The School Library Improvement Fund (SLIF) supports creative and innovative projects within the school library sector.
It is administered by the Scottish Library and Information Council on behalf of the Scottish Government.
The Fund plays an important role in helping school library services achieve the key aims of Vibrant Libraries, Thriving Schools: A National Strategy for School Libraries in Scotland 2018-2023, the strategic document for the development of school libraries in Scotland.
The fund is available to all state nurseries, primary schools, and secondary schools in Scotland with an established library. Schools can apply to the Fund in two ways:
- Individual Application from School Libraries under One Local Authority
A school library can apply on its own without any collaboration with other school libraries and/or authorities. SLIC accepts up to two Individual Applications per local authority. This is to give each authority an equal opportunity when applying.
- Collaborative Application from one or more Local Authority
SLIC accepts an unlimited number of Collaborative Applications. This is where an application is made by either two or more schools from separate Local Authorities and/or external partners.
While SLIC encourages multi-disciplinary and cooperative working, Collaborative Applications must be led by school library services. A detailed explanation of what constitutes a Collaborative Application can be found on the School Library Improvement Fund FAQ Page.
All applications need a direct link to at least one of the strategic aims of Vibrant Libraries, Thriving Schools - A National Strategy for School Libraries in Scotland 2018-2023. Schools will also have to comply with the Fair Work First scheme.
There is no minimum or maximum amount for bids although all projects must be completed within 12 months. You can find more information on the strategic aims of the School Library Strategy and the Fair Work First scheme on our School Library Improvement Fund FAQ page.
As the School Library Improvement Fund supports creative and innovative projects, SLIC is unlikely to fund applications which are similar to previously successful projects.
Funding cannot cover the following:
- Setting up a new school library
- Refurbishing a current school library
- Solely refreshing school library stock
- Solely refreshing library resources
The School Library Improvement Fund is now closed. If you have applied to the 2023 Fund SLIC will aim to notify applicants of Awards within one week of the Funding Sub-Committee’s decision.
The School Library Improvement Fund Guidance and School Library Improvement Fund Application Form offer a step-by-step guide to applying. We recommend that you read through the Guidance before downloading the Application Form.
School Library Improvement Fund Application Forms are submitted through your Local Authority Key Contact. Every Local Authority in Scotland has identified a Key Contact to help school libraries apply to the Fund.
Your Key Contact is unlikely to be your Headteacher but could be the Head of Public Libraries, an Education Manager or a Quality Improvement Officer (QIO). You can find out who they are by getting in touch with your local authority.
In order to progress your application, you must liaise with your Key Contact before submission. They will look over your application and help you with the funding process. The Key Contact decides which applications will be submitted to SLIC for consideration. It is essential your application is signed by the Key Contact. We will not accept applications where there is no Key Contact signature.
Our School Library Improvement Fund FAQ Page can help with any questions you may have regarding the application process. If you cannot find the answer to your query you can email info@scottishlibraries.org
Please note: Your application must be sent to your Key Contact in advance of the closing date. Any applications not submitted to SLIC through the Key Contact or after the deadline cannot be accepted.
