The Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) has appointed Martina McChrystal as the next Chair of the SLIC Board following the completion of a competitive recruitment process.
Currently Director of Library Services at the University of Glasgow, Chair of SCURL and an existing member of the SLIC Board, McChrystal brings extensive leadership and governance experience from across the library and information sector.
McChrystal will take up the role in November 2026, succeeding current Chair Alan Clarke at the end of his three-year term. She will work alongside Clarke during the coming months to support the planned transition.
Alan Clarke, outgoing Chair of SLIC, said: “Over the past three years, SLIC has strengthened its national role, expanded its partnerships and delivered practical programmes that support library services across Scotland. It has been a privilege to serve as Chair of SLIC during this period, and I am delighted to see Martina appointed as my successor. Her experience, insight and passion for libraries make her an outstanding choice to lead the Board.
“With an understanding of both the strategic challenges facing libraries and the importance of strong national advocacy and partnership working, I know she will provide strong and thoughtful leadership as SLIC continues to support and advocate for Scotland’s library and information sector. I wish her every success when she takes up the role in November 2026.”
McChrystal’s career includes leading organisational change, contributing to national policy development, and working closely with the Scottish Government and sector partners on programmes spanning literacy, digital inclusion, community wellbeing and service development.
The recruitment panel cited her leadership across both public and academic library environments, strong understanding of the Scottish policy landscape, and sustained contribution to national library strategy and advocacy as key strengths. Her collaborative leadership style, political awareness and clear grasp of the pressures and opportunities facing library services were also highlighted.
The appointment comes at a significant moment for the sector following publication of Public Libraries: Beyond Adequate, a major national report commissioned by SLIC on behalf of an advisory group convened for the Scottish Government. The report calls for a new Universal Library Offer to set clearer national expectations for public library services across Scotland, warning that without stronger national direction communities risk widening inequalities in access to essential services.
Alison Nolan, chief executive of SLIC, said: “Martina brings an exceptional combination of strategic leadership, governance expertise and deep sector knowledge. Her commitment to collaboration, advocacy and innovation reflects the values at the heart of SLIC, and we are delighted that she will be joining us as Chair.
“Libraries continue to respond to financial pressures, changing public needs and rapid technological change. The publication of Beyond Adequate sets out a clear case for a stronger national framework for public libraries in Scotland, and Martina’s leadership, policy insight and sector credibility will be important as SLIC works with partners and government to take that agenda forward. I look forward to working closely with Martina as we continue to champion the vital role libraries play in Scotland’s communities, education system, economy and cultural life.”
McChrystal is expected to play a central role in advancing this work towards equitable access to services, alongside SLIC’s wider national agenda covering sustainable funding, digital inclusion, literacy and community wellbeing.
Martina McChrystal said: “Libraries are central to Scotland’s educational, cultural and civic infrastructure, but the sector is operating in an increasingly complex environment. Beyond Adequate highlights both the scale of opportunity and the urgency for a clearer, more equitable vision for library services.
“SLIC has a critical role in ensuring libraries remain visible, connected and influential at national level. I look forward to working with the Board, the SLIC team and partners across the sector to build on that momentum and help secure a sustainable future for Scotland’s libraries.”
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Clarke was appointed incoming Chair in June 2023, before officially taking up the post in November 2023. During his tenure, SLIC has continued its work supporting public and school libraries, digital participation, sector advocacy and national policy engagement across Scotland.
Over the past year, SLIC has delivered an expanded programme of sector development and advocacy, including engagement with national initiatives such as the Digital Inclusion Alliance and A Collective Force for Health and Wellbeing. The organisation continues to champion innovation, and led the expansion of the Lend and Mend Hubs network, strengthening local delivery models focused on sustainability and skills development.
During Clarke’s leadership, SLIC also further embedded national standards and improvement work, including peer assessor training for How Good is Our Public Library Service?, continued development of inclusive communications guidance, and maintenance of national quality and data frameworks used across Scotland. Alongside this, SLIC’s funding programmes have supported a wide range of projects through the Public Library Improvement Fund, School Library Improvement Fund and Innovation and Development Fund, with a focus on digital inclusion, literacy, wellbeing and community resilience.
