- Hilary Reid
- Amina Shah
- Maisie Smith
- Robert Sullivan
- Jonathan Tait
Advocacy
Scottish Parliament Reception – celebrating Scotland’s libraries
SLIC held a Parliamentary Reception at Holyrood in September 2023, sponsored by Dr Alistair Allan MSP. Ms Christina McKelvie, Minister for Culture Europe and External Relations attended, alongside over 100 guests including other politicians and elected members, SLIC members and key stakeholders.
The event provided a platform for the outgoing Chair, Professor Ian Ruthven to welcome SLIC’s incoming Chair, Alan Clarke, to the SLIC Board.
October 2023Green Libraries Week
SLIC wrote to all MSPs to shine a light on a number of climate engagement projects being delivered through libraries, such as the Lend and Mend Hubs, seed libraries and repair cafes, as well as the cost-of-living support.
November 2023Public Libraries Innovation Fund
Christina McKelvie MSP, Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development, visited Loanhead Library to announce the successful Public Library Improvement Fund (PLIF) projects and to announce the opening of a second round of PLIF.
January 2024Budget setting
SLIC wrote to the leaders of all 32 local authorities to ensure public library and school library interests remained at the forefront of discussions. Meetings took place with various councillors and while several indicated service redesign for 2025/26 due to budget cuts, nine councils indicated that they are fully committed to their library services.
February 2024Schools Library Improvement Fund
Jenny Gilruth MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, visited at Annette Street Primary School in Glasgow to see first-hand the impact of the School Library Improvement Fund (SLIF).
February 2024Meetings
SLIC also attended a number of meetings – online and in person – with ministers and councillors focused on SLIC and its wider work.
FORWARD: Scotland’s Public Library Strategy 2021-25
SLIC supported the Implementation Group for FORWARD which met twice online during 2023/24.
Vibrant Libraries, Thriving Schools: a National Strategy for School Libraries in Scotland 2018-2023
SLIC played an active part in the Implementation Group, supporting the school library community and the Education Scotland professional learning community.
A Collective Force for Health and Wellbeing
SLIC worked with Digital Health Scotland, NHS and THE ALLIANCE to take forward the action plan.
A number of pathfinder projects commenced in 2023/24 in partnership with the third sector, such as Diabetes UK and Alzheimer’s Scotland.
Digital Inclusion Alliance
SLIC played an active part in the newly created Digital Inclusion Alliance. The important role which public libraries play to support digital access and tackle data poverty has been acknowledged at a national level.
National Culture Strategy
SLIC was also active in a range of national working groups and round tables which took place across 2022/23 to develop and action plans for the national Culture Strategy which was published in December 2023.
June 2023
SLIC presented at the annual CILIPS conference on the groundbreaking work of the Lend and Mend Hubs.
October 2023
SLIC presented to the English Public Libraries Stakeholder Working Group on the development of FORWARD.
SLIC presented at the British Library Living Knowledge Network during Libraries Week on libraries and sustainability.
November 2023
SLIC hosted a visit for Designing Libraries and a group of Danish Librarians at Craigmillar Library in Edinburgh.
SLIC’s Annual Showcase
January 2024
An online Webinar took place focusing on AI. The event was attended by 78 individuals from the Digichamps, SLIC Board and wider SLIC membership.
Mobile Libraries Day
The fifth National Mobile Libraries Day took place in November 2023 as part of Book Week Scotland.
SLIC produced a toolkit to support library services from across Scotland to take part and celebrate, with many using their social media channels to highlight the valuable contribution they make to the communities they serve.
SLIC newsletter
SLIC distributed its newsletter three times across the year to over 800 subscribers.
Membership survey
SLIC carried out its annual membership survey in January 2024. SLIC received positive feedback on the support, information, accessibility and representation provided.
Media Activity
Throughout the year there was a wide range of media engagement.
National and local newspapers and broadcast media covered activity such as the successful applications from the Public Library Improvement Fund, the School Library Improvement Fund and the Innovation and Development Fund, as well as the roll out of the Lend and Mend Hubs and Every Child a Library Member.
A number of thought pieces by the CEO were published in The Herald, The Scotsman and The Times relating to public and school libraries, as well as commentary broadcast on a range of issues including potential library closures and libraries as warm banks.
BBC Scotland also worked closely with SLIC to ensure public libraries provided free access to the books featured on The Big Scottish Book Club.
Standards
Public library framework
SLIC commissioned Robert Gordon University to refresh ‘How Good is our Public Library Service?’, a public library quality framework for Scotland
Public library design
SLIC encouraged public library services to implement the person-centred design toolkit by NOMAD, a creative studio that works with people to create meaningful spaces
Cyber security
SLIC retained its Cyber Essentials accreditation, a government backed scheme to ensure that organisations are protected from cyber attacks
Fair wages
SLIC reconfirmed accreditation as a Living Wage Employer for 2023-2024, committing to pay all employees the real Living Wage.
Innovation
Lend and Mend Hubs
The introduction of Scotland's first dedicated facilities in public libraries, giving people the tools and expertise to repair everyday items during the cost-of-living crisis
- Nine Lend and Mend Hubs opened in 2023/24
- Delivering against 2030 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Sustainable space to engage with, learn about and collaborate about the climate emergency
- Services tailored to community needs, with many of the programmes community-led
Every Child a Library Member (ECALM)
The Programme for Government initiative offering a simple, consistent, and nationally branded approach to children's library membership in Scotland's public libraries was rebranded and a dedicated website introduced www.everychild.scot
- Children’s membership increased by around 10%
- 0-4years membership increased by 26%
- Children joining through registrars increased by 13%
Innovative membership support and training
Digital training
The Digital Training Platform for Public Library Staff has over 1,000 registered users across all 32 local authorities.
The Digital Champions Network played an active part in the continued development of the platform
Community planning
The Community Planning Dashboard allows public libraries access to demographic and service-use data to help inform community plans, demonstrate reach and identify gaps.
The platform has been praised by other countries as a good practice model to be replicated.
Leadership training
SLIC commissioned the Social Enterprise Academy to develop a bespoke leadership course for emerging public library leaders.
Two cohorts of training took place in 2023/24 which was positively received, with many opting for formal accreditation.
NHS Near Me
SLIC extended the service to a further 4 libraries (16 in total), with 15 more planned.
Book Week Scotland
SLIC supported and promoted Book Week Scotland, co-ordinated by Scottish Book Trust. This included a grant of £23,250 to support over 550 events across 31 local authorities, attended by over 18,500 people.
Digichamps Network
The Digichamps Network increased the diet of meetings and focussed on raising digital engagement through a range of partners and initiatives.
A Collective Force for Health and Wellbeing
Growth by stealth developed a strong network at a local level for members with a range of health conditions.
Information for Wellbeing
The course continued to be popular for library and third sector staff.
Culture partners
Joint working took place with Community Leisure UK, VOCAL, Literature Alliance Scotland, Museums, Galleries Scotland, Scottish Archives Council, Creative Carbon Scotland and the European Cultural Foundation.
Advocacy bodies
SLIC continued as an active member of NAPLE (National Authorities of Public Libraries in Europe) and EBLIDA (European Bureau for Library and Information Development Agencies), and worked with Libraries Connected, Libraries Wales, Libraries NI and LGMA in Dublin.
Scottish Government
SLIC continued to collaborate with the government on a number of public information campaigns, including the Covid-19 Inquiry – Let’s Be Heard, Dentistry and Children’s Mental Health.
The Public Library Improvement Fund (PLIF)
£206,888 grant total
Awarded to 13 projects
Bridging the digital divide, tackling the cost-of-living crisis (economic wellbeing), closing the attainment gap and sustainability.
School Library Improvement Fund (SLIF)
£215,964 grant total
Awarded to 21 projects
13 local authority areas
Racial equality and anti-racism, improved access to mental health and wellbeing resources.
Climate Engagement Fund
SLIC received a grant from the Scottish Government Energy and Climate Change Directorate to deliver climate engagement activities through public libraries in Scotland from January to March 2024.
£75000
Grant
3
months
160
Events
3,500
people took part
CILIPS Annual Conference
SLIC provided bursaries for 13 librarians to attend the CILIPS Annual Conference in Dundee.
EDGE conference
SLIC provided bursaries for 4 librarians to attend the EDGE conference.
Funding e-newsletter
The bi-monthly funding newsletter provided information on financial support for the library community.
Research
SLIC is committed to evaluating all Scottish Government funded projects.
Key findings from the 2022/23 Public Library Improvement Fund (PLIF) and School Library Improvement Fund (SLIF) include:
- Small sums of project funding are extremely impactful to the sector
- Innovation and creativity is thriving in Scotland’s public libraries
- Climate and sustainability projects support local communities
- Projects enhanced reading and writing skills
- Other outcomes demonstrated were enhanced confidence, improved mental health and wellbeing
Evidence-Led Libraries: Inspiring Innovation and Creating Communities
Scottish Library & Information Council
Annual General Meeting 2025
