Eight projects aimed at improving public library services across Scotland have been awarded more than £440,000 from the Public Library Quality Improvement Fund.
The Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC), the advisory body to Scottish Ministers on library and information matters, administer the fund.
Culture Minister Patricia Ferguson said:
"Libraries are the cornerstones of our communities.
"They help nurture and encourage the skills and learning people need to realise their ambitions.
"This funding will allow more people to access information, expand their knowledge and realise the importance of libraries."
Christine May MSP, Chair of SLIC, said:
"We are delighted to make these awards to these eight library services, across such a wide range of service areas.
"We hope this investment will result in improvements for users and increase awareness of the role invaluable role of public library services to their communities
"I believe that this is a start of a new era for library services as we move to launch the new Public Library Quality Improvement Matrix later this year, which will enable local authorities and their library services demonstrate the quality of the services they provide. We look forward to seeing the results of this investment in coming months"
The successful awards totalling 440,746 are:
- East Renfrewshire - £49,960
A festival of events celebrating libraries both within existing and during extended opening hours including Sundays. It will target both users and non-users, highlighting the wide range of services.
- Falkirk Accessible Audio Books £30,000
Using specialised equipment this project will enhance the quality for library services for housebound clients with Visual Impairment or disability.
- Fife Taste IT £86,994
This will develop an outreach programme for ICT in libraries by expanding computer taster sessions and develop skills of library staff.
- Glasgow Get Glasgow Reading - £50,000
Building on the concept of cultural entitlements the project will actively encourage young people and their families to access public libraries and read for pleasure, learning and information. It is part of a wider Council programme of supporting and developing literacy and addressing social exclusion with partners in health, social work and education.
- Highland responding to community needs - £51,090
Six distinct communities will benefit from this project, which will improve public library services by extending access to services and utilising self-issue technology. This will help release staff from administrative functions so they can ensure greater interaction in area as learning and reader development with the public.
- Borders Providing Access to Language Materials (PALM) - £16,630
The project will engage with migrant communities by providing collections of reading materials in languages other than English. It supports the Scottish Executive's One Scotland and Fresh Talent initiatives.
- Stirling Wireless Stirling £88,500
This project will improve Internet connections to 15 public libraries and help the housebound by offering enhanced ICT services.
- West Lothian New Emergent Technological Tools (NETT) £68,572
A team of experts will deliver training materials to assist library staff in their understanding and use of ICT.
SLIC members include all local authorities, further and higher education institutions, NHS Trust library services, Scottish Prison Service as well as other specialist library and information organisations.
