This review looks at the pilot stage of the Every Child A Library Member project. It demonstrates the innovation and creativity in approaches adopted by Scottish public libraries.
The role which Every Child a Library Member can play cannot be understated. It can develop child literacy, support and develop attainment and, consequently, help to reduce social exclusion and promote equality of opportunity.
The report was carried out by Professor Peter Reid and Ms Caroline Hood of the Department of Information Management at Robert Gordon University in 2016. The key aim was to conduct an independent systematic evaluation of all Every Child A Library Member pilot projects and identify key recommendations of good practice to enable successful approaches to be rolled out more widely across Scotland.
Key findings take into consideration the importance of removing barriers to library membership, community outreach, participation and engagement as well as fostering and developing active and engaged partnership with Registrars. The value and significance of the Tell Us Once scheme is also addressed. A number of local authorities highlighted that the spirit of the scheme rests not in simply making children library members, but in developing active membership. The review also underlines the significance of high quality marketing and promotional materials.
Every Child a Library Member is an important project for the library community in Scotland and has the potential to help close the attainment gap, reduce social exclusion and promote equality of opportunity.
