National Positioning Key Themes
Public libraries are essential national infrastructure that deliver directly on Scotland’s core priorities across the National Performance Framework, Child Poverty Strategy, Digital Scotland, Community Wealth Building, Preventative Spend Agenda, and Public Service Reform.
As accessible, trusted, place-based services, libraries simultaneously support learning and employability, reduce child poverty through attainment and family support, enable digital inclusion and access to services, improve health and wellbeing through preventative community provision, strengthen democratic participation, and function as cultural and economic anchors within local communities.
Clear, consistent national messaging can strengthen understanding of the Universal Offer and its role in delivering these wider public sector outcomes. This should be framed as jointly developed branding and advocacy that supports local delivery and partnership working.
Libraries are critical national assets that function as:
- Education and Learning Infrastructure. Libraries support early years development, literacy, digital and media literacy, lifelong learning, and employability.
- Health and Wellbeing Partners. Libraries provide safe, inclusive spaces; access to health information; and community- based support and signposting.
- Digital Inclusion Hubs. Libraries deliver free connectivity, devices, and digital support enabling access to services, education, and employment.
- Civic and Democratic Spaces. Libraries function as trusted, neutral environments supporting informed participation and community dialogue.
- Cultural and Community Anchors. Libraries deliver cultural programmes, celebrate heritage, and strengthen local identity and cohesion.
Framed in this way, libraries should be recognised as core civic infrastructure contributing directly to national priorities.
Sustained investment in libraries therefore represents a high-impact, preventative policy lever that advances multiple national outcomes while delivering inclusive, community-level public service reform.
Evidence-Led Libraries: Inspiring Innovation and Creating Communities
Scottish Library & Information Council
Annual General Meeting 2025
