Vibrant Libraries, Thriving Schools

Vibrant Libraries, Thriving Schools – a National Strategy for School Libraries in Scotland 2018-2023 is the strategic document for the development of school libraries in Scotland.

School libraries play a vital role in the learning of children and young people. They empower pupils, school staff and the wider community in their learning, promote all forms of literacy, provide a service to improve school-leaver destinations and support lifelong learning. School libraries also facilitate Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence which is designed to give children and young people the knowledge, skills, and attributes they need for life in the 21st century.

Vibrant Libraries, Thriving Schools highlights the intrinsic value of a good school library service and the impact this can have on children and young people’s wider school experience.

The strategy advises decision makers of the significant role school library services play in the education sector and advocates for appropriately resourced services for each child in Scotland. It also informs headteachers, school librarians and education practitioners on how to use their school library services.

Strategy aim

Vibrant Libraries, Thriving Schools aims to influence decisions regarding school library provision and highlight the impact an excellent school library service can have in Scotland’s Schools.

School library provision currently varies across schools and local authorities. In early learning and childcare settings, primary schools and secondary schools there are differing levels of service. Children and young people therefore receive varying standards of provision and this has an impact on their learning outcomes.

The strategy aims to ensure every child and young person has access to an excellent school library service tailored to their learning needs.