Doctoral Degrees (Information Science)

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Browsing Doctoral Degrees (Information Science) by Subject "Community-school libraries"

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    Gekombineerde skool- en openbare biblioteke : 'n moontlike oplossing vir plattelandse gebiede
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 1993-12) Crafford, Agnes; Overduin, P. G. J.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Information Science.
    ENGLISH SUMMARY: The possible combination of school and public libraries in rural areas is the main theme of the dissertation. Both the school and public libraries serve the community; the school library solely for use by the school and the public library for the use of the broader community. Although there are two functioning libraries in country towns there are still underprivileged communities who have unsatisfactory or even no library facilities. Research on the needs of these areas is essential, community development being the most important contribution which can be provided by the library, to the underprivileged. The research centres on the main problem: whether there is any justification for two libraries with roughly the same objectives in any small town. Possible negative factors, such as a poor economic climate, a decline in the number of school pupils, the depopulation of rural areas and insufficient library facilities must be taken into account for the efficient functioning of both libraries. Combined libraries can be a solution. Reasons for the establishment of combined libraries are amongst others; rationalization, financial saving, sufficient library facilities and the provision of improved services. Combined libraries could function in the rural areas in existing library buildings or newly-erected structures and provide a service to both the uninformed user in a strange, new environment, as well as to the more experienced seeker of knowledge. Country towns and districts in the Western Cape were defined as the chosen area for research. The circle is drawn closer with the specific target being combined schools, for example, the combination of both a primary school and high school component on the same site. The custom of combined institutions has thus already been accepted in these towns. The dissertation initially reviews the role of existing schObl and public libraries in rural areas. The aims and functions of both types of libraries are discussed and compared and similarities and differences are noted. Each existing school and public library is evaluated to on its own standards. Both the libraries must therefore meet these requirements to be successful. The criteria whereby these libraries are judged are: [i] management and control, [ii] stock, [iii] staff, [iv] library hours and [v] accommodation. All aspects of both types of libraries are discussed thoroughly and all advantages and disadvantages are investigated. A schoolpublic library must, therefore, meet certain standards to succeed in the role of a combined library. Following on an in-depth discussion of two existing libraries in a rural area, the research shifts to combined libraries in certain foreign countries, namely Australia, Canada, the United States of America and Sweden. The African State, Malawi, is also used as an example of a country with a developing community. Comparisons are made between factors in local and foreign countries and conclusions are drawn. The emphasis moves on to a new situation where a newly-planned, combined library on the school grounds is proposed. Such a library, known as Model A, should serve .a community where no school or public library exists. The highest priority is afforded to the pupil and facilities for studying, as well as an instruction area are provided. Model A, is compared to Model B, which represents the school library as a combined library and Model C, which represents the public library as a combined library. Combined libraries in the rural areas will provide the communities and schools with these advantages: [iJ more effective accommodation, [iiJ a larger stock, [iiiJ professional staff and [ivJ longer library hours. Together, these advantages should successfully provide rural areas with an effective community service.