The SLA is entirely funded by membership income. Without our dedicated and loyal members we are more limited in the support we can offer. We have also seen an increase in personal memberships, as people value the services we offer but cannot pay for it from school funds.
This can result in the schools who have the biggest budgetary challenges (and quite often that means other challenges as well) not receiving the support they need to improve literacy and develop information literacy (learning how to find and use information).
Numerous research shows the benefits of reading for pleasure, and the SLA develops resources to improve adult’s book knowledge, allowing them to make effective stock decisions and use these books to their potential in a class or library.
Information literacy is a key part of being able to participate in society. Without the skills to identify biased information, or use and reference material pupils can find themselves not only in hot water academically, but in their personal lives too. Without these essential skills pupils are falling victim to manipulation of fact, ‘fake news’ and ‘click-bait’ headlines. All children should be able to make informed decisions about what they engage with both online, and the SLA empowers school library staff to deliver sessions both in the library, embedded within other subjects or through enquiry based learning.
The space of the school library is incredibly important with research showing use of a school library can have a positive impact on well-being. The SLA develops guidelines for the design and layout of the library space, meaning all children have somewhere accessible to do research, read for pleasure and generally escape the day to day pressures.
Support the SLA as we help schools deliver pupils' reading and research skills.
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.
Vision statement
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.
Mission statement
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.
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