1. School Library Network
Sub-topic:  Challenges faced in Administering School Libraries
Presented by: Mrs. Patsy Gordon
Director
School Library Network

2. TOPICS Overview Organization/Structure Jamaica Library Service Mission
School Library Mission
School Library Network
Schools served
Status of School Libraries
Challenges
Recommendations
Pictorial

3. OVERVIEW Established in 1952 – four years after establishment of JLS
JLS Board accepted responsibility for administering a library service to Primary schools on behalf of the MOE
Administered by a Board of Directors
Restructured in 2001:
Currently operates through Six (6) Regions
Currently serves 922 government school libraries island-wide

4. ORGANIZATION/STRUCTURE
DIRECTOR GENERAL
SENIOR DIRECTOR
DIRECTOR SLN
DIRECTOR PLN
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
Region 1
Region 2
Region 3
Region 4
Region 5
Region 6
Regional Directors

5. JAMAICA LIBRARY SERVICE
MISSION The Jamaica Library Service exists to enable national development through the creation and support of a knowledge-based society of culturally aware lifelong learners by providing universal access to information. This will be achieved by being customer-focused and technology-enhanced; in an aesthetically pleasing environment; and by a well-trained, competent, motivated and empowered team.

6. IFLA/UNESCO SCHOOL LIBRARY MISSION
Offer learning services to all members
Books and resources
Enable all members to become critical thinkers
Enable all members to be effective users of information in all formats and media

7. IFLA/UNESCO SCHOOL LIBRARY MISSION
Links to wider library and information network – in accordance with UNESCO Public Library Manifesto
Services must be provided equally to all members of the school community
Access to service and collection based on UND of human rights and freedom

8. SCHOOL LIBRARY NETWORK
Responsibility:
for the administration and coordination of a service to 919 School Libraries
for the provision of resource material
for the provision of training for personnel in charge of school libraries

9. STATUS OF SCHOOL LIBRARIES
Basic criteria for active school libraries:
Active
Partially Active
Inactive
Designated library room
Access to the collection
No access to the collection
Personnel in charge of the library
Personnel in charge of the collection

10. STATUS OF SCHOOL LIBRARIES
Number of active & inactive school libraries:
(811) Active & Partially Active - (Operational)
(108) Inactive
27 Infant
2 Infant
508 Primary
85 Primary
84 All Age
16 All Age
82 Primary & Junior High
3 Primary & Junior High
9 Technical
0 Technical
98 High
1 High
3 Special
1 Special

11. 85 Primary and Junior High
SCHOOLS SERVED
593 Primary
100 All Age
9 Technical High
4 Special
29 Infant
SLN
99 High
85 Primary and Junior High

12. REGIONS Region 1 Region 2 Region 3 Region 4 Region 5 Region 6
Kingston & St. Andrew
Region 1
Portland, St. Thomas & St. Mary
Region 2
St. Ann & Trelawny
Region 3
St. James, Hanover & Westmoreland
Region 4
Manchester & St. Elizabeth
Region 5
St. Catherine & Clarendon
Region 6

13. SERVICES Consultation on the design and layout of library facilities1
Consultation on the design and layout of library facilities 2
Organization of library resources 3
Training of Teacher/Librarians and other school personnel through seminars, workshops as well as on the job programmes 4
The inspection of school library facilities and the provision of guidance on best practices

14. CHALLENGES Lack of support from some principals
Lack of personnel to adequately supervise library operations
High turn-over rate of personnel assigned to manage the library
Unsecured library accommodations

15. CHALLENGES No designated library room
School has internet access but the library is not connected and not equipped with a computer
Students and staff have no access to the collection
Neglect of the collection

16. RECOMMENDATIONS Include the library in school development plan
Ensure that the library is fully functional and the collection is accessible to students and staff
Provide a designated library room
Assign a teacher where there is no qualified librarian dedicated to carry out tasks assigned
Schedule time for students to utilize the library

17. RECOMMENDATIONS
Provide opportunities for teacher/librarians to attend continuing education courses
Have ongoing discussions with the teacher/librarians regarding integrating the school library into the curriculum
The principal is encouraged to foster the concept of using the library resources
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between JLS and schools pertaining to their school library

18. RECOMMENDATIONS Establish a process for the evaluation of the library
Consult with the JLS when carrying out renovations for building new school libraries
Ensure that recommendations made by JLS staff regarding improvements to the school library are implemented
Seek financial support and resources for the library

19. Eltham Primary Jones Town Primary Oracabessa High
Central Branch All Age

20. Holy Trinity High School Library

21. Alpha Infant School Library

22. MoAF/STU Infant School Libraries
Savanna-la-mar Infant
St. John’s Infant
Falmouth Infant School
Savanna-la-mar Infant
Falmouth Infant School

23. Contact: Sharnna Archat-Edmondson (Training Manager)
Do you have a query?
Contact: Sharnna Archat-Edmondson (Training Manager)

24. THANK YOU
The End