Information for New Members

The Society of Chief Librarians (SCL) is a local government association made up of the chief librarian of each library authority in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. SCL takes a leading role in the development of public libraries, through sharing best practices, advocating for continuous improvement on behalf of local people, and leading the debate on the future of the public library service.

Public libraries operate in a fast-changing world and are responding to this challenge imaginatively in communities across the UK. SCL works to ensure that this community-based contribution to national and local strategies is recognised and developed.

SCL supports chief librarians by providing regional networks that allow them to discuss current issues and concerns in a confidential environment. These regional networks also work closely with partners within their regions to deliver real benefits to services and customers such as cheaper procurement of services and easy access to books across all libraries in a region.

SCL operates through a National Executive Committee and the current President is Nicky Parker. Contact email address for both the members of the National Executive and your  regional contact can be found at http://www.goscl.com/about-the-scl/the-executive/

The annual seminar is the best place to meet colleagues  to discuss ideas, concerns and new initiatives. The 2011 seminar will be held from 19 -20 May at Scarman House, University of Warwick.

Please use the forum on this site to ask questions, contribute to discussions and make your voice heard!

Staff employed by SCL are

Alison Bramley (SCL Executive Officer) alison.bramley@virgin.net

Elizabeth Elford (Public Libraries Advocacy Manager) Elizabeth.Elford@bl.uk

Please contact either Alison or Elizabeth if you require any more information