Describes attempts to develop library services in the island republic of Kiribati (the Gilbert, Phoenix, and Line islands). The development of rural library service in conjunction with school libraries is discussed, a postal library service is described, the establishment of village libraries is discussed, and constraints that have inhibited…

The purpose of this research project was to examine the current state of libraries in the Solomon Islands with particular attention to the resources available and the services provided. Data was collected through a survey questionnaire, site visits, and informal interviews carried out in the Solomon Islands between July and August 1998. The 20…

Describes developments in library services that took place in Oman from 1970-90 and discusses the current status of library development. Topics discussed include the rapid social and economic development in Oman, the lack of human and physical resources, the lack of a national library, and deficiencies in school libraries. (five references) (LRW)

Discusses issues that school librarians need to consider when updating and automating their libraries based on examples of experiences in several high schools. Topics addressed include planning; problems; needs assessment; software compatibility and selection; CD-ROMs; and training needs. (LRW)

Provides an overview of school libraries in Israel. Highlights include a historical background of school library development, including teaching library skills, developing curriculum, and reading guidance; problem areas, including funding shortages, the need for improved physical facilities, public libraries, and classroom library collections; and…

Examines the role of school libraries in Sierra Leone's (Africa) educational system and the problems affecting their development. Discusses the need for materials to support teaching activities; sociological factors; teachers' and students' information needs; current trends and changes; rural areas with no school libraries; and lack of standards,…

Provides an overview of the current state of libraries and information services in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Topics include academic, national, public, special, and school libraries; factors dictating the need for information services, including socioeconomic changes; problems; and the need for library education for staffing. (LRW)

This paper identifies obstacles to physical and intellectual access and effective use of books and media by South African children and suggests some possible solutions. It also includes a description of a study of the attitudes of first-year student teachers at colleges of education and universities in the Transvaal towards school libraries. The…

Describes "The Electric Library" (TM), a database (which can be searched via an Internet connection) designed to assist schools, librarians, and parents with information retrieval. Discusses technical and logistical benefits, the problem of selected and limited resources, and cost issues. Provides a sample debate topic exercise using "The Electric…

Identifies and defines categories of barriers that inhibit Environmental Education's growth and development in schools: conceptual, educational, attitudinal, and logistical. Expands on the implications of the barriers and a role for libraries in resolving these problems. (MCO)

Includes seven articles that discuss censorship and intellectual freedom in junior and senior high schools. Highlights include access to appropriate information; library material selection; dealing with complaints; a list of potentially controversial titles and topics; a history of book burning; the censorship of fiction; weeding versus…

Discusses document delivery and the rise in periodical requests in school libraries. Problems with union listing tools, system protocols and procedures, interlibrary loan charges, and copyright procedures are described; cost effectiveness and time efficiency are considered; equitable school library services are discussed; and collection…

Presents the perspectives of four public library administrators on sharing facilities with local schools, including benefits and problems. Topics include physical accommodations; intellectual freedom issues; security issues; management issues; costs and budgetary considerations; staffing; collection development policies; and the need for a…

Discussion of problems presented by the introduction of preschool children into an elementary school setting focuses on implications for school librarians. Topics discussed include educational backgrounds of preschool teachers and school librarians; cooperation between teachers, librarians, and parents; characteristics of preschool children; and…

Discusses critical issues in school library media programs, including problems in the profession; building the collection to support the curriculum; resource-based education; literature-based reading programs; conceptual frameworks for new technologies, new kinds of textbooks, and differentiated staffing; professional leadership by administrators…