Library Introduction
The word ‘library’ is rich in tradition, meaning, and usage. The definitions of ‘school library’ given by various library scientists and associations reflect this heritage. Throughout the world the Library a school is considered as part and parcel of the academic set-up. It is created and maintained to serve and support the educational activities of the school. The recommendations of numerous commissions and committees established by the Government of India and various other states forthe improvement of school education can bring in desired results provided the school has the full complement of library resources, personnel, and necessary infrastructure. So far the school library has not been given its rightful place in the scheme of things. Nevertheless, it can play a very important role and help the school in achieving the educational objectives. If we recognize the value andimportance of informal system of education, then library method of self-education is sure to get itsdue place.
The school Library provides information, inculcates ideas, and develops knowledge that is so essential to functioning successfully in today’s information and knowledge based society. It is fundamental to school library to equip students with life long learning skills and develop in them creative thinking and imagination, and enabling them to live as ideal and responsible citizens.Thus, the school library must be made the hub of all the activities planned and executed in school.It can be used by students to prepare for their next class period, home examination, general education, information, competitions, recreation and inspiration. To cater to the wide varieties of demands of students and teachers it has to judiciously select and procure the prescribed/recommended text-books and other reading material from different sources, technically process it by making use of a standard scheme of classification, catalogue it to provide various access points,organise the collection on scientific lines, circulate the documents and disseminate the information-in the manner most liked by the students and teachers. In addition, the school library has to serve as a resource centre as well.In Europe and other developed countries of the world a greater emphasis is laid on the library method of teaching.
The School Library Staff support the use of books and other information services which range from the fictional to documentary, from print to electronic within the four walls of the library as well as outside. This is all done to enthuse the young minds of pupil to unfold their self and discover their potential. A lot of assignments are given to the pupil for which they ha veto sit and work in the library itself. This method of teaching makes them skillful and discriminating users of library resources and services.
