META Skills project at FVC to benefit from SLIC funding

Forth Valley College’s Learning Resource Centres are set to benefit from funding for a project to promote and encourage META skills.

FVC’s LRC is one of six libraries and information centres across Scotland that have been awarded a share of £34,000 to support a series of pioneering projects during 2025.

The Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) has again opened its annual Innovation and Development Fund to support projects that encourage creativity, following the success of previous funding stream initiatives.

Now in its 13th year, the fund has supported the development of new resources, inspired original research and enhanced staff training – and this year turns its focus to innovative projects including an AI toolkit for staff training, a chill out space for students and a podcast studio for a rural part of Scotland.

FVC’s project - Mastering META skills through creative practice - aims to enhance the core and essential skills of its students by developing and delivering a series of innovative and creative workshops to aid the growth of META skills (eg leadership, creativity and critical thinking) in a fun and engaging way. The project will also boost social interaction, promote collaborative working and encourage new learning centre users.

Lisa MacLaren, FVC’s Learning Services Manager, said: “We are extremely excited about the project and aim to work closely with the teaching departments to enhance students’ META skills in a fun and engaging way, which link to the curriculum. The project will include the delivery of workshops, as well as individual kits which students can access from the Learning Resource Centre.”

Alison Nolan, Chief Executive of SLIC, said: “Scotland’s libraries and information centres continue to evolve, creating vibrant, future-facing spaces that meet the needs of the communities they serve – and the Innovation and Development Fund is a vital catalyst for that continued progression.

"By backing bold, creative projects, we’re not just supporting innovation but helping services redefine their offering in a rapidly changing world. These new initiatives demonstrate the power of libraries to lead on digital skills, wellbeing and inclusive learning in both urban and rural communities.”