Page 48 - DLIS101_LIBRARY_AND_INFORMATION_SOCIETY

Unit 4: Types of Library

There are wider definitions of a national library, putting less emphasis to the repository character. Notes
National libraries are usually notable for their size, compared to that of other libraries in the same
country. Some states which are not independent, but who wish to preserve their particular culture,
have established a national library with all the attributes of such institutions, such as legal deposit.
Many national libraries cooperate within the National Libraries Section of the International Federation
of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) to discuss their common tasks, define and promote
common standards and carry out projects helping them to fulfil their duties. National libraries of
Europe participate in The European Library. This is a service of The Conference of European National
Librarians (CENL).
The first national libraries had their origins in the royal collections of the sovereign or some other
supreme body of the state.

One of the first plans for a national library was that devised by the Welsh
mathematician John Dee, who in 1556 presented Mary I of England with a visionary
plan for the preservation of old books, manuscripts and records and the founding
of a national library, but his proposal was not taken up.

4.4 School Library

A school library (or a school library media center) is a library within a school where students, staff,
and often, parents of a public (state) or private (fee paying) school have access to a variety of resources.

The goal of the school library media center is to ensure that all members of the school
community have equitable access “to books and reading, to information, and to information
technology.”
A school library media center “uses all types of media... is automated, and utilizes the information
gathering.” School libraries are distinct from public libraries because they serve as “learner-oriented
laboratories which support, extend, and individualize the school’s curriculum... A school library serves
as the center and co-ordinating agency for all material used in the school.”
Researchers have demonstrated that school libraries have a positive impact on student achievement.
More than 60 studies have been conducted in 19 U.S. states and one Canadian province. The major
finding of these studies is that students with access to a well-supported school library media program
with a qualified school library media specialist, scored higher on reading assessment regardless of

their socio-economic statuses. In addition, a study conducted in Ohiorevealed that 99.4% of students
surveyed believed that their school librarians and school library media programs helped them
succeed in school. A report that reported similar conclusions was compiled by Michele Lonsdale in
Australia in 2003.

Purpose of the school library

School library media centers in the 21st century can, and should be, hubs for increased student
achievement and positive focused school reform—Kathleen D. Smith.
The school library exists to provide a range of learning opportunities for both large and small groups
as well as individuals with a focus on intellectual content, information literacy, and the learner. In

LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY 43