Don’t close the book on Fife’s school librarians

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During my recent research into how school librarians can help students with mis- and disinformation issues, I learnt that four local authorities (Argyll & Bute, Glasgow, North Ayrshire, North Lanarkshire) either had, or soon would have, no secondary school librarians. Also, Fife is continuing to cut its school library services. In this case, I’m pleased to learn that the UNISON Union and CILIPS are campaigning against these cuts, and for improvements to school library services.

School libraries – including qualified librarians – are essential for students’ development of reading, literacy, ability to gather and process information and much more. (Don’t just take my word for it – see the evidence compiled by CILIPS, including the Great School Libraries report.) 

I found that’s particularly true in the context of helping students handle mis- and disinformation issues. Despite some barriers to such work, if school librarians are present, they can massively benefit their students, and support their teacher colleagues.

Of course, if they aren’t present, they can do none of this. This is why I am horrified by Fife’s Council’s recent choices, as I am by previous choices by the other LAs I mention. This would lead to around 30%[1] of Scotland’s school students being deprived of the many advantages of functioning school libraries. 

So I urge my readers to write to Fife Council, objecting to the changes. These sources will help:

UNISON and CILIPS are asking for:

  • A clear commitment to a properly staffed library in every secondary school, with devolved budgets used for their intended purpose.
  • A pause on further reductions, relocations, or ‘locking’ of library spaces while provision is reviewed with unions and stakeholders.
  • A local minimum standard for school libraries—covering space, safe access, stock/ICT, digital integration, and the presence of a qualified librarian with protected time—applied consistently across all schools, including in refurbishments and new builds.

Bear in mind that prisons must have libraries, but there is no legal requirement for schools to do so!

Please also share this via your own friends and contacts. Thank you!

[1] Calculations based on mid-2024 data from Office for National Statistics

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