Media Centre > Archive

Improving Libraries for Learners Launch

Tuesday 1 December 2009

The Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) today (Tuesday 1st December 2009) launched Improving libraries for learners its latest guide to self-evaluation for school libraries at Falkirk High School.

It has been produced in consultation with colleagues from Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education, who welcome its positive messages about the important role of school library resource centres and staff in helping children and young people develop the four capacities of Curriculum for Excellence.

The guide is intended for all who teach, support and improve the learning experiences of children and young people in schools. It seeks to help teaching and library resource centre staff in schools and central support services to meet pupils’ needs and improve learning.

School libraries are an important part of Scotland’s education provision. The 1999 COSLA Standards for Developing School Library Services in Scotland recommended that all secondary schools have a full time professional post and that other educational establishment have access to the skills of professionally qualified staff.

Fiona Hyslop, former Cabinet Secretary for Lifelong Learning, recognised the role of school librarians at the Scottish Learning Festival in September 2009, in particular their contribution to the development of information literacy.

The recently published Curriculum for Excellence - Building the Curriculum 4: Skills for learning, skills for life, and skills for work, also acknowledges this.

Welcoming the new publication, Christine May, Chair of SLIC Board said: “Effective school library resource centres are central to the learning and teaching taking place in the school. They promote the development of independent learning skills, supporting lifelong learning and encouraging children and young people to grow as responsible citizens and make an effective contribution to society.

“This guide will help staff to assess the effectiveness of their provision and make improvements for children and young people.”

Contact: Elaine Fulton, Director, SLIC t: 01698 458888 e: e.fulton@slainte.org.uk

Notes to editors

1. About SLIC

The Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) is the independent advisory body to the Scottish Government on library and information matters. 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. SLIC members include all local authority, higher education and further education institutions, NHS Trust library services and other specialist library and information organisations.

2. About Improving Libraries for Learners

Improving Libraries for Learners replaces Libraries Supporting Learners, which was the 19th in the How good is our school? (HIGIOS) series of guides to self-evaluation. It was produced in partnership between Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education (HMIe) and the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC).