Use of school libraries by teachers in Singapore schools

Abstract

Purpose

This paper presents the findings of a study that explores the use of school libraries and their resources by teachers, their level of collaboration with their school librarian, and the problems faced by them in using these libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was conducted and 76 teachers from seven schools in Singapore participated in the study.

Findings

The results showed that teachers generally did not use their school libraries and various information resources effectively, mainly due to the inadequacy of their school libraries in terms of educational materials. In addition, teachers typically did not collaborate with their school librarian in planning their lessons or other academic activities.

Research limitations/implications

The study only managed to involve 76 teachers from seven schools. A larger number of respondents would have been more desirable. However, these 76 respondents represented teachers with teaching experiences that ranged from less than 3 years to more than 20 years. The study provided an insight into the situation of school library use by teachers in Singapore and their related factors. This insight could in turn yield initiatives on various aspects of school library research, such as the role of the school library in the school curriculum, and how school library usage by teachers or school librarian‐teacher collaboration can be improved.

Practical implications

The study proposes that teachers be familiarised with the role of school libraries and librarians through in‐service and pre‐service teacher training courses and through school library outreach programmes.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the importance of the school library in the school curriculum, presents the elements that can contribute to or work against the use of the school library by teachers, and most importantly, proposes strategies that can be implemented to improve the situation as revealed in the study.

Citation

Azura Mokhtar, I. and Majid, S. (2005), "Use of school libraries by teachers in Singapore schools", Library Review, Vol. 54 No. 2, pp. 108-118. https://doi.org/10.1108/00242530510583057