The Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) is the advisory body to the Scottish Government and Scottish Ministers on library and information matters. Established in 1991, the Council exists to provide organisational support and lead strategic development for all library and information services in Scotland. SLIC’s membership includes all local authority, higher education and further education organisations, along with National Health Service (NHS) Trusts and other specialist organisations, including the National Library of Scotland. Its management committee comprises representatives from all library sectors and key partner organisations, the latter including the Scottish Government, the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (CoSLA) and Universities Scotland.

SLIC’s priority areas of activity indicate the key issues currently facing the libraries and information sector in Scotland: (i) Co-ordination of library services; (ii) Development of information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure and facilities; (iii) Lifelong learning and enterprise; (iv) Scottish culture and the arts; and Equity and access.

Raising the quality of library service provision throughout Scotland is another of SLIC’s key objectives. Scotland’s first public library standards were published by COSLA in 1986 and updated in 1995. On both occasions, SLIC worked in partnership with key stakeholders to ensure that the standards set were challenging but achievable. Further revision of the 1995 standards was postponed to incorporate the significant service changes brought about by the completion of the People’s Network project a UK-wide initiative sponsored by the National Lottery New Opportunities Fund, aimed at providing universal access to computer facilities and the Internet, chiefly via libraries. This third set of public library standards for Scotland is currently under development.

The role of libraries in the 21st century is also under consideration as part of the current cultural policy review instigated by the Scottish Government. The definition of ‘cultural rights’ and ‘cultural entitlement’ from a user’s perspective form a central plank of the Cultural Commission’s remit, and the public library service has a significant contribution to make in this context, through supporting reading and literacy, facilitating access to lifelong learning and information skills development, and working with partners to close the so-called ‘digital divide’. A further key element in the review will be the development of national strategies to protect and support Scottish cultural heritage, and to deliver quality information services for all.

Within the education sector, SLIC has led the way in developing a quality agenda for school library services, through the development of COSLA school library standards, self-evaluation frameworks and developing inspection guidelines with Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education (HMIE). The success of such frameworks lies in advocacy, investment of time, and engagement with the sector. Early indications signal that improvement in service is slowly being achieved. Similar approaches are producing measurable results in further education, prisons and health services.

SLIC has also supported the development of public-sector standards for ICT and interoperability as part of the wider Digital Scotland initiative, which aims to improve public service, information and knowledge access, and to support business and commerce using digital technologies. By working with the Scottish Government on such strategies, all library services can begin to share and develop resources for Scotland in a more cohesive and collaborative way.

SLIC has always been keen to encourage innovation and development, leading by example whenever possible, and making funding available to members to pilot and develop innovative projects. These have included the establishment of the first Scottish CyberCentres in South Ayrshire, and the implementation of a National Reader Development scheme. The latter includes training for public library staff in the promotion of contemporary literature, and in helping users get the most out of visiting their local library. A broader aim – and one again of relevance to the cultural review – is the recognition of reading as participation in art, affording libraries a new importance as gateways in this process.

SLIC has also developed the web portal Scotland's Culture on behalf of the Scottish Government. The site aims to give access to the broad range of cultural information held within Scotland’s institutions and the wider electronic world beyond. Over 30 million items of Scottish interest are searchable through the portal, including books, digitised material, museum objects, collections, and electronic information. The portal relies on databases held across Scotland. Work is ongoing to add databases, and to use the infrastructure developed thus far to underpin cultural promotion and activity.

Further information on SLIC and its work can be found at http://www.slainte.org.uk, which includes an online directory of all libraries in Scotland and their key contacts.

Make direct contact with organisations and individuals working in this sector through our extensive database of KEY CONTACTS.