The inadequacy of ‘adequate’: Scottish Government commits to addressing legal safeguards for public library provision
Category: News
I’m sure members will wish to thank communities who have fought so hard to save our libraries and also to thank librarians for their tireless work. I was delighted to host library campaigners from across Scotland and the professional body CILIPS in Parliament today and we had an insightful discussion with MSPs at lunchtime…
Mark Ruskell, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife (Green)
The Scottish Government as a whole deeply values our public libraries and deeply believes that everyone should have access to these services… the Government is happy to take forward an engagement process on that “adequate provision” definition.
Ivan McKee, MSP for Glasgow Provan (SNP), speaking on behalf of Angus Robertson, Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture
CILIPS are delighted that, in response to last night’s Members’ Debate on Save Local Libraries in the Scottish Parliament, brought forward by Mark Ruskell MSP with cross-party support, the Scottish Government has committed to an engagement process over the current statutory duty of local authorities to provide ‘adequate’ public library facilities for their communities.
Contains information licensed under the Scottish Parliament Copyright Licence
After an impassioned and at times deeply personal debate, extending into the evening as MSPs of all parties shared stories of the transformative impact of libraries on not just their own lives but those of family, friends and constituents, Ivan McKee MSP spoke on behalf of Angus Robertson, Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture to thank Mr Ruskell for securing the discussion on what he called ‘a very important issue’. Mr McKee described both himself and Mr Robertson as ‘avid supporters of public libraries, who commend the tireless work of our librarians across the country to keep these services thriving’:
The Scottish Government as a whole deeply values our public libraries and firmly believes that everyone should have access to these services.
Whilst noting that the current statutory duty to secure the provision of adequate public library facilities for all persons resident in their area is devolved to local authorities, Mr McKee committed that the Scottish Government ‘will engage with our local network on that “adequate provision” definition’.
Contains information licensed under the Scottish Parliament Copyright Licence
Welcoming Mr McKee’s response on behalf of the government, Mr Ruskell asked for further information on ‘when’ this engagement process would take place. Mr McKee confirmed that the Cabinet Secretary will be happy to engage with Mr Ruskell on the specifics of ‘when’, reiterating that ‘the Government is happy to take forward that engagement process on that definition’.
Wearing his ‘Save Our Rural Libraries’ badge, Mr Ruskell welcomed the government’s commitment.
Sean McNamara, Director of CILIPS, said:
We very much welcome this commitment by the Scottish Government to engage with local authorities over the definition of adequate libraries. Usage of libraries in Scotland is increasing and they play a key role in providing equitable access, improving literacy, reducing child poverty, increasing digital inclusion and much more.
In our view, an adequate library service is one that meets its community needs for all of the above and more, and this includes locations, opening hours and skilled staffing that meet local requirements. It is essential that the Scottish Government work with local authorities to ensure we break this cycle of cuts, and we look forward to engaging with this process as required.
CILIPS first met with Mark Ruskell MSP at our school library advocacy stall in the Scottish Parliament, December 2024.