SLIC > introduction

Scottish Library and Information Council

The Scottish Library & Information Council [SLIC] is the independent advisory body to the Scottish Government and Scottish ministers on library and information matters.

The Council offers leadership focus and support to the Scottish library and information sector, coordinating and promoting national service developments to benefit Scotland's people and enrich our cultural, educational and economic landscape.

SLIC members include all local authority, higher education, further education organisations, NHS Trust library services, as well as other specialist library and information organisations.

SLIC was established in 1991 and is funded by organisational membership subscriptions. The Scottish Government partially funds the Council in its work and The National Library of Scotland also contributes financial assistance.

Key documents: Annual Review 2010, current Operating Plan and Strategic Plan 2011-14 or search the digital library for all other SLIC publications.

Main tasks:

• Provide a leadership focus for Scottish library and information services and to facilitate coordination on a national level
• Promote understanding of library and information services' contribution to the life of the nation
• Monitor standards of provision of library and information services and advocate the development required for their continuing vitality
• Advise the Scottish Government and ministers on all matters concerning library and information services
• Undertake research and promote innovation, providing information, education and advice to support members
• Liaise with related organisations and institutions to further SLIC's strategic objectives and support our members
• Award grant-in-aid to promote innovative developments in Scottish library and information services

SLIC Board

SLIC is governed by a Management Board that is elected for a term of three years. Members of the Board are elected by their sector on a rotational basis at the SLIC Annual General Meeting. SLIC Memorandum and Articles available for download in PDF format.

Chair: Fiona MacLeod

MSP

Vice Chair: TBC

Company Secretary: Moira Methven (From January 2012)

Chris Banks

Aberdeen University

David Beards

Scottish Funding Council (SFC)

James Beaton

National Piping Centre

Dorothy Browse

Fife Council Libraries and Museums

Jeannette Castle

West Lothian Library Services

Helen Durndell

Glasgow University

Loraine Forde

Cardonald College

Sheila Miller

CILIPS

Robert Ruthven

Stirling Council

David Scott

Dundee College

Martyn Wade

National Library of Scotland

Observer: Duncan Mackay

Scottish Government

Observer: Anil Gupta

Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA)

Director: Elaine Fulton

SLIC

Assistant Director: Rhona Arthur

SLIC

Assistant Director: Catherine Kearney

SLIC

SLIC Staff

Director: Elaine Fulton

Elaine was previously Assistant Director of SLIC/CILIPS, with her work focusing on the development of information and communications technology systems and services in libraries, in particular supporting the roll out of the People’s Network in Scotland. More

Assistant Director: Rhona Arthur

Rhona has been in post since 1997 and was previously professional officer at the Scottish Library Association (SLA). Her work focuses on the development of school library services, readership development and training. More

Assistant Director: Catherine Kearney

Catherine manages the SLIC Innovation and Development Fund programme and acts as the liaison officer for the tertiary education sector and specialist adviser on joint use and co-location of services. More

Senior Information Officer (Acting): Gillian Hanlon

Gillian previously worked as a school librarian, specialising in developing the use of ICT in education. More

Admin Officer: Morag Andrew

Morag joined the SLIC team on a permanent basis in 1999 after working for the organisation on casual contracts.