IASL Research Abstracts: 124

Findings: The provision of appropriate training for teachers is urgently needed to develop school library services in Samoa.

Abstract: This paper reviews the literature and previous research about the development of school libraries in South Pacific countries. Practical issues currently facing school libraries in the South Pacific are then considered, drawing upon recent experiences in Samoa, where the authors have worked together on the upgrading of libraries in government schools. Some of the issues arising from this work, and possible solutions, are discussed. The greatest challenge facing the authors is the provision of appropriate training. Aside from the training of teachers who are managing libraries, teachers in general need to be educated about the role of school libraries in supporting the curriculum, as well as in encouraging literacy and recreational reading. See:

Murray, J. and Godinet, J. (2002). Issues for school libraries in the Pacific: A case study -- Western Samoa. In D. Singh, A. Abdullah, S. Fonseka and B. de Rozario (Eds.) School libraries for a knowledge society (pp. 321-327). Seattle: International Association of School Librarianship.

Subject Categories: 4, 22