Education for school librarians

Abstract

This long essay aims to conduct research into the history of school library education from its beginning to the present times. It will highlight the developments, problems encountered and successes achieved in this area. Particular attention will be given to the more recent developments such as education in the use of automated systems in school libraries. Education for School Librarians will compare courses offered in different parts of the world especially in those countries considered leaders in library education. Similarities and contrasts should bring out strengths and weaknesses of particular courses. A small selection of courses offered by major library schools will be analyzed in detail. The ongoing debate on whether teacher librarians are the best people to work in a school library or whether chartered librarians can do this job better will also be discussed. A chapter will focus on developments of school library education in Malta from the first courses in the late 1960s to the Diploma in Library and Information Studies course being offered at present. Information will be collected from a number of sources, mainly journals, books, Webpages and interviews.