The SLA is a UK focused charity
which supports everyone involved in school libraries. We believe that every
pupil is entitled to effective school library provision and the educational,
emotional and developmental benefits that come with it. The SLA is committed to
supporting, promoting and sustaining high quality reading and teaching and
learning opportunities for all in a diverse and changing world.
We will provide training and access to resources to support the running of school libraries and the continuing development of all library staff, as well as advocating for and allowing other educational staff to maximise their understanding and use of school libraries.
We were set up in 1937 to support all those who work in school libraries by a group of Headteachers who recognised the need. We currently have around 2300 members, and are the first port of call for even more people who support school libraries, whether that’s through our training, the publications we publish or our advice line.
Membership of the SLA costs £95 per year and, if paid for by the school, membership covers the whole school, meaning multiple people can have logins to the website, use the advice line, and make use of the member benefits. If paid for personally, the membership only covers one person. Concessions are available, please see Join for more information.
The School Library Association believes in a world where every child and all school staff have the support of an expert guide in reading, research and information/critical literacy and access to a wide and varied range of resources.
The SLA is a UK focused charity which supports everyone involved in school libraries. We believe that every pupil is entitled to effective school library provision and the educational, emotional and developmental benefits that come with it. The SLA is committed to supporting, promoting and sustaining high quality reading and teaching and learning opportunities for all in a diverse and changing world.
Our Values
Accountability
Everything the School Library Association does will be able to stand the test of scrutiny by the public, the media, the Charity Commission, members, stakeholders, funders, parliament and the courts.
Integrity and honesty
These will be the hallmarks of all conduct when dealing with colleagues within the School Library Association and equally when dealing with individuals and institutions outside it.
Transparency
The School Library Association strives to maintain an atmosphere of openness throughout the organisation to promote confidence of the public, stakeholders, staff, charity regulators and parliament.
A quarterly journal
This is full of best practice for primary and secondary, ideas for activities, tips; book and digital reviews across all ages from 0-8 through to 16-19 enabling educationalists to stay up to date with the latest in children’s publishing and maximise their budget.
More InfoAccess to an advice line
Any member of school staff can email or call and ask about any issues/best practice/guidance and get realistic, personalised advice, whether that's the librarian, teacher, bursar or Head.
More InfoTraining
Our combined offer of online and day courses, alongside the weekend course, means you can continue to develop throughout the year. Topics range from copyright to mental health, from behaviour management to supporting sixth form.
More InfoPublications
Lively and practical; our publications are easily readable whether you’re new or experienced, on a range of topics and across all school stages. Whether its the Guidelines - an oversight of an issue with a few case studies - Riveting Reads or Voices they enable you to explore a topic in your own time.
More InfoMentoring
A mentoring service for anyone with responsibility for running the library. We match you to someone in a similar context to guide you through and provide ongoing support.
More InfoRegional Branches
We support regional branches put on their own training days and run network events, bringing training to you, and ensuring a local support network. We also support networks for non-members.
More InfoOther Benefits
Members also benefit from competitions, give-aways and discounts from publishers, and exclusive discount on other products including Amazing! Magazine, DLT magazines, The Literary Gift Company; as well as discounts off all SLA publications and training.
More InfoAdvocacy and Engagement
Have a significant voice at regional and national level, through advocacy and engagement.
More InfoAwards
Run three Awards: the Information Book Award; the School Librarian of the Year and the Inspiration Award (for Library design). We also support the Pupil Library Assistant Award.
More Info
