Although one of change, it has been a year of meaningful progress and impact for SLIC. After eight years of dedicated service, Chief Executive Pamela Tulloch retired, and we welcomed our new Chief Executive, Alison Nolan, as her successor. In addition, we said farewell to six Board members, and I would like to thank each of them for their commitment and contribution. This period of transition also gave us the opportunity to bring six new members into the team.

The Board expressed sincere thanks to Pamela for ensuring a seamless handover and continuity for our strategic direction and operational activities. Alison has provided assured leadership, keeping SLIC’s focus firmly on our key priorities of advocating to strengthen the role of libraries as vital community assets across the country, in our communities, schools, further and higher education, and within the public and private sectors. In a period marked by financial pressures, technological and societal challenges, SLIC has championed the library sector to support learning, wellbeing and inclusion, while contributing to Scotland’s cultural and social fabric.

Collaboration has been central to this success; our extensive partnerships with local authorities, government agencies, cultural organisations and the third sector have delivered tangible results. The expansion of Lend and Mend Hubs, the development of inclusive communication tools and our joint work on health and wellbeing information centres are just some of the ways partnership working has fostered innovation and resilience within library services. National recognition of our work, through ministerial engagement, contributions to Scotland’s cultural strategies and leadership in influencing local and national policies has demonstrated the positive impact of the library and information sector across Scotland.

Our new Chief Executive, Alison, quickly brought her energy and vision to bear, leading the development of our new strategy focused on four pillars: Standards, Leadership, Information and Collaboration, while centred on supporting libraries as they navigate change and embrace opportunity. The small and dedicated team at SLIC consistently delivers impact well beyond its size, and on behalf of the Board, I would like to thank each of them for their positive contributions.

The achievements outlined in this review are the result of the dedication and vision of library staff, our partners and the wider membership, and I want to extend our thanks to all who have contributed. Together, we will continue to champion libraries as places of inspiration, equity, education and connection, ensuring they remain at the heart of Scotland’s communities for generations to come.