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CILIPS President formally requests reinstatement of school librarian posts

Category: News

The CILIPS President, Theresa Breslin, has written to every Argyll and Bute Councillor formally requesting they pass a motion to reinstate school librarian posts.  The full text of this is as follows:

From Theresa Breslin to Argyll and Bute Councillors – Email sent 23rd August 2016 
Headed:-   Formal Request Re: School pupils plea re School Librarian posts in Argyll & Bute

Dear Councillor of Argyll and Bute,

I am writing to you again on behalf of Argyll and Bute school pupils who asked for my support in their protest against the deletion of the posts of school librarians within their secondary schools.

In addition to the information which I sent you previously re the crucial role of the School Librarian I would also like to make you aware of recent events re reading initiatives involving school pupils.

  • The First Minister’s Reading Challenge has just been launched on the 19th August. It mentions the “…the excellent work going on in schools and communities…”
  • Learning and Teaching Scotland are rolling out the ‘Scotland Reads’ programme which includes promoting “Book Buddies” where senior pupils mentor younger ones.

Combined with the case made by a number of other groups including the Literature Alliance Scotland – and most especially the points made by the pupils themselves who will shortly be future voters – I propose that the above constitute a material and distinct change to the evidence upon which the original decision was made.

I note also that Argyll and Bute is offering incentives to young families to become residents. Deleting posts which provide a key component of education undermines this initiative. School provision is a high priority when parents consider relocating. Argyll and Bute could become the only authority in Scotland failing to provide a dedicated library service within their secondary schools. Perhaps some of this money could be allocated to fund the posts?

I would like to officially progress this matter and so I am formally requesting that a full Council Meeting is convened immediately and that this evidence, and all previous correspondence from all sources, be presented to the Councillors with a motion to reverse the decision and reinstate the posts of Secondary School Librarians.

Yours sincerely,

Theresa Breslin, Carnegie Medal Winning Author
2016 President of CILIPS (Chartered Institute of Librarians and Information Professionals in Scotland)

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