Save Scotland's School Libraries

What it asks

What the petitioner did first

1. 24 Nov 2015
   Public Petitions Committee

   New Petitions
   1 mention
2. 26 Jan 2016
   Public Petitions Committee

   Continued Petitions
   1 mention
3. 8 Mar 2016
   Public Petitions Committee

   Continued Petitions
   1 mention
4. 29 Sep 2016
   Public Petitions Committee

   Continued Petitions
   1 mention
5. 8 Dec 2016
   Public Petitions Committee

   Continued Petitions
   1 mention
6. 2 Mar 2017
   Public Petitions Committee

   Continued Petitions
   1 mention
7. 20 Apr 2017
   Public Petitions Committee

   Continued Petitions
   1 mention
8. 25 May 2017
   Public Petitions Committee

   Continued Petitions
   1 mention
9. 9 Nov 2017
   Public Petitions Committee

   Continued Petitions
   1 mention

1. Scotland2,096 79.1%
2. United Kingdom359 13.5%
3. England127 4.8%
4. United States12 0.5%
5. Ireland11 0.4%
6. Northern Ireland8 0.3%
7. Wales6 0.2%
8. France4 0.2%
9. Afghanistan4 0.2%
10. Germany3 0.1%
11. 18 other countries21 0.8%

1. James Cowans 17 Sep 2015
   Libraries are an essential resource for pupils to learn research skills which is intrinsic to the new National courses N4
   - N7. Do not be foolish do not cut this wonderful resource from schools.
2. Jessie Linardi Nicol 17 Sep 2015
   Checking books in and out is not the essence of a school librarian's profession any more than completing reams of paperwork is the essence of a lawyer's.
   
   Replacing qualified librarians with library assistants is akin to replacing qualified teachers with teaching assistants
   - assistants do not possess the theoretical and practical knowledge needed to deliver either service. And being paid an assistant's salary while stumbling through this lack of knowledge can only confound matters.
   
   Please pay attention to the research and the repeatedly-demonstrated value of having a high-quality library service with a professionally qualified librarian on-site. It is a necessary long-term investment that will benefit all (financially and socially...).
3. beverley Turner 17 Sep 2015
   I have been privileged to spend 30 years putting books into the hands of young people at Annan Academy. Retired then yy full time post now part-time. Not good enough Children need independent access to books so that they can make their own discoveries.
4. Kevin Marr 17 Sep 2015
   Libraries and Librarians don't just exist for young learners. They are central to the community.
5. Jane Murphy 17 Sep 2015
   Our school librarian is an essential part of our school community. There is no doubt that losing our full time school librarian will have a negative impact on our pupils' experience of school. It is shameful that many committed and professionally qualified people are so undervalued.
6. Ally Bell 17 Sep 2015
   With less and less parents reading, where do we expect our children to get access to free literature
7. Elisabeth Hensman 17 Sep 2015
   I cannot praise too highly school librarians especially those in Glasgow in the 1960's and 70's who gave me do much help and encouragement with learning and instilled in me the love of reading. This also applies to public librarians. As we lose more and more public services the role of the school librarian becomes not only paramount but essential. My childhood librarians were friends and mentors and helped me discover so much for myself. But I needed their guidance to put me on this path. Today at 61 I am never without a book to hand (a real paper book) and still learning and still in awe.
8. Rachel McCabe 17 Sep 2015
   Retaining School Libraries and professionally qualified Librarians is vital to bridge the literacy gap between pupils from economically deprived communities and those from more affluent areas. The School Library is at the centre of all literacy work in a school and the loss of this free resource would cause untold damage to Scotland's school population.
9. Kirsten Scott 17 Sep 2015
   It is number crunching taken to the extreme to de-value the contribution school librarian's make to the eduction of secondary school pupils. Furthermore, it is incredily short sighted that those in power believe that only teachers can facilitate the learning of young people in full time education in terms of their literacy, numeracy and health and well being skills. A professional school librarian, degree educated, can offer so much in support of the curriculum. It is laudable that school librarian's are seen as a soft target. Reading for enjoyment or information is crucial to a young person's development for life. Teachers do not have the time and some do not have the inclination to prioritise this. School librarian's do.
10. Charlie Fletcher 17 Sep 2015
    School libraries open minds and expand horizons.
    
    Story
    - 'Vitamin S'
    - is an essential part of who we are as humans, not least because it allows us to imagine who we could be at, our best.
    
    Libraries dispense Vitamin S
    - for free, for all, without prejudice or favour.
    
    That's the reason they're the heart of a good educational system.
11. Claire Withers 17 Sep 2015
    As an English teacher I would be lost without my school librarian. School librarians are vital in helping build literacy skills as well as instilling a love of reading that will last long beyond school years.
    I cannot imagine working in any school where there was not a professionally trained librarian working there everyday to support both staff and students alike.
12. Pam MacKay 17 Sep 2015
    As a visiting teacher I was very aware of the value and the quality of support given by the Schools' Librarian service. I have been amazed at the enthusiasm for, and interest in, a school library, from students I would not have seen as keen readers. The quality and imaginative nature of support offered by these Professionals was clearly vital to the literacy of these children.
13. Eleanor Gordon 17 Sep 2015
    School librarians are not a luxury or optional extra.They play a central role in the education of our children in the sense of 'leading out' a love of books and learning.
14. Karen Diane Wilson 17 Sep 2015
    School libraries and especially the librarians, are so integral to the school I cannot contemplate this resource disappearing. It is essential for the support of teaching and learning especially die to inclusion policies.
15. Kirstin Lamb 17 Sep 2015
    I believe that school libraries and the qualified librarians who staff them are essential to improving literacy in Scotland.
16. Becky Maclennan 17 Sep 2015
    I would really like my school library to stay open because if it gets closed i wouldn't get access to computers or free books. Also its a quite area in my school to do homework and read books.
17. Ian Munro 17 Sep 2015
    In the face of continuing concern regarding literacy rates in children, the last thing we should be doing is contemplating a deterioration in our school library services.
18. Jeannie Murray 17 Sep 2015
    In an age of decreasing book-reading by young people, isn't it essential to maintain as many school libraries as possible?
19. Amanda Fullerton 17 Sep 2015
    Anyone who has ever been in a school must be aware of the invaluable service provided by school librarians in fostering interest in books. In this time when such an emphasis is placed on literacy and numeracy, it is crazy even to contemplate reducing the provision.
20. Chris Lunt 17 Sep 2015
    Surely the socialist, anti-austerity SNP government isn't going to allow Scotland's school libraries to suffer this fate?
21. Jack McKay 17 Sep 2015
    School librarians offer a vital public service in increasing the literacy levels in our young people and community.
22. Lucie Miller 17 Sep 2015
    In order to have en effective, broad education for every child it is fundamental that each school has access to a well-equipped, updated library.
23. Roy Gill 17 Sep 2015
    School libraries are a vital resource to encourage literacy and foster a love of reading and learning. They also provide a safe space within schools for many pupils. They should be encouraged and supported fully.
24. David Barrie 17 Sep 2015
    It's a no-brainer really... a national strategy for school libraries which recognises the vital role of high quality school libraries in supporting pupils' literacy and research skills.
25. elizabeth mckinlay 17 Sep 2015
    As a former teacher I fully support keeping our yp engaged in reading.
26. Elaine Cartney 17 Sep 2015
    School libraries & professional librarians are vital, not only for promoting literacy, but for encouraging independent thinking and openmindedness. Students can develop research skills,and access information, without pressure, relevant to their own interests and concerns.One area where this is perhaps particularly useful is when considering career & course options. There are social benefits, too, with students of all abilities, backgrounds & age groups mixing freely in a non-judgmental & safe environment.
27. Elizabeth bentley 17 Sep 2015
    I know school library provision in Scotland has been the envy of school librarians in England, and a beacon of excellence. It would be tragic if this were lost.
28. Helen Russell 17 Sep 2015
    The value of school libraries and librarians in providing a safe space for our young people cannot be understated. My own life would have been immeasurably poorer without the school library and the guidance of an inspirational librarian.
29. Rosemary Stables 17 Sep 2015
    As Head of English in a school which closed down its library, I know what a devastating impact this had. I also know what a difference the restoration of our library has made.
30. Andrew Givan 17 Sep 2015
    I wish this petition every success. It's about time the tide turned and school librarians get the credit they deserve and get funded properly. They are astonishingly committed and creative people who inspire and support pupils every day. Make full-time school librarians statutory in every school including ASN schools
    - that would be something for Scotland to be proud of.
31. Michelle Acton 17 Sep 2015
    Even with the technology available today, nothing beats being able to sit down and peruse a good book. It is still a great way to learn and ensures children aren't stuck to their computers, laptops and phones. Some traditions should always remain.
32. Derek Hotchkiss 17 Sep 2015
    You can't improve literacy and cut back on the library service
33. Lindsay Moffat 17 Sep 2015
    Libraries are not a luxury in schools. They are sanctuaries, resource centres and the beginning of a love of literature. If we want to improve literacy and engage children in reading, libraries are a necessity.
34. Cathy Forde 17 Sep 2015
    As a Scottish writer for young people I have witnessed at first hand in schools throughout the country the formative influence the school library and its staff play in the lives of children. They are crucial.
35. Dr Gavin Gall 18 Sep 2015
    An essential resource for raising the attainment and achievement of Scotland's youth.
36. Lari Don 18 Sep 2015
    As an author who regularly visits schools, I see the amazing work done by secondary school librarians, giving pupils confidence and opportunities to read at a time when so many young people stop reading. So I believe that pupils' right to a full-time professional librarian, and all that a librarian does for their current educational attainment and their future relationship with reading, should be protected at a national level. Wihout that protection, school library services are too easy a target for councils under financial pressure.
37. sandra webster 18 Sep 2015
    libraries are so important in tackling poverty. Giving access to a wider world. When I was growing up I had access to books and a quiet place to do my homework. I want the same for everyone
38. Helen Barley 18 Sep 2015
    Our school libraries are a vital resource and are built in to literacy across the secondary curriculum. To lose this resource will be to the detriment of literacy for all pupils.
39. Marion Thomson 18 Sep 2015
    School libraries are, for some, the only opportunity some children have to access the world of books as well as accessing resources, IT and the greatest resource of all- the hard working and friendly school librarian!
40. Janet Colquhoun 18 Sep 2015
    School libraries and professional school librarians not only provide access to ALL with books, great knowledge and enthusiasm to encourage reading for pleasure and improve literacy skills. They also provide an invaluable opportunity to teach information skills in a world where we heavily rely on online information. CfE has reintroduced research assignments back in to senior exams and pupils (and teachers) need information professionals to support them to achieve the best they can. As the provision of school libraries and school librarians is clearly dependent on your postcode many are losing out.
41. Mark Gilroy 18 Sep 2015
    As a History teacher, I cannot fully express the vital importance of having access to a facility such as the school library. Across the curriculum, the school library has provided invaluable assistance in a number of regards, with particular reference to assignments at N5 and Higher level. Without the frontline services provided by the school library, my pupils would have been severly limited in their capacity to complete an importance piece of coursework which at Higher level counts as over 30% of the grade.
    
    Learners deserve the chance to achieve their full potential and the removal of the school library would have a negative impact on the attainment of Scottish youngsters. Indeed, we would be breaking our core remit as facilitators of learning and our moral perogatives if we could not provide such a service. Teaching is about affording youngster the opportunites they deserve, not stripping away core support structures in the delivery of thier education.
    
    I am sure that the Scottish Government will realise that this is not simply a cost cutting exercise,it is one which could have a hugely detrimental impact on all of our youngsters. It is the responsibility of the government to ensure that that libraries stay open, for the benefit of all.
42. Hanna Didcock 18 Sep 2015
    We were lucky and I had he absolute pleasure of working with an amazing and inspiring librarian at my last school. She is always there supporting pupils and staff, looking out for their well being, listening, caring and offering solutions. It's ridiculous that she's had to fight for her job, while trams are built and ECC continues to spend on things it doesn't need.
43. Sandra McNicol 18 Sep 2015
    Retaining and investing in school libraries is vital in preventing the current decline in real literacy standards. Losing library provision is profoundly short-sighted and damaging to our young people's learning. Having a librarian meet individual needs, as a guide and consultant is invaluable. We need to put books and other resources into the hands of our children in their early years and beyond. They need to be helped and guided so as to be able to access reliable information.
44. Hugh Mclean 18 Sep 2015
    This would be an appalling retrograde step for our country. It is not economics. It is cultural vandalism.
45. Kevin Clark 18 Sep 2015
    School libraries stimulate and feed curiosity. They are about more than books. The many good librarians encourage, support, stimulate and mentor the young learners to make sense of the wide array of material that is available for both knowledge and entertainment. This must continue to be encouraged.
    I have no link with the library service or publishing world. I'm just an ordinary parent who sees the very real positive impact of the school library service. We can't lose this.
46. Liane Marshall 18 Sep 2015
    Our school needs our Library. Our school needs our Librarian. There is no valid argument that any Council can make against these statements. With these proposed cuts they are going to be complicit in the dumbing down of future generations. That could never be considered a legacy to be proud of.
47. Akash Singh 18 Sep 2015
    We love and need our libirian
48. Abubakr Abid 18 Sep 2015
    I hope mrs monday keeps her job.
49. Donald Clark 18 Sep 2015
    Knowledge is Power !
50. Sandra Gray McGruthet 18 Sep 2015
    Reading is the life blood of intelligent human beings. Closing libraries stultifies young minds.