Advertised from 8 April 2026

Role

The Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) Board is seeking a new Chair who is prepared to be a strong public advocate for the library sector in Scotland alongside the Chief Executive, has a good understanding of what effective governance looks like and is committed to assisting SLIC’s management in the delivery of its strategy. This presents a great opportunity to lead the Board of one of Scotland’s major cultural institutions.

There is a strong working relationship between the Chair, the Board and the Chief Executive at SLIC. In recent years, SLIC has been able to take major strides forward because it has benefitted from a strong management team, a clear strategy and a highly supportive Board.

The governance of SLIC is recognised as being highly effective. We are looking for a Chair who can guide the organisation as it seeks to continue to build on these strong foundations.

About Us

The Scottish Library and Information Council is the independent advisory body to the Scottish Government on library and information-related matters.

SLIC was formed in 1991 and provides a leadership focus for Scottish library and information services. We lead development in the library sector, monitor standards of provision and promote development. We also regularly undertake research, promoting innovation and a greater understanding of the library and information sector in Scotland.

Our greatest strength is our membership. Members are drawn from the public sector, higher education institutions, further education colleges and special interest libraries. Every member brings expertise, knowledge, and innovation to the library sector. By working together, that expertise is shared through SLIC.

Over the last five years SLIC has expanded considerably. We have built upon existing partnerships and forged new ones, particularly in the education sector and business community.

We have led in both the creation of a bold new public library strategy, Forward: Scotland’s Public Library Strategy 2021 -2025, its refresh in 2026 Fast Forward and Vibrant Libraries, Thriving Schools: A National Strategy for School Libraries in Scotland 2018-2023 – a UK first.

Our aim is to support Scottish library and information services through service innovation, funding provision and informative research. For more information on the Scottish Library and Information Council read the SLIC Strategy.

SLIC is a registered charity and registered company guided by a Board. The SLIC Board has strong sector and industry representation as well as independent members. The organisation is core funded by the Scottish Government and achieves additional funding to support its purpose through its membership and projects.

Further information about SLIC is available at https://scottishlibraries.org/

Application notes

A recruitment pack can be downloaded below.

Closing date for applications: Wednesday 6th May 2026, 5pm

Interview will be held in person on the 28th May 2026 at the SLIC office in Glasgow:

Suite 4:3 Turnberry House, 175 West George Street, Glasgow, G2 2LB

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