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Dissertation Information for Ruth C. Henry

NAME:
- Ruth C. Henry
- (Alias) Ruth Casandra Henry

DEGREE:
- Ph.D.

DISCIPLINE:
- Library and Information Science

SCHOOL:
- Columbia University (USA) (1982)

ADVISORS:
- Jane Anne Therese Hannigan

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
- Kay Ellen Vandergrift

MPACT Status: Fully Complete

Title: Dilemma of development: school libraries in Jamaica

Abstract: This study is intended to proved scientific evidence concerning the adequacy or inadequacy of school libraries in Jamaica. In addition the work will make a worthwhile contribution to the body of professional literature on libraries in Jamaica. The study focuses on the development and present status of school libraries in Jamaica and attempts to place them within the economic, social, and educational perspectives of the country. In particular, the study (1) traces the development of library and media services to primary and secondary schools in Jamaica; (2) assesses and examines, based on the Jamaican School Library Standards the present status of library and media services to primary and secondary schools in Jamaica, identifying needs and future trends; (3) examines the administration of library and media services; (4) puts into an international and historical perspective, school libraries in Jamaica through comparison with school libraries in other developing countries as well as developed countries.

Data was gathered through documentary analysis, questionnaire, interviews with persons in the field of school libraries and media; and observation of a number of school libraries in urban and rural Jamaica.

The research was guided by the following hypotheses: (1) School libraries have not been given priority in the several development plans of the Ministry of Education. There is a consistent pattern of ignoring school libraries as a viable component of education. (2) The majority of school libraries have not achieved the minimum standards set by the Jamaica Library Association in 1971. (3) There is a greater disparity between educational trends and school library services than between educational trends and media services. (4) The development of school libraries was greatly influenced by the leaders in public library service. (5) School libraries have not been active in defining and promoting the role of media in schools.

The study covers primary, all-age, new secondary, high, technical high, and comprehensive schools. The findings are based on a 45.80% response to questionnaires. School libraries in Jamaica are clearly at the developing stage displaying inadequacies in funding, staffing, physical facilities, resources and services provided. The development of school libraries is greatly influenced by economic realities of the country as well as the state of the education system. School libraries in Jamaica dates back to the mid-nineteenth century but consistent and organized library and media services began in 1952 with Schools Library Service and Schools Broadcasting Service, respectively. The two services developed separately and along different lines because they served two different purposes within the education system.

On an international level, school libraries in Jamaica share certain characteristics with other developing nations and which is certainly related to their economic development and the order of their national and educational priorities. The future requires increased funding as well as astute planning to make maximum use of the basic infrastructures which already exist.


MPACT Scores for Ruth C. Henry

A = 0
C = 0
A+C = 0
T = 0
G = 0
W = 0
TD = 0
TA = 0
calculated 2008-04-07 21:01:31

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Students under Ruth C. Henry

ADVISEES:
- None

COMMITTEESHIPS:
- None