The school-community library as a solution to the lack of library services in the Umtata district of the former Transkei.
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Date
1997
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Abstract
Combined libraries are school facilities that double as public libraries, to allow libraries
to reach areas not previously served, in a very cost-effective way. These libraries are
most suitable for small disadvantaged communities which cannot afford to provide
minimum library services through seperate services.
This study is based on the extension of library services in the Umtata district of the
former Transkei, where library services are almost non-existent. It sets out to establish
the following:
(i) the status quo in terms of school library provision and availability,
(ii) the extent of, or lack of awareness with regard to the role of the school library in
education,
(Hi) the existing relations between the school and the community,
(iv) the attitude of school principals to the concept of combined libraries.
The survey research was employed with person-to-person interview using an interview
schedule. Ninety two school principals and two teacher-librarians were interviewed.
Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data obtained.
The findings revealed that school library provision in the Umtata district is poor, the few
libraries that exist are inadequate in terms of material, staff and accomodation. There
is however, a growing realization of the necessity for libraries in educational institutions.
There is also a healthy relationship between the school and the community as a result
most respondents supported the idea of joint-use.
In conclusion, the study is in concurrence with previous studies on combined libraries,
that they are suitable for those communities that are unable to provide minimum library
services through seperate facilities. The adaptation of combined library services to suit
the divergent needs of people with different cultural and social background is
recommended. A local-based information system, which takes the form of a community
participatory model is recommended.
Description
Thesis (M.I.S.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 1997.
Keywords
Libraries, Community-School., Libraries, Community-School--South Africa., Libraries--Eastern Cape., Theses--Library and information science.