Mission Control: A giant leap for school libraries

Mission Control bundles three critical elements into one simple, low-cost subscription: Softlink’s Orbit library software; support, training and advice from the SLA; and a book bundle to encourage reading for pleasure provided by Peters.

The service will provide the essential services and expertise needed to help librarians, teaching staff, literacy leads, governors and volunteers deliver the best possible reading experience for pupils. All staff who are involved with building a school reading culture can access support from the SLA and books can be tagged in the Orbit system wherever they are kept – whether that’s a library, a classroom, a corridor, or even a reading shed. 

Through this partnership, schools will receive full access to the resources, training, professional development, networking opportunities and supplier discounts that come with membership of the School Library Association, as well as a digital subscription to The School Librarian journal, which is published once per term and packed with advice, best practice and book reviews. 

Victoria Dilly, CEO of the School Library Association, said: “The SLA believes that every pupil is entitled to effective school library provision and all the opportunities this enables. Mission Control brings together three essential partners to make sustainable, impactful library provision accessible to even the smallest schools. By combining expert guidance, engaging software and carefully selected books, we’re helping schools deliver outstanding reading experiences that support education outcomes across the whole school community. I am looking forward to welcoming more primary schools to the SLA community through this exciting partnership.”

Barney Jenkins, Director of Business Development and Operations, EMEA Education, Softlink, said: "Softlink are delighted to be partnering with the School Library Association and Peters to help UK Primary schools manage, enhance and deliver vibrant school libraries for the long term. Mission Control offers huge savings and gives even the smallest schools the ability to provide fantastic reading opportunities to their pupils. Our Orbit software has been designed to engage new readers right from the start, marry this with tailored guidance from the School Library Association and exciting books from Peters, pupils can shoot for the moon without costing the earth." 

Claire Bowles, CEO of Peters, said: “At Peters, we believe libraries should be at the heart of every school, so that every pupil has access to high-quality books that inspire a love of reading. That’s why we’re proud to be collaborating with Softlink and the School Library Association to launch Mission Control – a powerful solution that helps primary schools build a library for the long term. Making your job as easy as possible so you can focus on the pupils, we’ll be supplying the best brand-new books every year to all schools who subscribe.”

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