Managing library resources in the Trade School

Abstract

Trade schools have art important role in the education system of our country. Students enrolled at these schools follow a programme of studies in academic subjects and technology education. After two years of studies successful students continue with their education at post secondary level. They follow courses designed to provide academic subjects together with the theory and practice of a number of different trades. A brief history of trade schools together with their activities and educational aims introduces the essay. The purpose and function of the school library is that of supporting the educational aim of the school and anticipates the requirements of all teaching units and special interests. A study has been done to see what the schools are trying to achieve. Students are developing intellectually at different rates. The librarian needs to acquire knowledge of pupils' information and learning needs. Feedback was obtained from interviews with teachers and from a questionnaire distributed in the only three trade schools which remained open. The development of the library as a resource centre also means the acquisition of a greater range of material in different formats. The information required to support the teaching is not always available in books. Information on the latest advances in technology can be traced on the Internet and downloaded. Other information may also be acquired from Industry, manufacturers, suppliers of equipment and materials and other sources. How these resources are organised and the extent to which students can easily access information will depend on the school librarian in organising both resources and information. These libraries use card catalogues . The possibility of replacing this system with a computerised information retrieval system was dealt with. The manual issuing and discharging method is looked into vis-a vis a computerised circulation system. I visited the three libraries so as to compare one with the other. The physical aspect of these libraries as regards size, furniture, equipment, accessibility, noise etc is discussed .