Tag: SLIC

£34k investment set to power pioneering library projects across Scotland

Four innovative projects across Scotland’s libraries and information services have secured a share of £34,000 from the Scottish Library and Information Council’s (SLIC) Innovation and Development Fund, supporting new ideas that will shape the future of learning, research and access to information.

Now in its 14th year, the fund backs bold initiatives from across Scotland’s library network, helping services test new approaches, develop fresh resources and respond to the changing needs of communities and learners.

The latest round of funding will champion projects ranging from a Scots language learning course for prison libraries to an affordable journal publishing scheme through Scottish Universities Press:

  • Read tae rise: Scots language and library learning with Scotland’s prisons

The National Library of Scotland has received just over £9,500 to develop a new Scots language course and resource pack for prison libraries.

Co-created with learners, the course will draw on the library’s historic and contemporary collections while highlighting the role of libraries as powerful tools for lifelong learning and cultural connection.

  • Robert Gordon University Library: developing future library designs

Robert Gordon University Library has secured just under £5,000 for a student-led design concept project that will explore the future of its library spaces. Students from the School of Law & Social Sciences and the Scott Sutherland School of Architecture & Built Environment will collaborate to gather user insights and produce draft design concepts to inform future library redevelopment.

  • Delivering a journal publishing programme through Scottish Universities Press

The University of Dundee has been awarded £12,500 to pilot a journal publishing programme through Scottish Universities Press.

The initiative will test a sustainable, high-quality alternative to traditional academic journal publishing models, offering a more affordable and accessible route for scholarly research.

  • University of Strathclyde: decolonising academic libraries in Scotland

At University of Strathclyde, the iSchool has received £7,200 to work with academic libraries across Scotland to develop clear, practical guidance on applying decolonisation principles in library services and collections.

The outputs will include accessible guidelines and infographics designed to support library staff in turning shared ambitions around inclusion and representation into everyday practice.

The Innovation and Development Fund, administered and financed by SLIC, is designed to support organisations that fall outside the remit of other annual funding programmes, such as the Public Library Improvement Fund (PLIF) and the School Library Improvement Fund (SLIF).

This includes further education and higher education institutions, as well as specialist libraries and information services. All projects link to SLIC’s strategic pillars of Standards, Leadership, Information and Collaboration.

Alison Nolan, chief executive of SLIC, said: “Scotland’s libraries and information services continue to adapt and innovate, creating resilient, future-proofed environments that respond to the evolving needs of their users.

“The Innovation and Development Fund plays an important role in supporting that progress by backing bold, forward-thinking ideas.

“The projects awarded funding this year demonstrate the creativity and ambition across the sector, from empowering people through language and culture to rethinking how knowledge is created, shared and accessed.”

Since 2013, the SLIC Innovation and Development Fund has awarded over £425,000 to over 40 projects.

Previous initiatives have included a TED Talk style ‘health conversations’ webinar series developed by NHS Ayrshire and Arran Health Board Library, a literacy and numeracy course by Glasgow Women’s Library, and the creation of a podcast studio at the University of the Highlands and Islands Moray campus.

For more information about the Innovation and Development Fund, visit: 

The Innovation and Development Fund Overview – The Scottish Library and Information Council

Scotland urged to move public libraries “beyond adequate” to guarantee fair access across Scotland

A new report is calling for Scotland to move “beyond adequate” in the way public libraries are supported, measured and funded, warning that without clearer national expectations, communities could face widening inequalities in access to essential services.

Public Libraries: Beyond Adequate, published by the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) on behalf of a national advisory group convened for the Scottish Government, sets out a series of recommendations to ensure equitable, sustainable and modern library services across all 32 local authorities.

The report makes 10 recommendations covering innovative service delivery, funding and costs, measurement and accountability, leadership awareness and national and local positioning.

Central to the report is the proposal to develop a Universal Library Offer — a clear national framework defining the essential services and experiences every person in Scotland should expect from their local library.

While councils already have a legal duty to provide an “adequate” library service, the report highlights that the term is not clearly defined in legislation, leading to growing differences in provision across the country.

The advisory group warns that without stronger national clarity, there is a risk of incremental erosion of services, increasing geographic inequality and missed opportunities to use libraries to support major national priorities.

The proposed Universal Library Offer would define core areas of service that every community should be able to access, including:

  • Promoting reading and literacy for all ages
  • Free access to trusted information and digital support
  • Health and wellbeing programmes and safe community spaces
  • Cultural activity and opportunities for creativity and learning

The framework would maintain local flexibility in how services are delivered while ensuring greater national consistency and transparency.

Libraries remain among Scotland’s most trusted public services, providing vital support for literacy, digital access, learning, culture and community wellbeing.

The report positions public libraries as essential partners in delivering Scotland’s wider national ambitions, including the National Performance Framework, child poverty strategy, digital inclusion and preventative public services, highlighting how libraries act as cost-effective civic infrastructure, helping tackle child poverty, improve digital inclusion, support preventative health and strengthen local communities.

It argues that investing in libraries represents a high impact policy lever because they already operate as trusted, place-based services embedded in every community.

Alison Nolan, chief executive of SLIC, said: “Scotland already has a powerful foundation for delivering public services through its library network. They are one of Scotland’s most trusted and far-reaching public services, and access to them should never depend on where you live.

“The recommendations in this report set out a clear path to move beyond the ambiguity of ‘adequate’ and towards a shared national understanding of what every person in Scotland should be able to expect from their local library.

“A Universal Library Offer will provide greater clarity, transparency and fairness so that people across Scotland can rely on consistent access to the services libraries provide, while still allowing local authorities the flexibility to respond to the needs of their communities.”

The report also calls for:

  • A national exercise to identify the true cost of delivering equitable library services across Scotland
  • Multi-year funding settlements to support sustainable planning
  • A strengthened national improvement and peer-review framework for all library services
  • Minimum national standards for digital access and infrastructure
  • Research to quantify the social return on investment delivered by Scotland’s libraries

The advisory group presented its recommendations to Mr Angus Robertson, Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture earlier this month, with the Scottish Government welcoming the proposal, signalling full support to take the package forward.

Mr Robertson said: “I welcome the hard work that SLIC and the Public Libraries Beyond Adequate Advisory Group have put in to develop these recommendations over a short period of time. It will be for the new administration to consider and decide how they are taken forward.”

These recommendations will help inform the next phase of Scotland’s public library strategy, building on the progress of Forward: Scotland’s Public Library Strategy 2021–25 and its 2026 Fast Forward refresh. Together, the proposals aim to ensure libraries can continue to act as vital community anchors supporting learning, inclusion, culture and wellbeing across the country.

A formal national review of progress is proposed within twelve months to ensure the recommendations translate into measurable improvements.

The full report and recommendations have been published by SLIC and the Scottish Government.

Find out more: https://scottishlibraries.org/public-libraries-beyond-adequate/

SLIC-Beyond-Adequate-ReportDownload

Libraries can help secure Scotland’s future in age of AI and social change, says leading US academic

Libraries are critical national assets that can help secure Scotland’s future, strengthen communities, and safeguard democracy in an era of artificial intelligence and social change, according to a leading international academic speaking at an event in Edinburgh this week.

The Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC), in partnership with the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals in Scotland (CILIPS), welcomed internationally renowned scholar and author Professor R. David Lankes to deliver a thought‑provoking keynote lecture at the National Library of Scotland on Tuesday (3 March).

The event comes as Scotland’s library sector unites behind SLIC’s bold vision to secure the long-term future of the nation’s libraries, ensuring they continue to empower people, support wellbeing and drive social and economic opportunity in every community.

Bringing together library professionals, academics, students and members of the public, the one‑hour lecture explored themes from Professor Lankes’ latest book, ‘Triptych: Death, AI and Librarianship’ and examined how libraries are evolving to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world shaped by artificial intelligence, social fragmentation and increasing political polarisation.

The Virginia and Charles Bowden Professor of Librarianship at the University of Texas at Austin delivered a powerful message: libraries are essential civic infrastructure that can save lives, strengthen communities and protect democratic values.

Professor Lankes is widely recognised for his influential contributions to the field, with accolades including the American Library Association’s Isadore Gilbert Mudge Award for distinguished reference librarianship, the Ken Haycock Award for Promoting Librarianship, and the ABC‑CLIO/Greenwood Award for The Atlas of New Librarianship.

He identified how libraries in Scotland, the United States and around the world can play a vital role in addressing urgent societal challenges – from the rise in “deaths of despair”, to increasing social isolation, the spread of misinformation and growing anti‑intellectual sentiment – by fostering connection, participation and access to trusted knowledge.

Highlighting the essential contributions of libraries across all sectors, from public and academic institutions to those serving hospitals, governments and legal organisations, in ensuring communities can reach their full potential and fight a growing wave of anti-democratic trends in global politics, he said: “Libraries are one of society’s most powerful tools for building stronger, healthier and more resilient communities.

“At a time of profound technological and social disruption, their role has never been more important. The choices we make now about our libraries will shape the future of our communities and our democracy.

“His visit to Scotland reinforces growing recognition of the vital role libraries play not only in education and literacy, but also in economic recovery, digital inclusion, public health and social cohesion.”

Alison Nolan, chief executive of SLIC, said: “Professor Lankes’ message could not be timelier. Libraries are fundamental to Scotland’s future.

“They are places of opportunity, innovation and inclusion that help people learn, connect and thrive. Across Scotland, libraries are transforming lives every day, supporting digital participation, tackling inequality, improving wellbeing and strengthening communities.”

Professor Lankes’ lecture forms part of ongoing work by SLIC and partners to champion the value of libraries and to ensure they remain at the heart of Scotland’s communities in the face of technological disruption and increasing social challenges.

Alison Nolan continued: “Our vision statement is clear, we must secure sustainable support and investment to ensure Scotland’s libraries continue to play this essential role for generations to come.

“This event highlights not only what is at stake but what is possible if we invest in our libraries and the people who power them.”

Sean McNamara, Director of CILIPS, added: “We were delighted to work with our partners at SLIC and the NLS to bring the inspirational Professor Lankes to Edinburgh. We strongly believe that libraries and their staff can play such a key role alongside others in meeting some of society’s biggest challenges.

“Professor Lankes’ talk gave us so much to consider regarding how libraries can support community cohesion and democracy and how they can help us adapt to AI, and it was an honour to host him.”

To learn more and support SLIC’s vision statement, visit: 

www.scottishlibraries.org/securing-the-future-of-scotlands-libraries 

and to find out about CILIPS pre-election campaign, visit: 

https://www.cilips.org.uk/advocacy-campaigns/librarians-are-the-answer/

Open Letter: The world is reinvesting in libraries, Scotland can’t afford to stand still

2026 is both an election year and the National Year of Reading — a year when literacy, libraries and the future of our young people should be firmly at the top of the political agenda.

Across the UK and around the world, governments are taking decisive action to tackle declining literacy and reinvest in school libraries. Yet Scotland, once regarded as a leader in library provision, now risks falling behind.

When Vibrant Libraries, Thriving Schools launched in 2018, Scotland was setting the pace. We were seen as progressive — a nation that recognised libraries as essential to education, wellbeing and community life. Today, however, the landscape is shifting, and not in our favour.

Recent months have brought renewed focus on education, reading for pleasure and school libraries, but largely south of the border. England has committed to delivering a library in every primary school by 2029, backed by more than £10 million in dormant assets, alongside £5 million to provide every secondary school with new library books.

Wales has pledged dedicated funding for its National Year of Reading. Meanwhile in Scotland, funding gaps, inconsistent provision and ageing facilities are undermining the vital role libraries play in literacy, learning and community wellbeing.

Across our 32 local authorities, school library provision is fragmented. Only five authorities — just 16% — offer full professional librarian coverage in secondary schools, while at least five have none at all. More than a third rely on assistants, teaching staff or volunteers, despite clear evidence that professionally trained librarians are essential for literacy, information skills and wellbeing.

Recent developments only show the situation worsening. Qualified librarians are being replaced, dedicated library spaces reduced, and purpose-built libraries moved into smaller rooms with sharply curtailed stock and access. Some areas are exploring new models to stretch limited resources but these often involve cutting trained roles and introducing inconsistent provision with little central oversight. These are not minor operational changes, they signal a systemic unravelling of Scotland’s school library infrastructure.

The evidence is clear. Research by the University of Edinburgh and Scottish Book Trust shows school librarians foster reading enjoyment, create inclusive spaces, support minority pupils and strengthen personal development. A CILIPS-funded study found librarians are uniquely placed to tackle misinformation, yet lack of time, training and recognition prevents them from doing so. In an age of disinformation, this should be a wake-up call.

At the same time, National Literacy Trust data shows reading enjoyment among children and young people has fallen to its lowest level in 20 years. Only one in three enjoy reading, fewer than one in five read daily and one in ten children in Scotland does not own a single book. Boys, pupils from lower-income families and those in disadvantaged communities are disproportionately affected.

Scotland’s latest Achievement of Curriculum for Excellence Levels report shows record-high literacy attainment and narrowing gaps, yet school libraries are absent from the narrative. This omission is striking. The challenges highlighted — uneven engagement, slower progress for some groups and persistent inequality — are precisely where school libraries make the greatest difference.

Reading for pleasure remains the strongest predictor of a child’s future success, more powerful than parental income. Being read to at age five is a protective factor against poverty at age 30. Libraries are not cultural luxuries, they are engines of social mobility.

Other nations understand this. Norway, Sweden and the Netherlands are investing heavily in school libraries and staffing. Scotland, meanwhile, is cutting posts, shrinking spaces and relying on goodwill to sustain essential services.

SLIC’s vision statement, Securing the Future of Scotland’s Libraries, sets out what is needed: sustainable funding, modern facilities, protected professional roles and universal standards. Without decisive action to make libraries financed, fairer and future-proofed, Scotland risks entrenching a postcode lottery of literacy and opportunity.

As we approach the 2026 Holyrood election, MSPs face a clear choice. With strong evidence, a practical vision and broad public support, you can secure libraries as essential infrastructure at the heart of Scotland’s learning, wellbeing and future prosperity. Or you can allow further erosion that deepens inequalities and limits life chances for the next generation.

Scotland once led the way. We can do so again — but only if we act now, with ambition that matches the opportunity our communities deserve.

Yours sincerely,

ALISON NOLAN

Chief Executive of the Scottish Library & Information Council (SLIC)

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Trailblazing Scottish school library projects awarded share of £150,000

Pupils across Scotland are set to benefit from a £150,000 funding boost as school library projects across the country secure grants through the 2025-26 School Library Improvement Fund (SLIF).

Administered by the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) on behalf of the Scottish Government, SLIF supports creative initiatives in line with Vibrant Libraries, Thriving Schools, the national strategy for the development of school libraries.

This year, 17 innovative projects across 78 schools have been awarded funding.

The successful projects focus on developing employability skills, digital literacy, creativity and family learning, with initiatives designed to boost pupils’ love for reading, support neurodiverse pupils and strengthen the bond between parents and children through reading.

Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, Jenny Gilruth, said: “School libraries play a vital role in getting children and young people excited about reading, empowering them to learn and preparing them for the future. That’s why we’ve proudly supported the School Library Improvement Fund since it started in 2017.

“This year’s funding means that over £1.8 million has been made available to help schools create innovative programmes that bring pupils closer to books and stories.

“This helps improve literacy skills and supports our work to close the poverty-related attainment gap, and I’m confident that the projects announced today will have a positive impact for pupils across Scotland.”

The 2025-26 successful SLIF projects:

  • Aberdeen: Holy Family RC Primary School – The Nest Library: Assistive Technology for Inclusive Reading
  • Angus: Liff Primary School – Hear to Read, Read to Lead
  • Argyll and Bute: Colgrain Primary and Pre-5 Unit – Our Connected Learning Community
  • East Lothian: Dunbar Primary, Dunbar Grammar and Families Together – Getting It Right for Every Reader
  • East Renfrewshire: Eastwood High, Woodfarm High, Police Scotland – Open Goal: Fostering Emotional Intelligence Through Football
  • Falkirk: Grangemouth High, Carrongrange High and cluster primaries – Myths and Legends
  • Highland: Culloden Academy and five primaries – Reading is for Everyone
  • Inverclyde: 20 primary schools – Couch to Classroom: A Story Sharing Project
  • North Lanarkshire: Shawhead Primary – Developing Our Pupils’ Digital Minds
  • Renfrewshire: Across primary and secondary schools – Renfrewshire Read for Empathy Project; St John Ogilvie Primary and cluster primaries – Young Voices, Big Ideas: Empowering Pupils Through Podcasting
  • South Lanarkshire: Wester Overton Primary – Family Lending Library – Working Together; Duncanrig Secondary – Extraordinary Lives Project
  • Stirling: Riverside Primary – Read to Thrive; Fallin Primary, Wallace High, Fallin Community Library – Let’s Read a Story
  • West Lothian: Bathgate Academy – Beyond the Shelf: A Digital Hub for Inclusive Reading; Armadale Academy and cluster primaries – Butterflies
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Alison Nolan, chief executive of the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC), said: “School libraries are safe, inspiring spaces that help young people learn, grow and reach their full potential, and the School Library Improvement Fund champions that spirit of creativity and innovation.

“This year’s 17 successful projects reflect the ingenuity of school library teams who are committed to developing employability skills, strengthening digital literacy and fostering family learning in their communities.

“This latest investment will help school libraries continue to evolve and adapt to the needs of pupils, parents and teachers and we’re excited to see these trailblazing initiatives come to life.”

The 2025-26 SLIF brings the total investment from the Scottish Government to £1.87 million since the scheme’s inception.

Open to all state-run nurseries, primary and secondary schools, the fund allows schools to apply individually or collaboratively, ensuring wide and equal access to this transformative support.

For more information about SLIF and to learn about some of the previous projects, visit: https://scottishlibraries.org/the-school-library-improvement-fund/

Bold vision launched to secure the future of Scotland’s libraries

The Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) has unveiled a powerful new vision statement calling for urgent, sustained investment to secure the future of Scotland’s libraries.

Libraries are the beating heart of Scotland’s communities — vital community hubs that deliver cultural, educational, economic and digital benefits for millions across the country.

Places where people learn, connect and thrive. Yet, with 55 libraries lost since 2013 – seven libraries closed in 2024/25 alone – many more cut, and funding varying dramatically between councils, SLIC warns that without coordinated national action, Scotland risks deepening inequality and losing one of its most trusted and transformative public services.

The new vision, Securing the Future of Scotland’s Libraries, sets out a clear agenda for a financed, fairer and future-ready library network that supports the nation’s ambitions for inclusion, innovation and net zero.

Alison Nolan, chief executive of SLIC, said: “Libraries are essential public infrastructure – every £1 invested delivers almost £7 in community benefit. They are engines of opportunity, equity and wellbeing.

“This vision is a call to action to ensure every person in Scotland, no matter where they live, has access to a thriving library service.”

Securing the Future of Scotland’s Libraries makes clear asks of government and partners to safeguard and strengthen the nation’s library network.

Under the themes of financed, fairer and future, the vision calls for:

  • Sustainable national funding to be factored this into any future growth or investment deals with regions or local authorities, reversing decline.
  • A national policy framework recognising libraries as essential public infrastructure, ensuring consistent funding and protection under Scottish law.
  • A minimum universal standard of library provision, guaranteeing that everyone — regardless of postcode — has access to a well-resourced local library.
  • Recognition of libraries’ cross-sector role in supporting education, health, wellbeing and climate literacy — embedding libraries in wider government strategies.
  • Sustained investment in digital infrastructure, modern facilities and innovation programmes to close the digital divide and prepare libraries for the future.
  • Commitment to long-term capital investment to deliver modern, energy-efficient, net-zero-ready library buildings that reflect the needs of 21st-century communities.

Scotland’s 14.5 million annual library visitors — nearly four times that of the Scottish Premiership football season attendance — demonstrate their enduring relevance. From supporting early literacy and digital skills to improving mental health and community wellbeing, libraries remain among the most effective and inclusive public investments available.

SLIC is calling on policymakers, partners and the public to back its vision ahead of the 2026 Holyrood Election and work together to secure the future of Scotland’s libraries for generations to come.

“A Scotland that values learning, creativity and fairness must also value its libraries,” added Alison Nolan. “Our vision is about ensuring that these vital spaces are not only protected, but empowered to flourish.”

To learn more and support the vision statement, visit:

 www.scottishlibraries.org/securing-the-future-of-scotlands-libraries

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£200,000 funding boost for Libraries to power innovative community projects

Twelve public libraries across Scotland are set to transform their services thanks to a £200,000 injection from the Public Library Improvement Fund (PLIF). The funding will support a range of pioneering projects, from gaming and e-sports hubs to AI workshops and sustainability initiatives, designed to create lasting impact for their local communities.

Administered by the Scottish Library & Information Council (SLIC) on behalf of the Scottish Government, the annual PLIF helps libraries deliver cutting-edge services that inspire engagement, promote digital upskilling and foster inclusivity across the country.

This year’s successful projects showcase the evolving role of libraries as hubs for trusted information, civic participation and innovative learning and upskilling experiences.

Priority was given to initiatives that address pressing societal challenges including combating mis/dis information, promoting democratic participation, tackling child poverty through educational support, enhancing family wellbeing, and fostering economic growth through community co-production.

Highlights include a gaming and e-sports hub for young people in Elgin, a digital inclusion initiative in North Ayrshire tackling scams and providing information on pension credit, energy advice and staying safe online, community-led initiatives in Inverclyde promoting democratic engagement, and workshops on AI, media and digital wellbeing in South Lanarkshire.

Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: “The Scottish Government deeply values the role libraries play in our society, local communities, and neighbourhoods. Across the country, libraries continue to deliver a wide range of support and resources, standing proudly at the heart of our communities as trusted and vibrant hubs.

“Through our support, twelve projects have been successful in receiving funding from SLIC’s Public Library Improvement Fund (PLIF), for 2025-26. The fund will yet again support pioneering and innovative projects across library services. I am keen that we make the best use possible of all avenues and platforms to ensure that libraries can continue delivering the multitude of services they offer.”

The projects awarded 2025/26 PLIF funding are:

  • ‘ReadMore 2026’, an Aberdeen City Library scheme to deliver library services to schools
  • ‘How Fiction Becomes Fact’, helping communities in Aberdeenshire tackle misinformation and the growing influence of AI-generated content
  • ‘Empowering Teens through the World of Graphic Novels’, an initiative aimed at increasing the engagement of 13–18-year-olds with library services in Campbeltown
  • ‘Greenwave’, supporting citizen science projects in Dundee
  • ‘East Lothian Reads’, taking on child poverty and supporting attainment in East Lothian
  • ‘Cultivating Climate Champions’, a Highland project to expand its green libraries programme to include Ullapool, Gairloch, Fort William, Thurso and Fortrose
  • ‘Libraries Give Us Power’, promoting active citizenship in the Inverclyde area
  • ‘Game Explorers’, creating a gaming and e-sports hub in Elgin Library
  • ‘Savvy about Scams’, a North Ayrshire initiative tackling scams and providing information on pension credit, energy advice and staying safe online
  • ‘Learning and Discover Zone Development’, creating a dedicated zone for children aged 0-12 in Peebles Library
  • ‘DigiAye’, providing workshops on topics such as AI and digital wellbeing across South Lanarkshire
  • ‘Secret History Squad’, encouraging children’s library membership in Stirling

Alison Nolan, chief executive of SLIC, added: “Public libraries play a vital and multifaceted role as one of the last truly open-access community spaces.

“They offer access to essential services and resources and serve as vibrant spaces for creativity and self-expression. Continued investment is crucial to sustaining and evolving these services to meet the community needs, and the PLIF remains a key mechanism for strengthening our network.

“Our strategy for Scotland’s public libraries is built on three pillars: people, place and partnership, and this year’s twelve winning projects exemplify that vision, reimagining libraries not just as centres of literacy, but as catalysts for civic engagement, skill development and the sources of trusted information for people of all ages.”

The PLIF is part of a £450,000 annual programme administered by SLIC on behalf of the Scottish Government, supporting creative, sustainable, and innovative public library projects throughout Scotland.

For more information, visit: scottishlibraries.org/the-public-library-improvement-fund-overview/

Innovation and inclusion recognised in SLIC Library Awards

Library services across Scotland have been rewarded for their outstanding contribution to their communities in the 2025 Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) Awards.

The annual awards, judged by an independent panel led by SLIC Chair Alan Clarke, alongside education journalist Garrett Baylor Stell, and Scottish author and presenter Helen Cross, celebrate library teams and projects that have enhanced learning, wellbeing and community engagement through pioneering staff-driven initiatives.

This year’s winners, announced at the SLIC Showcase and AGM yesterday (Friday 31 October), reflect the creativity, inclusivity and social impact of our library services. From innovative literacy projects to inclusive community hubs, this year’s winners showcase how libraries are evolving to meet local needs, spark creativity and improve wellbeing.

copyright photo by Paul Chappells 07774730898 www.paulphoto.co.uk

Aberdeenshire’s HMP Grampian Prison Library team were named Library Team of the Year, receiving the top award for their progressive Foreign Language Prison Phrase Book project.

Working collaboratively with prison staff and inmates, the team created a practical resource to break down language barriers, improve understanding, enhance safety and promote inclusion across the prison community. Inmates were directly involved in the phrase book’s development, fostering ownership, cultural awareness and mutual respect.

Through effective communication, feedback and iterative testing, the team refined the resource to ensure accessibility and real-world impact. The phrase book has reduced misunderstandings, strengthened relationships and improved day to day interactions within the prison environment. Setting a new benchmark for inclusive, user-led service design, the project’s success has led to adoption across the Scottish Prison Service, demonstrating the project’s scalability and sector-wide value.

Judge Helen Cross commented: “A unique and inspiring project delivered to make a difference to everyone, with inclusivity at its heart, demonstrating that open communication can break down barriers and help bring about and progress positive change.”

copyright photo by Paul Chappells 07774730898 www.paulphoto.co.uk

The East Lothian Libraries team were highly commended in the category, recognised for their integrated approach across 12 public libraries and seven secondary schools.

Despite budget pressures, the team maintained high quality services and delivered a range of community initiatives, from dementia-friendly groups and digital inclusion sessions to gardening clubs and family learning cafés.

Their literacy strategies, Reading Schools accreditation and bespoke school library policies have positioned the libraries as trusted hubs for learning, wellbeing and resilience.

In the Library Project Excellence category, South Ayrshire Libraries took home the title for the Girvan Library Lend + Mend project, recognised for the outstanding delivery of a new permanent community hub for borrowing, repairing and upcycling resources, alongside a major library relocation.

The project balanced the challenge of moving premises while maintaining services and community engagement, with staff leading a seamless transition that expanded opportunities for learning, encouraged sustainable practices and increased social connection through free classes, volunteer-led workshops and intergenerational activities. 

Expanding the service, the new Lending Collection also allows users to borrow high-cost DIY resources, such as power tools and wallpaper strippers at no cost, helping households save money, build practical skills and see the library as far more than a place for books.

Since reopening, Girvan Library has seen significant increases in footfall, the formation of new community groups and a lasting impact on wellbeing and inclusion, positioning it as a model of innovation, sustainability and resilience in library service delivery.

Judge Garrett Baylor Stell praised the project, saying: “Innovative and clear in its initial goal, the project showed the service’s ability and willingness to continue to add and expand to what is on offer.

“Keeping a similar approach and philosophy, the lending of tools meets a similar need but greatly expands the service.”

Glasgow Women’s Library were highly commended in the category for its Opening the Door: Celebrating Literacy, Celebrating Literature project which highlighted adult literacy and numeracy (ALN) learners, integrating the Keys to My Mind exhibition and film with creative workshops.

The project celebrated learners’ achievements, boosted confidence and wellbeing, and broadened participation in the Open the Door Festival, while partnerships with writers, artists and learners helped create an inclusive, nationally recognised model of library practice.

SLIC Chair Alan Clarke added: “The SLIC Awards celebrate the remarkable work of library teams and projects across Scotland. This year’s winners and highly commended entries demonstrate innovation, inclusivity and lasting social impact.

“Libraries continue to evolve, responding directly to the needs of their communities, and it’s inspiring to see the difference they make in learning, wellbeing and community connection.”

The SLIC Awards are open to all SLIC members, including public, further education, higher education and specialist libraries across Scotland.

The winners received a trophy and cash prize in recognition of their outstanding achievements in library service delivery and project innovation.

For more information, visit: scottishlibraries.org/funding/the-slic-awards/

£450,000 fund to spark innovation across Scotland’s public libraries

Public libraries across Scotland are set to benefit from a share of £450,000 as part of a fund which supports bold, community-focused projects that strengthen their role as trusted hubs for learning, wellbeing and inclusion.

The annual Public Library Improvement Fund (PLIF) awards grants to projects which align with the vision set out in FORWARD: Scotland’s Public Library Strategy 2021-2025, with the strategic aims grouped under the themes of ‘People’, ‘Place’ and ‘Partnership’.

This national strategy maps out an exciting future for Scotland’s public libraries with work set to continue into 2026 to ensure services are able to build on the groundbreaking work of the past four years.

The 2025/26 PLIF – administered by the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) on behalf of the Scottish Government – has opened for applications (Monday 18 August) to promote innovation across Scotland’s public library sector.

This year’s funding priorities reflect the expanding role of libraries as a hub for trusted information, upskilling and guidance, with applications which address key societal challenges encouraged.

The 2025/26 PLIF will prioritise projects that support:

  • Tackling mis/dis information  
  • Supporting democracy  
  • Tackling child poverty through support for attainment  
  • Support for family wellbeing
  • Economic growth and co-production

As well as providing funding for innovative library projects across the country, PLIF also supports the delivery of Scotland’s national public library strategy (FORWARD), and allows SLIC to continue its valuable research work. This £450,000 investment takes the total to £5.5 million over the lifetime of the PLIF scheme.

Scotland’s Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: “We believe libraries are at the heart of Scotland’s communities.

“That is why we provide annual funding to the Scottish Library and Information Council, including £450,000 towards the Public Library Improvement Fund, which exemplifies the transformative power of libraries, from introducing digital inclusiveness to teaching about economic wellbeing.”

Last year, 13 projects received a share of PLIF funding, supporting Gaelic and Scots language and new Scots languages, digital inclusion and sustainability initiatives.

One of the projects awarded an £11,000 grant was the Interactive Orcadian Flora Trail, an initiative created by Orkney Library and Archive to tackle social isolation while highlighting the diverse and varied plant life that can be found across the islands.

The trail, which officially launches later this week, also celebrates Orcadian culture by providing an opportunity to hear the Orcadian dialect, with flower poems created and recorded by Orkney Voices.

Alison Nolan, chief executive of SLIC, said: “PLIF has transformative power for public library services. Projects like Orkney Library’s Orcadian Flora Trail showcase libraries’ place at the heart of cultural, educational and social life.

“Over the years, we’ve seen inspiring PLIF projects which preserve heritage, spark creativity and serve local needs flourish long beyond the initial funding term, becoming lasting assets to the communities they serve.

“The thread running through all the PLIF applications we see is a clear commitment to delivering something meaningful and impactful for local people. PLIF gives services the opportunity to bring ambitious ideas to life, and I would strongly encourage libraries across the country to apply.

“We’re looking forward to receiving fresh applications that reflect the innovation, dedication and community pride that defines Scotland’s public library services and that bring this year’s themes into focus to ensure libraries continue to lead as trusted, inclusive spaces at the heart of every community.”

The PLIF 2025/26 is now open to applications and will close at 12pm on Friday 19 September 2025.

For more information on how to apply, visit: 

The Public Library Improvement Fund (scottishlibraries.org).

£150,000 investment in school library improvement scheme 

School libraries across Scotland are set to benefit from a £150,000 funding injection earmarked for projects supporting the development of employability skills, digital literacy and family learning, through the 2025/26 School Library Improvement Fund (SLIF).

Administered by the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) on behalf of the Scottish Government, SLIF supports creative and innovative projects in line with the key aims of ‘Vibrant Libraries, Thriving Schools’ – the national strategy for the development of school libraries in Scotland.

Open to all state-run nurseries, primary schools and secondary schools in Scotland, this year’s fund will prioritise project applications which promote the themes of cross curricular working and developing employability skills, delivering digital literacy and exploring digital creativity, and cluster working and family learning.

The 2025-26 SLIF brings the total investment from the Scottish Government to £1.87 million over the lifetime of the scheme.

Announcing the opening of the fund for 2025-26, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, Jenny Gilruth, said: “School libraries are a vital part of the learning community across Scotland and we know they can help foster habits of reading for pleasure among our young people from an early age, which can support learning and help close the poverty related attainment gap.

“I am determined to ensure that our school libraries continue to prosper and would encourage all head teachers who think their school could benefit for this important funding to apply for a share of this £150,000 of investment from the Scottish Government.

“This year’s fund will support family learning and help deliver more digital literacy and creativity, in line with our ambition to develop an innovation nation and support greater whole family support.”

17 projects across Scotland benefited from last year’s funding boost of £150,000 which focused on developing literacy and numeracy, information and media literacy, and mental health support.

Successful projects included ‘reading picnics’ in Edinburgh’s Craigentinny Primary, the ‘s’more reading for mental health’ initiative across Aberdeenshire school libraries, and ‘building empathy through reading’ in Falkirk’s Braes High School.

Alison Nolan, chief executive officer of SLIC, said: “The SLIF supports creative, innovative projects within Scotland’s school libraries and every year, we are struck by the ingenuity of the forward-thinking services that drive progress with trailblazing projects that best meet the evolving needs of their school communities.

“With the latest funding pledge of £150,000 for school libraries announced, it’s the perfect time for services to reflect on what’s possible. We encourage teams to think boldly about how they can develop and transform their offering, and submit an application that brings those ideas to life in support of pupils, parents and colleagues.”

Schools can submit an individual or collaborative application, with SLIC accepting up to two individual applications per local authority and an unlimited number of collaborative applications to ensure equal opportunities across the country.

The School Library Improvement Fund 2025-26 is now open. Applications will close on 27 August 2025.

To find out more and apply, visit: The School Library Improvement Fund – The Scottish Library and Information Council.