Information management and broadcast resources: implications for the school librarian

Abstract

Examines the information management issues associated with radio and television broadcasting materials, both off-air and prerecorded, as they relate to six primary and secondary school libraries in Scotland; drawing on evidence from a survey commissioned and funded by the Independent Television Commission and carried out in schools in the Grampian region as part of a larger project, the results of which will be published at a later date. Describes the research model used in the case study, the research problem itself and the effectiveness of the information management systems found. Discusses the reasons why broadcast resource information is a grey area; the extent to which librarians are involved in its management and offers suggestions as to how this may be made more effective. Three areas were identified as central to the study: information management; selection of resources; and use of resources. The most significant finding was the extreme diversity of infor mation management within school libraries with the emphasis on the need to reach a compromise between ideal solutions and practical realities. Briefly notes the policies of UK educational broadcasters (BBC and Channel 4 Educational Television Company).