The School Library Data Group (SLDG), a sub-group of the Great School Libraries Campaign, has received a grant from the Foyle Foundation in order to undertake a major survey of UK school library provision.
The value and benefits of school libraries are well documented in international research yet many children have no access to a library within their school creating inequalities of provision. School libraries support academic achievement, raise attainment across all subjects, increase reading enjoyment and literacy, and feed into pupil’s well-being as well as wider learning skills.
There is currently no authoritative independent data collected on school libraries meaning we are unable to accurately state the existing level of provision and address the issues facing the school library sector. The survey will give us this information, and will be used as a benchmark to track annual changes and trends in provision. Alongside the survey, the SLDG will also be collecting case studies of projects and initiatives within school libraries that show qualitative evidence of their impact.
The Foyle Foundation is an independent grantmaking trust that distributes grants to UK charities via its Main Grants Scheme (covering charities whose core work deals with Arts and Learning), the Foyle School Library Scheme and the Small Grants Scheme.
The Great School Libraries Campaign was launched in September. The mission of the campaign is to ensure that every child has access to a school library and a professional librarian.
The SLDG will be commissioning an individual, independent research organisation or university to undertake the survey. Please contact Christina Clark, Head of Research at the National Literacy Trust: Christina.clark@literacytrust.org.uk for further information regarding the Invitation to Tender.
Barbara Band Chair School Library Data Group
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