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SCHOOL LIBRARY NETWORK

Overview

In 1952, the Jamaica Library Board accepted responsibility for administering a library service to primary schools on behalf of the then Education Department, resulting in the establishment of the School Library Service. By 1969 the Network began serving secondary schools.

The service operates from the Headquarters in Kingston through six (6) Regional Divisions/Offices. In order to access the operations, give advice on best practices, help re-organize and design lay-out of libraries as well as supply resource material, the libraries are periodically visited by a library team. Each Primary school is visited at least once per year to conduct book exchange. Secondary schools however, maintain a permanent collection and visits are made to facilitate the development of the collection.

All resource materials received by the libraries are centrally processed by the School Library Network, Headquarters. These resource materials are deployed by Mobile Libraries, each carrying a book stock of approximately 2000. Schools inaccessible to the mobile library are facilitated by delivery vans.

SUPPLY OF BOOKS TO EACH SCHOOL

The number of books supplied to each school is based on its enrollment, accommodation and the stock available.

SELECTION OF BOOKS

  • Personnel in charge of school libraries, other staff and students, select books from the mobile library with the assistance of the staff from the School Library Network.
  • If necessary, teachers may visit the Regional Offices to do their selection.


 SERVICES OFFERED

Circulation

  • Book Request
  • Book Reservation
  • Referrals
  • Reference Enquiry
  • Lending

Training/Orientation

  • Seminars and Workshops for Principals and Teacher/Librarians
  • In-Service and On-the-Spot Training while visiting Schools

Professional and Technical Advice to Schools

  • Advise and Assist with the Establishment of School Libraries
  • Advise on Collection Development/ Maintenance and Management
  • Talks at Schools

Current Awareness

  • Preparation of bibliographies, bookmarks, book-lists and other publications.


 

  
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