The Value of Scotland’s School Libraries Report
Research into the value of Scotland’s school libraries has been undertaken on behalf of CILIPS by Jacqueline Kennard Imrie, doctoral researcher of library history at the University of Stirling, and funded by the Scottish Graduate School of Arts and Humanities (SGSAH) Doctoral Internship Programme 2025-2026.
The new report showcases the value of school libraries and school librarians in addressing societal concerns, with a particular focus on three that are priorities of the Scottish Government: eradicating child poverty, growing the economy, and tackling the climate emergency. It adds evidence to support the idea that school libraries could impactfully and systemically address societal concerns if sufficiently staffed, funded, and appreciated.
This builds on findings by the Scottish Book Trust last year and further advocates that school libraries should be a mandatory service. Several school library professionals were interviewed for their perspectives on:
- the ways in which school libraries can and do address societal concerns;
- the ways in which cuts to school librarian posts and resources devalue the school library service;
- and how library bodies can best support school librarians in advocating for the value of their service.
The report exemplifies that, in all aspects of their role, school librarians prepare young people to be informed, skilled, competent, and active contributors to society, alleviate some personal and academic hardships faced by young people, and create a more equitable learning environment. These mitigate the effects of societal problems in the short term, while reducing their odds in the long term.
However, widespread misunderstandings about the professional capacities of a school librarian and cuts to school librarians’ posts and resources mean that the potential of school libraries to address government priorities at a national scale is scarcely recognised, let alone fully realised. Further, the inconsistent provision of school libraries, induced by cuts to the service, undermines the equitability of Scottish education.
To remedy these problems, this report proposes that the Scottish Book Trust’s (2025) recommendations are actioned. It also identifies four additional recommendations:
- That local authorities and school management teams involve school librarians in the strategic planning and implementation of social initiatives in schools.
- That library bodies undertake further investigation into the effect of inconsistent school library provision on the equitability of the Scottish educational system.
- That library bodies distribute a toolkit to all school librarians containing ‘elevator pitch’ messaging in order to streamline their own advocacy efforts.
- That library bodies redress misconceptions regarding the professional capabilities of school librarians at educational conferences, school events, and local authority meetings.
If more people were attuned to the undeniable value of Scotland’s school librarians, there would be a greater network of individuals who could support advocacy efforts to universalise the school library service. This, in turn, would enhance the service’s capacity to tackle societal concerns at a systemic scale.
Click here to read the full report.
Many thanks to all of those who took part in the research through meetings and interviews, and especially to Jacqueline for working with the CILIPS team and members to research and compile such a fantastic report.