Our Digital Champions network helps promote digital participation across Scotland’s public libraries. The group is made up of representatives from all 32 public library services in Scotland.
Innovation
The network helps to implement the strategic aims of Forward: Scotland’s Public Library Strategy 2021 – 2025. Our Champions share and embed the best practice across Scottish public library services, providing training and information to colleagues.
The group meets up regularly throughout the year to share the latest innovations and ideas which could benefit Scotland’s library services. Digital Champions can also discuss digital projects happening in their own library service and network with colleagues. Topics covered include 3D printing, library film clubs and virtual technology.
Aberdeen City Libraries
Aberdeen City Libraries has established an Innovation Station with funding from SLIC’s Public Library Improvement Fund. The collaborative project focuses on giving the city’s residents access to cutting-edge technology – sharing ideas, working together and learning about new skills.
The focus of the Innovation Station is on digital inclusion, sustainability and staff development. It enables Aberdeen City Libraries to upskill staff, young people and members of the wider community is areas or robotics, coding and digital literacy.
The project targets library staff, S6 pupils, youth organisations and care experienced young people aiming to co-design and deliver a digitally inclusive programme that enhances digital literacy and awareness.
Youth Stem Ambassadors, staff and young people deliver digital content to a high level using their enhanced knowledge and skills to help Aberdeen City Libraries reach new audiences across all age groups.
It offers a way for communities to make the best use of digital tools, learn about digital literacy and raise awareness of Artificial Intelligence – a leading digital field.
East Lothian Libraries
For many years East Lothian Libraries has run a Computer Buddy programme to help adult library members with all things digital. The library service recruits volunteers who work 1-2-1 with the library member on a digital theme/project of their choice. Sessions last an hour, and members can access up to six sessions. They can also choose to work with one of the library’s PCs or their own digital device.
East Lothian’s Computer Buddy programme has evolved over time. It initially started with the aim of getting members online. Today, the service simply asks what the member would like their buddy to help with. This can range from setting up Facebook and doing online shopping to help with MS Office Suite.
Buddies are also asked about their own interests and digital skill set so that they can be better matched with library members requesting help. They are also encouraged to promote the library’s e-resources to members.
To help Buddies the library service also hosts regular social get-togethers so they can meet up, share ideas and learn about new resources the library offers.
Edinburgh Libraries
The Library Link iPad Gifting Project supports housebound library users who at risk of digital exclusion. Many users have limited or no access to digital technology, making it difficult for them to stay connected with family, friends and essential services.
Blackhall Library provides iPads to Library Link members and regular digital support sessions. This helps them develop confidence in using the devices. Participants are guided in basic digital skills including email, video calling, accessing e-books and engaging with online library resources.
Library staff have noted improved engagement from Library Link members and a growing demand for similar projects in other branches. The project has been able to reduce digital exclusion, increase confidence and improve social connectedness.
Midlothian Libraries
Midlothian Libraries created a Tech Shed initiative to complement their regular Code Clubs. It focuses on reaching young people who face barriers in attending traditional sessions due to location, distance or socio-economic challenges.
The programme is made up of eight-week blocks and taster sessions held at various library locations including Dalkeith, Newbattle and Gorebridge. Participants engage in practical activities such as Arduino kits, micro:bits, robotics and other digital tools.
The project encourages interest in digital technologies by providing an enjoyable, hands-on learning environment. It also helps shift focus away from passive consumption to active creation and understanding of how digital devices work. Participants build confidence to tackle technical challenges, learn from mistakes and progress in their digital literacy.
Moray
Digi Bites sessions in the Learning Centre at Elgin Library aims to bridge the digital divide and support early years STEM learning amongst targeted families. The project focuses on the parents and carers of children aged between 3-7 years living in areas of deprivation who lack the digital skills, confidence and/or resources to support early years STEM learning at home.
The initiative includes four lunchtime Digi Bites familiarisation sessions for eight parents of children aged between 3-7 years. The sessions introduce parents to emerging technologies such as Augmented Reality (AR), block coding and robotics. This empowers them to develop their digital skills and build confidence in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Takeaway Digital Resource Kit boxes are provided to extend learning beyond the sessions . These contain STEM resources aligned with the topics covered in the sessions, along with step-by-step user guides for home activities. The kits are exchanged each week for new ones with different resources – facilitating ongoing intergenerational learning and encouraging fun STEM exploration at home.
The initiative has had a significant and positive impact on the participating families and wider community. The program’s success is underpinned by the expertise of the Learning Centre staff, who are qualified Digital Champions with extensive experience in delivering digital literacy programmes.
The programme has now been rolled out across Moray’s branch libraries – establishing a new service model that aligns with the library’s strategic priorities of sustainability and community engagement.
North Ayrshire
The Volunteer Computer Buddy scheme in North Ayrshire has been going /growing for over twenty years. It help people develop basic digital skills and use public PCs confidently and independently. This includes being shown how to use the keyboard, mouse, open programmes, print, save files, use emails and carry out basic internet searching.
Since the end of the pandemic, the Scheme has evolved from a 6-8 week course to include thematic workshops that better meet the needs of library members. This includes delivering tailored sessions suited to the individual’s device and a mix of 1:1 and group sessions.
The scheme is open to anyone aged 16 plus and has helped library members to become more confident in their digital skills. This has enabled them to confidently use library PCs and their own devices.
Evidence-Led Libraries: Inspiring Innovation and Creating Communities
Scottish Library & Information Council
Annual General Meeting 2025
