N.P. Mahwasane

Conceptualizing the Importance of Libraries in Student Academic Performance: A Brief Review

Abstract This paper concentrates on the importance of libraries in student academic performance. Consideration is given to studies undertaken by other researchers. The aim of this paper is to examine by means of a systematic literature review the importance of libraries in the students’ academic performance. It focuses on school library policy, functional library, library collections, public libraries, and librarians, the aims of a functional library as well as the importance of the school library. The school library is a source center catering to learning and teaching materials of different formats, that is, print and non-print materials. The paper recommends that schools should be provided with school libraries, which are well equipped with library resources that are relevant and at the level of that school in the school premises that it is operating.

The Importance of the Relevance of Language of the Library Collection for the Foundation Phase Learners in Vhembe District

ABSTRACT This paper sets out to examine the importance of the relevance of the language of the library collection for the foundation phase learners in Vhembe District. The focus is on the language of the library collection used by Grade 3 learners who are supposed to do their learning in mother tongue to read. The qualitative approach was chosen based on the nature of the paper. Four teacher librarians were purposively sampled to participate in the study. Interviews were used as a method for data collection from each teacher librarian. The study revealed that the learners in the foundation phase are supposed to learn in their mother tongue before they are introduced to English. As a result, the school library for foundation phase learners should be well equipped with more books in the mother tongue. The paper recommended that the Department of Education should provide more books that are interesting to foundation phase learners in the mother tongue so as to build their confidence. This will also enable them to develop the love for reading as well as various reading skills.

Managing the School Library Collection for Ease of Access in the Foundation Phase School Library

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to investigate teachers’ views about accessing school library collections used in teaching learner in the foundation phase. A qualitative research method was employed based on the nature of the study. The target population included Foundation Phase teacher librarians. Eight schools were selected purposively from Vhembe District. Eight participants were sampled by virtue of their being teacher librarians serving in the Foundation Phase school libraries. Data were gathered by means of individual interviews and observation. This study revealed that teacher librarian’s encounter challenges in as far as managing library collections that are not well-arranged for ease of access by both teachers and learners. As a result, this leads to school library collections not effectively used. The paper recommends that all teacher librarians be trained on all library activities so that they will be able to perform their tasks effectively. The Department of Basic Education (DBE) must develop regular workshops and short courses for teacher librarians to train them on how to arrange books to facilitate ease of access.

The Roles of Libraries in Sustaining Quality Education in Secondary Schools: A Concept Paper

ABSTRACT The library is the backbone of all educational institutions that provides a wide range of information resources and the right type of information resources that empowers the educational institutions to generate extremely resourceful individuals to influence progressively on nationwide advancement. This paper aims to examine more about the responsibilities of school libraries in sustaining quality education. This paper provides an overview of the roles of school libraries in sustaining quality education for secondary students. The researcher recommended that libraries should be developed in the communities so as to enhance the learners’ access to the wide range of library resources. Learners will be motivated to develop the culture of doing their school work in the course of the day at school instead of studying at home merely at night.

The Conceptual Roles of the School Library

ABSTRACT School libraries provide access to a wide range of sources. A library is more than just a storage place for books (repository for books). Libraries also have important roles that they play in developing literacy skills in learners. School libraries support the goal of the school to grow a community of enthusiastic readers by making accessible a wide range of different reading material that reflect both the learners’ interest and their reading abilities. The aim of this paper is to examine the various roles of the school library. This paper provides an overview of the conceptual roles of school libraries. Based on the literature, the researchers recommend that more community libraries should be established to supplement poor school library services. The libraries should be well stocked with a wide range of library resources so that it will be able to play its role effectively.

Becoming a Reader: Key Considerations

ABSTRACT Reading is a skill that should be properly mastered for one to be able to become a reader. For learners to become readers, they need to follow all processes that are considered critical for reading. Reading involves coming into contact with the text and be able to understand the message brought about by those texts. Therefore, this paper aims to explore key considerations that should be taken into account when learning to read in order to become a reader. The paper offers a synopsis of key considerations as far as reading with understanding is concerned. The researcher further cross-examines key considerations that should be comprehended in order to become a reader.

The Indispensable Roles of the School Librarian in a School: A Brief Review

ABSTRACT One cannot discuss school libraries without touching the role of school librarians. For a library to be effective there need to be a professional librarian. The aim of the paper was to identify the roles played by school librarians in the school vicinity. The paper highlighted that the teacher librarian or school librarian should be well qualified as a teacher and a librarian so as to be able to play his/her role in teaching, and providing the library services. The researcher made some recommendations based on literature that every school library should be staffed by a professional school librarian who will be able to effectively perform his/her librarian duties maximally. School librarians should also be trained as a teacher as well as be trained as a librarian so that they are competent in their duties.

The Library Services in the International Context: A Brief Review

Abstract This paper focuses on the different types of libraries that are available internationally. The aim of this paper is to examine the library services in the international context. Following aspects were covered including, moving libraries, bookmobiles, the ship library, “living mobile library” services, virtual/digital library services, school libraries, elementary schools libraries, middle school libraries and junior high school libraries, high school libraries and contemporary libraries. A systematic literature review will be utilized to examine the library services in the international context. The paper recommends that libraries are the backbones of their parents’ bodies. They are necessary for providing the community with much-needed information.

Theories of Learning Usage of Library Resources

Abstract It is important to understand the development of children during their infancy years so as to be able to comprehend the issues that have an emotional impact on the role of school libraries in the learning ability of learners. As a result, knowledge about the development of a learner remains a big challenge. Knowledge about the learner is also necessary for the purpose of implementing the curriculum in which progressive and learning theories feature in order to guide the preparation of the library instruction programs and to select books that are at the level of the learners. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to discuss the various factors concerning the different developmental theories and how they influence the usage of a library. The paper is based on the literature review and the author’s own experiences.

Library and Information Services to Children: A Review

Abstract Considering the background to the provision of library services in the rural areas, it seems that these are poorly developed and that children in rural areas do not enjoy the same privileges as children from urban areas. In view of the lack of infrastructure in rural areas it is impossible to provide adequate library and information services to children and so the paper deals with the question, how can service provision be improved? The purpose of this paper is to determine the information needs and usage behaviour of rural children and to identify and describe the types of library services found in most rural areas. Based on the literature the researchers recommend that services and facilities should be implemented in the school libraries. Furthermore, the researchers suggest that the Department of Education should build a centre for library services in each circuit. It is strongly recommended that the Department of Education should become more involved and take ownership of school libraries.