THE Scottish Independence Library – Leabharlann Neo-eisimeileachd na h-Alba – has issued a call for volunteers to beta test its website before the free facility goes public.

Planned for a launch in the near future, the digital library is a searchable collection of resources related to Scottish independence.

It will be open to everyone, and will aim to provide reliable, authoritative views and information on why and how Scotland can become an independent state. Aimed at independence supporters and those who are undecided or unsure, it also includes an extensive questions and answers section.

The answers, based on wide-ranging research, provide short summaries of key points, as well as “deep dive” responses giving broader information for people who want more detail.

Before its official launch, the Scottish Independence Library group is keen to hear from volunteers who would be willing to test the platform and offer feedback, to better inform the initiative’s next steps.

Among those the group is keen to hear from are people who have experience of or expertise in reading difficulties; gender or age discrimination; those learning how to use technology; and anyone who has a disability which puts them off using an eLibrary.

The library would also like to hear from volunteers with experience of library work to help the team research and curate its growing collection.

Anyone interested in any of these areas should register at: scotilibrary@gmail.com.

A grant from the Scottish Independence Foundation, in-kind donations of software and web development from e-infinitum.com and individual donations of time and resources have all made the project possible.

Group convener and chair of Voices for Scotland, Iain Black, told The National: “The idea of the library came from discussions between the Scottish Independence Convention, the Scottish Independence Foundation, Now Scotland, representatives of regional Yes groups and Voices for Scotland.

“We recognised it would be hugely helpful to have a central resource where we can go for authoritative material on independence.

“Commonweal was approached to see if it could help find volunteers to turn the idea into a reality and we were blown away by the range of experts who responded and what they have built.”

Vicky Fairley, of Yes Cowal added: “Working on this project has been a wonderful, exciting experience as we grew to appreciate the huge impact this resource could have on support for independence by providing credible, well researched answers to voters’ questions.

“It is a great example of what we can achieve when the movement works together.”