The School-Community Library: A Viable Model for Developing School Libraries in South Africa

Abstract

The aim of this study was to establish whether the combination of school-community or public libraries on school premises is a feasible solution to the lack of library services in previously disadvantaged areas. South Africa as a developing country needs to explore alternative arrangements in order to provide and improve information delivery to the multi-cultural and diverse people of the country. Gauld (1987) argues that combined libraries will ensure a more effective use of public money, by providing library service in communities which because of size and remoteness would have little chance of accessing alternative facilities. After a comprehensive review of the literature about experimentation with this model, this study determined the present condition of school libraries in South Africa to find out whether teachers, librarians, and community members would support the establishment of joint-use libraries in schools.