Glasgow’s secondary schools may soon lose a key educational resource — their librarians. Under a newly proposed cost-saving measure, all 30 secondary schools in the city could see their on-site librarian positions eliminated starting next year.
The potential cuts, part of a broader strategy to reduce spending by £100,000, would remove 16 qualified librarians from Glasgow’s school system. Instead, the service would be reshaped to include just one principal librarian and three area-based librarians, with library assistants stationed in each high school to provide limited support.
The move, introduced by Glasgow Life, the organization that oversees cultural and leisure services for Glasgow City Council, has already sparked concern among educators, parents, and library advocates.
A Shift in Strategy — But At What Cost?
Officials from Glasgow Life and the council’s education department argue that the revamped structure would actually increase library access by 27%, thanks to extended opening hours and more consistent, if less specialized, staffing. They also emphasized that funding for new books and library materials will remain above the Scottish national average.
But critics say the proposal undervalues the professional expertise that school librarians bring — from helping students develop research and literacy skills to supporting curriculum development and digital literacy in an increasingly online world.
“It’s not just about checking out books,” said one Glasgow secondary school teacher. “Librarians play a vital role in helping pupils, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, build confidence and learn how to think critically.”
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What Happens to the Staff?
The plan does not include any compulsory redundancies, in line with Glasgow City Council’s current employment policies. Affected staff will be invited to apply for the new promoted librarian roles or be redeployed into vacant positions elsewhere within Glasgow Life at their current pay grade.
Consultations with trade unions and employees are set to begin, as the education community awaits the final decision.
Community Reactions Already Stirring
The potential removal of professional librarians comes at a time when schools are still grappling with post-pandemic challenges. Many parents and educators argue that now, more than ever, students need personalized guidance and access to curated educational resources to close learning gaps.
Library advocates across Scotland have warned that such changes — even if framed as improvements in access — could signal a troubling trend toward the de-professionalization of school libraries.
“If we reduce librarians to assistants, we’re not expanding access — we’re diluting it,” said one local campaigner. “These aren’t just budget numbers. These are kids’ futures.”
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What’s Next?
The proposal is still under review, and consultations are expected to shape the final outcome. However, the changes are scheduled to roll out next school year if approved.
In the meantime, advocacy groups and community stakeholders are organizing to make their voices heard — with some already calling for a public petition to preserve librarian roles in Glasgow’s schools.
As budget cuts loom and priorities shift, the question remains: can school libraries still thrive without the expertise of professional librarians?
