ASCEL shines a crucial spotlight on the role and impact of School Library Services (SLSs) in England following a 20-year gap in evidence.
Supported by Arts Council funding, ASCEL commissioned Leeds University to conduct research into the provision of School Library Services (SLSs) to understand the service breadth, gaps in provision, different business models, funding arrangements and health of the service across the country. The research took place between January to November 2024.
The resulting report includes quantitative and qualitative evidence from 39 SLSs (confirming there are 41 in England, with evidence to suggest a further 16 are in operation), and shares key findings and strategic evidence which offers advice for the maintenance and development of a successful SLS.
Read the SLS Report summary here
Read the full SLS Report here
Key research findings:
- Of the 39 SLSs that responded, 24 are part of the library service in their area.
- The ratio of SLS staff to number of schools ranges from 1:7 to 1:43.
- Book loans are the most common service, followed by advice and consultation, book awards and artefact loans.
- 100% of respondents agreed that their SLS contributed positively to teaching and learning.
- Just 9% said their SLS was financially secure in the long-term.
Excerpts from the case studies within the report include:
“The knowledge of the staff is astounding. The team are constantly reading and reviewing books, which despite being time-consuming, is very much worth it. This develops their own expertise of children’s books and themes, something they can readily offer the schools and teachers they work with.”
“There’s a whole generation of teachers and even SLT who haven’t experienced a good quality, working school library. There’s a memory gap to fill and SLSs need to be good at demonstrating what they can offer.”
“The SLS team’s expertise can help expand the books the teachers use in their classes to include more contemporary, local and diverse literature."
We are engaging with SLS members of ASCEL to discuss the findings of the report and identify next steps.