scholarly journals Barriers to School Library Development

Author(s):  
Margaret Baffour-Awuah

The Carnegie Corporation of New York has embarked on a revitalisation programme of some African public libraries. The Corporation has made grants to those public library systems targeting previously disadvantaged communities. Those aspects of the programmes that the grantees have drawn up which could impact school library development in the recipient countries are highlighted here. The selected public libraries of Botswana, Kenya and five provinces within South Africa, as grantees of revitalisation awards are the objects of focus here. Seven other African countries that have benefited to a relatively lesser extent are mentioned as issues emerge that relate to them. Suggestions are made as to the impact some of these public library programmes could make on school libraries and school pupils.

Author(s):  
Margaret Baffour-Awuah

The Carnegie Corporation of New York has embarked on a revitalisation programme of some African public libraries. The Corporation has made grants to those public library systems targeting previously disadvantaged communities. Those aspects of the programmes that the grantees have drawn up which could impact school library development in the recipient countries are highlighted here. The selected public libraries of Botswana, Kenya and five provinces within South Africa, as grantees of revitalisation awards are the objects of focus here. Seven other African countries that have benefited to a relatively lesser extent are mentioned as issues emerge that relate to them. Suggestions are made as to the impact some of these public library programmes could make on school libraries and school pupils.


2010 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 42-51
Author(s):  
Kristine Paberza

This paper presents methodology, early findings, possible applications of results and lessons learnt from the research study “Public libraries: value, trust and satisfaction”. The study was conducted in Latvia as the part of the impact assessment plan within the public library development project “Third Father’s Son”. The project’s goal was to improve people’s quality of life by strengthening the capacities of public libraries to facilitate better and proactive use of resources offered by free access to information technology and the Internet. In this paper, the author introduces practical results from the measurement of use-oriented value of public libraries by using information from the ecology approach and identifying the role of the public library within a context of other information sources used by the public.


Author(s):  
James Henri ◽  
Sandra Lee

In our global village dominated by economic rationalism does the public library have a social conscience? Issues given prominence by Patricia Glass Schuman's Social Responsibilities and Libraries, published in 1976 were revisited. As an area of larger community structure and debates of public good, the perennial topic of interest is fast becoming the current hot topic of librarianship. Literacy and learning have long been critical areas where librarians focus service, skills and programming in public libraries. This research project seeks to examine how librarians perceive other issues that often go hand-in-hand with literacy to help individuals and society achieve full potential. The research in this presentation and paper is part of a coauthored book that primarily examined politics and the public library discussing issues given new flavour in a post 9/11 world, economic rationalism and social responsibility, public Library as Social Space, engaging the poor and those marginalized because of access limitations. Freedom of information and privacy are perennial issues for libraries. It is clear that literacy continues to be a key issue for public libraries. Researchers analyzed responses received from open-ended questions on library professional listservs and present findings that indicate what librarians perceive as the role of public libraries to further socially responsible policy. They provide some insight into the most compelling issues for librarians, and what changes in librarian's/library roles have been perceived since 9/11. The findings from the study are also presented in the context of the impact it bears for school libraries, outlining further studies in that area.


2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (36) ◽  
pp. 44-51
Author(s):  
Ulla Pötsönen

Finnish library services for children and young adults are an integral part of Finnish society, education and societal life. The article highlights the historical development and present day of Finnish library system as well as describes the best practices on the activities libraries provide for young clientele and their caretakers.After World War II, Finland started a rapid rise towards being a modern nation. Reading as a pastime hobby gained popularity, there were more education possibilities, the level of education was on the rise and young people spent more years in school instead of starting to work early. All this had a positive effect on library services. The changes in education and society had their effect on children’s library services as well, and today children’s and youth libraries are an essential part of Finnish society.Unlike in many other countries, Finland does not have school libraries in every school. At the moment, there are some excellent school libraries and dedicated school librarians but majority of schools are served with public libraries. The line between school library and public library is blurred, as majority of visits may be of pupils but the connection between high quality education and well-functioning library service has enabled libraries and schools to develop common goals, objectives and strategies.


Author(s):  
Lourense H. Das

Exploitation of school libraries by public libraries is strongly promoted by (local) politicians and decision makers. In the Netherlands this is influenced by a reform in the educational system in the 1990’s and the reconsideration of public libraries in the local area. The school library has become a marketing target. Public libraries and school libraries have varying roles. These roles are not similar but complimentary. Key factors for successful co-operation are the recognition of the role of the school library in the educational process and the competencies of the school librarian. As an example of a cooperation process, the establishment of a joint-use library in the brand new public library branch in the new district Ypenburg, will be described.


Author(s):  
Kristine Paberza

This paper presents methodology, early findings, possible applications of results and lessons learnt from the research study “Public libraries: value, trust and satisfaction”. The study was conducted in Latvia as the part of the impact assessment plan within the public library development project “Third Father’s Son”. The project’s goal was to improve people’s quality of life by strengthening the capacities of public libraries to facilitate better and proactive use of resources offered by free access to information technology and the Internet. In this paper, the author introduces practical results from the measurement of use-oriented value of public libraries by using information from the ecology approach and identifying the role of the public library within a context of other information sources used by the public.


2021 ◽  
pp. 82-91
Author(s):  
Kees Broekhof

As part of the national Dutch Library at School program, a digital monitor has been developed which collects data on pupils, teachers, schools and school libraries. This article describes the aims, the content and the use of the monitor, as well as the context in which it was developed. The monitor is described as a multi-purpose instrument for practical, policy and research purposes. Examples of data collected in primary and secondary schools are presented and discussed. Specific attention is given to the role of public library staff can play in using the monitor to optimize collaboration with schools.


Author(s):  
Jordi Permanyer ◽  
Ester Omella

In 2005 the Diputació de Barcelona (Barcelona Provincial Council) set up a Laboratory to strengthen the collaboration between public libraries and school libraries at an suitable time for school libraries in our country, such is the interest in promoting them. The Laboratory’s first phase has now concluded and the institutions involved in the public library and school library services have set up a second phase for the Laboratory, which is currently under way. The presentation focuses on the results of the two phases of the “The School Library-Public Library Laboratory”, held in 2005 and 2006. The first Laboratory set out the framework for collaboration between public libraries and school libraries. The working sessions enabled consideration, discussion and analysis of the following questions: the model and functions of the school library within the framework of the school’s educational project; the elements and resources necessary to carry out its functions; the framework for collaboration between the public library and the school library; the services and activities to be carried out jointly; and the steps to take to advance together towards a reading society that is empowered in the use of information. The aim of the Laboratory’s second phase is to consolidate the framework for collaboration between the public and the school library around three core areas: the consolidation of the areas and methods for collaboration between public and school libraries and the necessary resources; the drawing up of a working protocol for each method so as to facilitate its implementation; and to define the structure for collaboration between the various institutions and services involved by setting out the steps showing what the framework for long-term collaboration between the public and the school library should be like.


Author(s):  
Ajit K Pyati

This paper focuses on the roles of public libraries in overall plans and schemes for Indian national development, focusing on issues of power and representation. The roles of state and non-state actors in Indian public library development are explored within the context of larger international information policy and development debates.Cet article porte sur les rôles des bibliothèques publiques dans les plans et les schémas globaux du développement national de l'Inde, et plus précisément sur les enjeux de pouvoir et de représentation. Seront explorés les rôles de l'état et des autres intervenants dans le développement des bibliothèques publiques indiennes dans le contexte de politiques d'information plus vastes et des débats sur le développement. 


2015 ◽  
Vol 28 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 34-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katarina Michnik

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to study how Swedish local politicians perceive the impact of public library digital services on public libraries and to discuss how this can affect the sustainable development of public libraries. Design/methodology/approach – Empirical data were collected through semi-structured interviews with local politicians from 19 different Swedish municipalities. Data were treated to qualitative content analysis and discussed based on the concept of sustainable organization. Findings – According to local politicians, public library digital services may affect public libraries through changes to libraries’ physical spaces, librarians’ tasks and competencies and libraries’ economic situations. Based on these findings, public library digital services can both strengthen and weaken public library sustainability through, for example, increased access and expenditures, the latter of which may threaten public library sustainability. Research limitations/implications – Interviews did not focus specifically on the politicians’ views on public library digital services but dealt generally with their views on public libraries. To identify reasons for variations in views on this topic, follow-up interviews should be done. Data on views from public library managers would also be of use to determine the degree to which they are shared with local politicians. Originality/value – When sustainability and public libraries are discussed, the focus is generally on the library’s contribution to a sustainable society. Here, the focus is instead on the sustainability of the public library itself.


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