Host organisation: CILIP Scotland
Project title: The Value of Scotland's School Libraries
Project description

This project will research the value of both school libraries and librarians to government priorities in Scotland - in particular eradicating child poverty, growing the economy, tackling the climate emergency, delivering high quality and sustainable public services. It will also assess how school libraries and librarians help improve literacy rates, raise attainment and improve digital literacy.

Outputs
The main output would be a research report that investigates how important school libraries and librarians are to the above priorities. This will help support our wider campaign work on behalf of the sector. We would also work with the intern to develop a range of infographics and web content that would highlight the outputs.
Location
Mostly remote, with in-person meetings in the CILIPS office at 152 Bath Street, Glasgow.
Benefits to the researcher

The intern will learn about the wider library sector and gain research skills that are linked to advocacy work. They will also make contacts in the sector that may be beneficial to future career prospects.

Key relationships

The intern will work with with the CILIPS team and wider networks both in libraries and education - including our school librarians and also the schools that they support.

Timescale

Start date (or must start by): 12th January 2026

End date (or must end by): 12th April 2026

Work structure: Consecutively

Subject areas

This opportunity would be relevant to the following subject area:

Library Studies.

Person specification

A1. Knowledge Base
  • Essential: Research methods – theoretical knowledge; Research methods – Practical application; Information seeking; Information literacy and management.
  • Desirable: Subject Knowledge; Academic literacy and numeracy.
A2. Cognitive Abilities
  • Essential: Analysing; Synthesising; Critical thinking; Evaluating; Problem Solving.
A3. Creativity
  • Essential: Inquiring minds; Intellectual insight; Innovation; Argument construction; Intellectual risk.
B1. Personal qualities
  • Essential: Enthusiasm; Perseverance; Integrity; Self-confidence; Self-reflection; Responsibility.
B2. Self management
  • Essential: Preparation and prioritisation; Commitment to research; Time management; Responsiveness to change; Work-life balance.
B3. Professional & career development
  • Essential: Networking. 
  • Desirable: Continuing professional development; Responsiveness to opportunities; Reputation and esteem.
C1. Professional conduct
  • Essential: Ethics, principles and sustainability; Legal requirements; IPR and copyright; Respect and confidentiality.
  • Desirable: Health and Safety.
C2. Research management
  • Essential: Research Strategy.
  • Desirable: Project planning and delivery; Risk management.
C3. Finance, funding & resources
  • Desirable: Infrastructure and resources.
D1. Working with others
  • Essential: Collegiality; Collaboration; Equality and diversity.
  • Desirable: Team working.
D2. Communication & dissemination
  • Essential: Publication.
  • Desirable: Communication methods; Communication media.
D3. Engagement & impact
  • Essential: Society and culture; Global citizenship.
  • Desirable: Policy.

First published: 9 October 2025

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