The School Library Association is deeply concerned by reports of Glasgow City Council's proposal to remove school librarians from all 30 secondary schools in the city. The decision to eliminate 16 professional school librarian posts fundamentally misunderstands the vital role that school librarians play in young people's educational success, as well as their social and emotional wellbeing.
Professional expertise cannot be replaced by good intentions alone. The proposal to replace in-school positions with area librarians fails to recognise that effective school library provision is built on relationships, deep curriculum knowledge, and the day-to-day presence of librarians who understand both their school community and their students' individual personalities, preferences and learning needs.
The proposed changes arrive at a particularly concerning time. The latest research by the National Literacy Trust shows a continued decline in children and young people’s reading enjoyment and reading levels in Scotland are reported to have fallen to the lowest on record. Removing school librarians from secondary schools will compound these problems, leading to educational disadvantage for a generation of children and young people.
Victoria Dilly, CEO of the SLA said: “Removing school librarians from schools removes vital support for young people's educational outcomes and mental wellbeing. This decision will inevitably necessitate far greater spending later, to address the social costs that follow when we fail to invest properly in our children and young people's learning and development.”
School libraries are vibrant learning spaces led by knowledgeable and empathetic librarians. School librarians help pupils to develop critical thinking skills, support independent learning, foster reading for pleasure, and provide essential research guidance that prepares young people for further education and future careers.
We stand ready to support Glasgow's education authorities in developing evidence-based approaches to school library provision that prioritise young people's needs over short-term financial considerations.
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