CILIPS Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals in Scotland
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#LibrariesAreEssential Policy Responses – Scottish Labour

#LibrariesAreEssential Scotland's Stories logo, with white text on a blue library background

As part of our #LibrariesAreEssential – Scotland’s Stories campaign in the run-up to the May 2022 local government elections, we asked the main parties standing for election in Scotland to answer a short series of questions about how their policies meet the needs of Scotland’s libraries and librarians. Below are the responses we received from Scottish Labour.

  • Would your successful councillors provide consistent funding to all libraries to ensure they can continue to support education, digital and information literacy, health and wellbeing, economic wellbeing and access to information?
  • How would you empower libraries to deliver the new National Strategy for Public Libraries and to ensure that quality library services are a key part of future community planning?
  • Would you ensure that school libraries are properly resourced so they can be key components of curriculum delivery and that all learners have access to a trained librarian?
  • Would you value and support libraries and information professionals in their vital role in combating misinformation, which is damaging society and eroding democracy?

Scottish Labour Local Government spokesperson Mark Griffin said:

‘Libraries are at the heart of communities across Scotland, but they are stretched to breaking point after years of cuts under the SNP government.

Scottish Labour councillors and MSPs have been proud to stand with determined communities campaigning to save local libraries under threat of closure following the pandemic.

We recognise the essential role that libraries play in the brighter future we are all hoping for; as well as key services libraries provide safe, free spaces where people can gather without spending money.

Scottish Labour are committed to protecting their place in our communities and to see all of our libraries reopened and restored following Covid-19 so that every area continues to benefit from the huge range of services that libraries deliver.

Scottish Labour want to improve digital literacy and skills, and our libraries are key places for reducing digital inequality, ensuring that everyone has access to services online and knows how to deal with misinformation online.

Libraries promote reading and learning for all and so Labour have committed to ensuring that every child has access to a library membership.

To ensure that libraries are protected and empowered, Labour councillors will deliver fair funding for both public and school libraries at a local level, as well as standing up for communities and fighting for a better deal from SNP and Tory central governments.’

To return to the main campaign page and discover why #LibrariesAreEssential to Scotland’s stories now more than ever, please click here.

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