What are Schools Library Services?

Essentially, a Schools Library Service will:

• Advise schools and provide training on managing and developing their own school libraries and teaching resources in schools, on teaching information literacy skills to enable children to become independent learners and to help schools create a reading culture. 

• Lend or make available for purchase carefully chosen resources to support teaching and learning in the classroom and to support wider reading for pleasure and enjoyment.

Who runs the Service and how is it paid for?

The service is run by experienced qualified librarians who have knowledge of the curriculum and of children’s literature.

Again, there are variations around the country. On the whole, schools subscribe to their local Schools Library Service on behalf of all their teachers. Some authorities pay for the Service from central funds, so it is free at the point of delivery to schools.