Universal Offer Definition & Components
The Universal Offer should be presented as the clear, measurable framework through which local authorities can demonstrate that they meet their statutory duty to provide an adequate public library service.
It would be delivered through locally determined service models, supported by proportionate national standards, sustainable resourcing, and strong cross-government alignment. This approach maintains local flexibility, enabling services to respond to differing needs and geographies, while establishing national clarity and consistency. Local democratic accountability for achieving adequacy would therefore be preserved.
- Is universal and equitable: it applies across all council areas, with particular attention to reaching communities facing disadvantage or isolation.
- Describes consistent outcomes but supports local choice: councils deliver the offer in ways that make sense for their communities.
- Is built around core areas of public value: reading, information digital, wellbeing, and culture C creativity.
- Recognises cross-sector impact: it explicitly connects library activity to wider public priorities such as learning, employability, health prevention, social inclusion, civic engagement, and cultural participation.
- Supports continuous improvement: it includes an approach to measuring performance and impact that focuses on learning, partnership, and shared improvement rather than punitive compliance.
- Is underpinned by key enablers: capable staff, accessible spaces (including outreach/mobiles), refreshed collections, digital infrastructure, and effective leadership and partnership working.
Core Components While the specific framework for Scotland can be tailored locally, a Scottish Universal Offer could be expressed through four inter-linked components adapted from Libraries Connected’s (librariesconnected.org.uk)model:
- Reading — Promoting literacy, enjoyment of reading and learning across life
- Information & Digital — Helping people access trusted information, improve digital skills, and benefit from free digital
- Health & Wellbeing — Providing access to health-related information, supportive programmes, connections to services, and space for personal
- Culture & Creativity — Supporting community cultural engagement, creativity, heritage celebration, and local identity
Evidence-Led Libraries: Inspiring Innovation and Creating Communities
Scottish Library & Information Council
Annual General Meeting 2025
