Charity registered in Scotland SC017886
The Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) is the independent advisory body to the Scottish Government on library and information services.
Our role is to support and promote the role of library services, including public libraries, school libraries and further and higher education libraries, in the social and economic development of Scotland’s communities. We work with library services to improve the quality of library provision through funding, training and quality assurance frameworks and evaluation tools.
The Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) Board is seeking a new Chair who is prepared to be a strong public advocate for the library sector in Scotland alongside the Chief Executive, has a good understanding of what effective governance looks like and is committed to assisting SLIC’s management in the delivery of its strategy. This presents a great opportunity to lead the Board of one of Scotland’s major cultural institutions.
There is a strong working relationship between the Chair, the Board and the Chief Executive at SLIC. In recent years, SLIC has been able to take major strides forward because it has benefitted from a strong management team, a clear strategy and a highly supportive Board.
The governance of SLIC is recognised as being highly effective. We are looking for a Chair who can guide the organisation as it seeks to continue to build on these strong foundations.
About Us
The Scottish Library and Information Council is the independent advisory body to the Scottish Government on library and information-related matters.
SLIC was formed in 1991 and provides a leadership focus for Scottish library and information services. We lead development in the library sector, monitor standards of provision and promote development. We also regularly undertake research, promoting innovation and a greater understanding of the library and information sector in Scotland.
Our greatest strength is our membership. Members are drawn from the public sector, higher education institutions, further education colleges and special interest libraries. Every member brings expertise, knowledge, and innovation to the library sector. By working together, that expertise is shared through SLIC.
Over the last five years SLIC has expanded considerably. We have built upon existing partnerships and forged new ones, particularly in the education sector and business community.
We have led in both the creation of a bold new public library strategy, Forward: Scotland’s Public Library Strategy 2021 -2025, its refresh in 2026 Fast Forward and Vibrant Libraries, Thriving Schools: A National Strategy for School Libraries in Scotland 2018-2023 – a UK first.
Our aim is to support Scottish library and information services through service innovation, funding provision and informative research. For more information on the Scottish Library and Information Council read the SLIC Strategy.
SLIC is a registered charity and registered company guided by a Board. The SLIC Board has strong sector and industry representation as well as independent members. The organisation is core funded by the Scottish Government and achieves additional funding to support its purpose through its membership and projects.
Further information about SLIC is available at scottishlibraries.org
Appointment of Board Members to the Scottish Library and Information Council
The Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) is seeking to appoint new members to its Board. The appointments are for three years and will run from November 2026.
Information about the Scottish Library and Information Council
SLIC is the independent advisory body to the Scottish Government on library and information related matters. It is a registered charity and an independent company. It is also a membership organisation representing the interests of public, academic, FE College and special interest libraries within Scotland. SLIC is responsible for leading on the national strategy for public libraries and school libraries.
Board Responsibilities
The Board meets four times a year in addition to the AGM. Board members are expected to serve on a sub-committee which can involve a commitment of up to another three days.
The Board provides strategic direction and oversight. Major policy decisions are made at Board level. The decisions of the Board are actioned through the Chief Executive and senior management team of the organisation. As Board members are directors of the organisation applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old.
- not be an undischarged bankrupt.
- not be a disqualified director.
Please note the appointments are on a voluntary basis, however reasonable out of pocket expenses will be paid.