IN DEPTH
The next bold step for a unique public library collaboration in Scotland
Scottish Library and Information Council Chief Executive Pamela Tulloch looks at a recent initiative that is helping to put health and wellbeing at the heart of public libraries’ offer in Scotland. The next phase sees the launch of a refreshed action plan.
INFORMATION providers. A community anchor. A place for self-improvement. Public libraries are all three (and much more) and they continue to embody the aspirations for libraries as defined by the great Victorian philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie.
Services have evolved and adapted in the 139 years since the first Carnegie library opened in Dunfermline. But they remain true to their position as trusted, safe spaces at the heart of communities, providing equi- table access to all.
This USP has led to powerful and collabo- rative ways of working to provide access to information and support that enable people to self-manage, maintain and improve their health and wellbeing. A Collective Force for Health and Well- being, which was launched in 2019 as a collaboration between SLIC, the Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland (the ALLI- ANCE), the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI), and the Scottish Government Self-Management and Health Literacy team, will take its next bold step this month with the launch of a refreshed action plan. The new action plan (
https://bit.ly/3IdmIPe) lays the foundations for a cross-sectoral national network that will enable more resilient, healthier communities to emerge following the Covid-19 pandemic.
Network of partners
New partners have committed to support its implementation, with Public Health Scot-
44 INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL
Pamela Tulloch (@SLICCEO), is Chief Executive of Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC)
www.scottishlibraries.org
land, NHS24, COSLA and NHS Education for Scotland helping to drive delivery and awareness on the ground.
The combined network of national part- ners means public libraries have a strong vision and blueprint for adapting to the changing priorities created by the pandemic. Key elements of the action plan include:
l Pathfinder projects to share learning. Individual services will be supported to de- fine activities, outcomes and target groups where there is greatest need and likelihood of impact. These pathfinders will implement
March 2022
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