In 2003 Scotland celebrated 150 years of public library services.

Scottish libraries have always been governed by different legislation from the rest of the UK and have supported a different educational system. Now, under devolution, they operate within a potentially different political and policy context. The Scotland Act 1999, and a subsequent concordat between the UK's Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and the Scottish Government, specifically recognise libraries, museums and archives as devolved matters, enabling associated Scottish strategic bodies to develop policy in line with Scottish Government priorities.

Use the navigation bar on the left to read more about the Scottish Government's Strategy for Libraries and the role of the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC).

Use the navigation bar on the left to read more about the Scottish libraries infrastructure, or alternatively make direct contact with organisations and individuals working in this sector through our extensive database of KEY CONTACTS.