SCL becomes Libraries Connected

The Society of Chief Librarians (SCL) has become Libraries Connected as part of its new role as a Sector Support Organisation with Arts Council England (ACE) funding.

The new role will see Libraries Connected support and advocate for public libraries, building on successes such as the Universal Offers. The name change is part of a broad rebranding that has seen SCL adopt charity status, as part of the ACE funding deal worth £500,000 a year.

CILIP will work alongside Libraries Connected to support its aims in promoting the value of libraries; sharing best practice; driving innovation; and creating national partnerships across the sector. CILIP Chief Executive Nick Poole said: “CILIP looks forward to working with Libraries Connected and welcome the new opportunities that are opening through its creation and Arts Council Funding. It is important to have as many strong advocates for the library profession and the services we offer as possible. The SCL’s Universal Offers has allowed public libraries to focus on delivering new services that have a real impact on communities.

“Libraries Connected provides real potential for public libraries to become innovators in public service. We look forward to working with them and Arts Council England to ensure a bright future for libraries and their users, building on the skills and ethics of librarians and information professionals.”

Sir Nicholas Serota, Chair of ACE, said Libraries Connected was starting a “new chapter” in the development of public libraries and services. He said: “At the heart of their communities, libraries offer access to so many opportunities in the realm of culture and imagination, support so many government agendas, including health and digital inclusion, and help so many to find the information they need. We look forward to helping [Libraries Connected] develop and thrive and to working closely with them in our developmental role.”

Libraries Connected President Mark Freeman added: “I am honored to take on the role as the first ever President of Libraries Connected. This is an exciting time for our organisation and I am indebted to the exceptional work carried out by Neil and the team over the past two years that have helped make all this possible. I look forward to working closely with the Arts Council to deliver our vision for libraries.”