The Scottish government has been urged to introduce a legal requirement that all secondary schools have a dedicated library.
The Scottish Book Trust (SBT) said a new statutory requirement is needed because the number of school librarians over the past decade has “drastically reduced”.
There is currently no legal obligation for schools in Scotland to provide libraries or librarians. The SBT said that some council areas have no school librarians at all, while others are sharing librarians between two or more schools or struggling with budget cuts.
In a report published today, The Value and Impact of Scotland’s Public Libraries, the SBT recommends the introduction of rules that would require a library and librarian in every secondary school.
A library for every secondary school
Its recommendations include ensuring standard minimum provision across the country so that all schools have access to a high-quality library. It also urges the Scottish government to work with councils to make sure that libraries are properly funded, as well as to provide new training for schools to support library services.
For the report, research was carried out with the National Library of Scotland, the Scottish Library and Information Council, and the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals in Scotland, surveying secondary school librarians.
The publication comes a day after chancellor Rachel Reeves promised to provide a library in every primary school in England by 2029.
The SBT says that 32 per cent of schools in Scotland have a dedicated librarian, compared with 41 per cent in the UK as a whole. And 25 per cent of schools in Scotland have a designated library budget, compared with 36 per cent of schools in England.
In an SBT survey of 140 secondary school library workers in Scotland, 59 per cent said there were restrictions on their funding and resources, while 23 per cent reported restrictions on their remit and hours and 21 per cent on dedicated library space.
Marc Lambert, chief executive of the Scottish Book Trust, said: “The evidence clearly shows that school libraries and school librarians play a vital role in supporting pupil attainment levels and wellbeing, but schools across Scotland are losing their librarians and their library spaces.
“It’s shocking that there’s no legal requirement for secondary schools in Scotland to have a school library staffed by a librarian.
“We are now calling on the Scottish government to introduce a statutory requirement to protect our school libraries.”
Safe space for pupils
Mr Lambert added: “With appropriate funding, secure staffing provision and more public and management support, school libraries can allow all children and young people to thrive, whatever their background.
“Providing a safe space for children and young people experiencing mental health or wellbeing challenges, [school libraries] are hugely valuable and must be supported.”
Derek France, school librarian at Preston Lodge High School in East Lothian and the 2025 Scottish Book Trust Reading Champion, said: “I’ve been a school librarian for the past eight years, and I read this report not merely as a collection of statistics highlighting the benefits of a school library with a school librarian, but as a mirror reflecting the daily realities, hopes and frustrations of the people who keep our libraries alive.
“Reading for pleasure, closing the poverty-related attainment gap, digital inclusion and active citizenship are precisely the domains where school libraries have traditionally excelled.”
A Scottish government spokesperson said: “It is good that Scottish Book Trust also recognise that school libraries and qualified school librarians play an important role in improving attainment, promoting equity and preparing children and young people for the future.
“That is why we invest every year in the School Library Improvement Fund to support innovative and creative projects which help pupils to engage with their school libraries.”
The spokesperson added: “We will, of course, consider carefully this report and its recommendations, but, fundamentally, it is for councils to determine how to manage their resources, including school libraries.
“Most local authorities have had to account for the planned hike in employer national insurance contributions and the UK government is entirely responsible for this.”
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