LITERACY experts have condemned the decision to axe a service that supports school libraries in Herts.
The Schools Library Service, which provides expertise on children’s books and online resources, will be wound up on March 31 due to funding problems.
Jonathan Douglas, director of the National Literacy Trust, said: “Hertfordshire’s Schools Library Service has an iconic status as a centre of excellence in this field. If a service that is one of the biggest and best in the country is set to close, this threatens every schools library service in the country.”
Annie Mauger, chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Librarians and Information Professionals, said: “We are very shocked and saddened. This is a bitter blow to the hundreds of schools and thousands of children who benefit from the support of this service. Vital support for literacy and learning will be lost.”
Both organisations are calling on the government to investigate ‘sustainable models’ for future provision of schools library services.