The CILIP School Libraries Group (SLG) is a dynamic and inclusive community dedicated to supporting professionals working in school libraries and related fields. As a Special Interest Group of CILIP, the library and information association, SLG collaborates to promote the importance of school libraries and librarians both in the UK and internationally.
What does the School Libraries Group do?
The UK Pupil Library Assistant of the Year Award (PLAA)
(PLAA) celebrates the invaluable contribution that pupil library assistants make to their school libraries and wider communities. Open to students who help run and promote their libraries, the award recognises their dedication, creativity, and commitment to supporting reading, literacy, and learning. By highlighting the positive impact of pupil librarians, the PLAA not only rewards individual achievement but also raises the profile of school libraries and the vital role they play in education.
The Great School Libraries Campaign (GSL)
The Great School Libraries Campaign is a UK-wide initiative that champions the vital role of school libraries in supporting learning, literacy, and wellbeing. Led by CILIP, the School Library Association, and CILIP’s School Libraries Group, the campaign calls for every child to have access to a well-resourced school library, staffed by a qualified librarian. By raising awareness, gathering evidence, and influencing policy, the campaign seeks to ensure that school libraries are recognised as essential to education and given the support they need to thrive.
School Libraries In View Journal (SLIV)
School Libraries in View (SLiV) is the annual journal of the CILIP School Libraries Group (SLG), created to inform members about the group’s work, highlight key issues in children’s librarianship, celebrate the role of school librarians, and advocate for libraries at government level. Each edition features themed articles from members, updates from the SLG Chair, and news from the community, while also supporting professional development through advice and training. Archived online, SLiV provides members with access to issues from 2015 onwards, offering a valuable resource that reflects the voices and experiences of the school library community.
Facet Publishing School Librarian Books
Facet Publishing offers a wide range of books specifically tailored for school librarians, covering topics from library management and literacy development to curriculum support and digital resources. Their titles are designed to provide practical guidance, professional insights, and up-to-date research to support librarians in enhancing learning and engagement within schools. Additionally, CILIP members benefit from a 35% discount off the recommended retail price on any Facet Publishing book, making it both an invaluable and cost-effective resource for continuing professional development.
Training
The CILIP School Libraries Group (SLG) offers a variety of training opportunities designed to support school librarians at all stages of their careers. These cover key areas such as library management, information literacy, reading promotion, digital skills, and curriculum support, equipping librarians with practical strategies and up-to-date knowledge. For those new to school librarianship, SLG provides a free Open University–credited course, alongside a series of past free webinar videos, including topics such as Chartership and the PKSB framework. The majority of training is delivered online, with most events carrying a fee, though CILIP members receive a discount, and some free online events are also hosted. Looking ahead, SLG is planning to run in-person events to provide further opportunities for professional development and networking.
Booklists and Resources
The CILIP School Librarians Group Committee members have developed a wide range of high-quality resources and carefully curated school library booklists to support the work of school librarians. These materials are designed to offer practical guidance, professional inspiration, and recommendations that reflect the diverse needs of school communities. Drawing on their expertise and experience, the committee members aim to equip school librarians with tools that enhance their practice, strengthen library provision, and foster a culture of reading for pleasure and learning.
Stay up to date with our latest blog posts! Click ‘Subscribe’ to get our blog alerts straight to your inbox.
Latest Blog Pieces
- Spring 2026 Update Blog
- Feeling overwhelmed by the National Year of Reading?
- Welcome to the National Year of Reading
- Season’s Greetings from SLG: A End of Year Message from the Chair of CILIP SLG
- SLG Christmas Book Advent Calendar Recommendations 2025 & Win a Primary School Book Bundle for Your School!
Sign up for our CILIP SLG Blog email newsletter by entering your email address and clicking the subscribe button below:
SLG Social Media Channels and Contact Links
CILIP SLG is on social media platforms including Bluesky, LinkedIn and Instagram. In addition, CILIP SLG also has its own YouTube channel. The group is managed by our committee, chaired by Carol Webb. For enquiries, questions, or advice, please contact chair.slg@cilip.org.uk. Your enquiry will be directed to the most appropriate committee member, and you will receive a prompt response.
About CILIP
CILIP School Libraries Group is a special interest group that is part of The Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP), the professional body for librarians and information specialists in the UK. For more information about CILIP, please click the button below: