SABHAL MÒR OSTAIG LIBRARY JOINS THE PARLIAMENT'S LIBRARY NETWORK

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig Library was last week launched as a Parliamentary 'Linked Library' meaning that it will receive up-to-date reports and support services on Parliamentary business, giving islanders first-hand access to Scottish Parliament information in both Gaelic and English.

John Farquhar Munro MSP officially launched the Library as a Linked Library at a small reception held at Arainn Chaluim Chille: "By linking to the Partner Library Network, the Sabhal Mòr Ostaig Library will be able to enhance its access to parliamentary information. The move underlines Parliament's commitment to outreach, particularly to the Gaelic community. I warmly welcome this initiative."

The launch also featured short speeches by the Parliament's Gaelic Officers and by the College's director Professor Norman Gillies.

Background

There is a Partner Library in each parliamentary constituency, plus an additional seven, mostly in the Highlands and Islands, reflecting the geography and transport problems faced by constituents in rural areas. Linked Libraries receive the following services:

• Enquiry support from the Library Liaison and Gaelic Outreach Officer in English and Gaelic
• Staff training and development in conjunction with Partner Libraries
• Educational and information materials including a full set of Factfiles
• A weekly copy of What's Happening In the Scottish Parliament - the Parliament's in-house magazine
• Monthly updates on Parliamentary research briefings
• Copies on request of Parliamentary research briefings
• Support for events relating to the Parliament
• Copies of all Gaelic publications produced by the Parliament