This essay reviews the functions of the Tanzanian National Central Library (NCL) and evaluates the activities performed and services provided by the NCL in light of the definitions of national library functions established by UNESCO and by K. W. Humphreys, Librarian of the University of Birmingham. The relationship between the NCL and the…

Provides an overview of school library development in Great Britain and the United States and discusses five factors that have facilitated or retarded school library development in each country: standards, staffing and certification, government support, rationale for school libraries, and professional organizations. (Author/LRW)

Describes a study of Institutes of Health Sciences (IHS) libraries in Botswana that determined the state of the collections and services and examined how well the libraries provided complements to classroom-based student learning and to lecturers' research. Results showed that college library standards were not met and recommends strategies for…

Unesco presents a library statistics program, including definitions and classifications. It recommends close cooperation between national and international bodies with a view toward improving access to, and the comparability of, library statistics. The section on book production statistics explains the standards set forth in the recommendations,…

Traces the development of the National Library of Canada, focusing on the significance of this history in the context of national development. Future issues facing the library are identified, and the inherent ambiguity of recognizing international standards while protecting a specific national heritage is discussed. (9 references) (Author/CLB)

A large segment of the rural population has a low educational profile. According to the 1961 census, 87% of the male and 75% of the female labor force of Prince Edward Island had grade eight or lower education. Public libraries are the only provincial agencies which can be of any help if the dropouts, functional illiterates and the undereducated…

A history of school libraries in England and Wales shows progress to be inconsistent, with centers of excellence the exception rather than the rule. Only when high-quality school libraries are clearly linked to effective learning will the teaching profession become firmly committed to the resource center's role in the school. (EM)

This paper examines the background and roles of prison libraries in North America and Europe. Identified roles include: popular reading materials center; independent learning center; formal education support center; leisure and recreational activities center; legal information center; treatment program support center; information center on outside…

This collection of five papers on public, school, and mobile libraries includes discussions of: (1) public library associations in the United States, emphasizing major activities; (2) dental library institutions and services in Hungary, focusing on their functions and relationships with other institutions and organizations; (3) standards,…

Provides an overview of the state of libraries and their resources in Croatia. Highlights include destruction of libraries resulting from the war; the need for centralization, uniformity, and standards; the role of the National and University Library; processing library materials; and the development of an automated system and network. (Contains…

This paper reports on a survey of library membership and circulation figures from seven Tanzanian regional libraries over a 4-year period which was undertaken to evaluate the performance of the Tanzanian Library Service in its capacity as a national network providing free library service, promoting education as a lifelong process, and supporting…

Describes the historical background of the National Library of Sri Lanka; explains the National Library Services Board; outlines the functions of the National Library; discusses library standards for school and public libraries; describes library development projects at local levels; and considers the public library's role in the government's…

Canada has tried many combinations of school-housed public libraries, and in general, both school and public library authorities agree that the combination has not successfully met the requirements for service of the two distinct institutions, each with its differing roles and goals. This statement on the school-housed public library in Alberta is…

Describes a survey of Greek public libraries and the resulting classification of these institutions as county, municipal, or children's libraries. The problems of inadequate library resources, a nonreading public, ill-trained and unsupported librarians, and lack of government legislation concerning libraries are discussed. (CLB)

Presents a critical overview of education librarianship and English-speaking nations throughout the world. Describes exemplary library service practices in two German teacher training institutions. Focuses on collection development, instruction in library use, and reference and information services. (JHZ)