School Libraries in Vietnam: Diagnosis of Current Status and Challenges for the Future

Abstract

Goal/thesis – to overview the development of school libraries in Vietnam, thereby drawing out the advantages, disadvantages, and challenges they face. Methodology – critical literature review and content analysis of source materials. Findings – revealed there are the disadvantages of school libraries in Vietnam including shortcomings with the lack of materials, poor infrastructure, the inefficient capacity of the school librarian, and the limited budget. The reasons for these problems are due to the misperception of administrators, policymakers, and society regarding the libraries’ role in the educational activities of schools; the library operating hours are not optimal; the low percentage of students reading books and newspapers (especially printed documents); the small library space; oftentimes the capacity of the librarians is poor, and, most of all, there is not enough budget allocated to libraries. Conclusions – recommendations are made toward improving school libraries in Vietnam.