School Libraries> Single Status

One of the biggest challenges facing school library resource centre staff is the single status job evaluation process. The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities developed a job evaluation scheme to reflect the range of jobs in Scottish unitary authorities, based on the work carried out in England and Wales by the National Joint Council for Local Government. All school library staff in local authority schools have been going through the process, with very mixed results. Some cases are now at the appeals stage.

In 2006 CILIPS published a general guide to introduce the process and how it relates to library staff working in local authorities, with examples for school librarians of what is a reasonable expectation of the process and outcome. Posts are evaluated as they currently stand. The levels suggested in the document are not legally binding and will not guarantee individuals similar levels.

For further information, contact Rhona Arthur.