Research project
Research to support School Library Services (SLS)
- Start date: 13 May 2024
- End date: 29 November 2024
- Funding: Association of Senior Children's Education Librarians (ASCEL) and Arts Council England
- Value: £11,000
- Primary investigator: Dr Lucy Taylor
- Co-investigators: Dr Paula Clarke
- External co-investigators: Dr Parinita Shetty
This is a research project funded by Arts Council England to execute and complete a research project to enable the sector to gain a better understanding of the number, reach and location of School Library Services (SLS) in England.
It will:
- analyse the number, distribution, provision, service level, reach, quality, different business models (with associated advantages/disadvantages), operating environments and funding arrangements and success factors (which may include use, value and impact) to give a clear national picture of school library services (SLS) in England
- provide an understanding of gaps in SLS provision
- provide a picture of the health of School Library Services across the country
- present a strategic evidence and knowledge base for supporting local authorities or services commissioned by local authorities to maintain and develop SLSs.
Project aims
The aim of the project is to provide up to date information about the current situation for SLS across England. The information will be useful to SLS bodies and their representatives to clearly understand how many SLS are still working, where there are gaps in provision, what challenges are faced by SLS and opportunities for future development.
Impact
A webinar to launch the report was attended by 28 people in the sector.
Publications and outputs
Taylor, L., Clarke, P. and Shetty, P. (2024) School Library Services Research Report. Report. University of Leeds
Conferences
Findings will be presented at the ULKA International Conference June 2025.