THE EDITOR, Sir:
IN RESPONSE to the article dated September 5, 2003, I must say that I am in strong agreement with the writer. Of the values of school libraries there can be no argument. There has however, been no real recognition of the value of school libraries in Jamaica as many persons just see the Library as a place where books are stored.
However, just to educate the ignorant a Library's stock includes much more than books as it also includes computers, CD-Roms, magazines, newspapers etc.
The School Library is an essential component of the education process, contributing to the achievement of educational programmes of the school. The library will ensure that all the young people will have the opportunity to learn the skills that will enable them to become competent users of information.
The School Library has a lot of benefits. First of all it provides books and other learning materials for the pupils and staff of the school. The teacher will be able to raise the quality of the instruction through the use of supplementary text in the library. The students will also be able to read and get additional information on what was taught in class.
A library encourages good reading habits. Reading is a skill which grows with practice and the more children read, the faster their English will improve and when the students do well then the school will do well.
It will also enable the students to develop the skills of searching for information, critically study and explore information. This will create a problem-solving and active approach to learning.
I therefore implore students, teachers and principals to give more attention to the School Libraries. Upgrade them and employ trained Teacher Librarians to operate the libraries because a lot of benefits are there to be gained.
I am, etc.,
MARISA DAWKINS
Third year Library Student.
Mico Teachers'College
1a Marescaux Road
Kingston 5.
