Establishing and managing school libraries: a manual for teacher librarians in Kenya

Abstract

In attempting to establish and effectively manage school libraries in Kenya, it is necessary to first understand the basic role of a library, within the school setting and beyond. This manual will focus on primary and secondary school libraries. However, it would be insufficient not to mention all activities that take place in other libraries. The basic principles of setting up a library are always the same; it is the operation levels and the target audience that vary. It is therefore important to address specific user needs at the particular level. A school library should be a place where information can be sourced. Information can be in the form of books, audio and visual material,journals, magazines, and other resources. They are provided for the benefit of the school community including pupils, teaching staff and sometimes the community around the school. A library's main objective is to support school programs in order to promote education. A library should offer learning services and resources aimed at making its users develop a reading culture. School libraries are central to successful teaching and learning programs. They playa key role in the promotion of a literate society. Libraries assist in the creation and sustenance of a reading culture. The school library should be planned with children in mind such that they either gain directly from the library or through their teachers who should be familiar with the library and its resources. Libraries should contain the information the children require, and they in turn, should be encouraged to use the library both for information and recreation.