Internet Resources

Internet (and other) Resources for Developing a School Library

Compiled by Elizabeth Greef

Library Manuals

How to start and run a library

Libraries for All! How to Start and Run a Small Basic Library by Laura Wendell can be downloaded as a rich text file from the UNESCO website. Or as a large pdf file of 118 pages. This manual covers setting up the library, budgeting, making rules, managing the library, organising the materials, circulation and weeding, book donation programs, an annotated bibliography of library manuals Print copies can be requested from UNESCO.

VSO, an international development charity: Setting up and running a school library by Nicola Baird

This is a book for purchase with apparently very practical advice on establishing and running a school library. It is 138 pages long with many illustrations. VSO used to have some very useful working papers on their site which now are no longer there, such as the Dewey decimal classification scheme for primary schools in the Maldives; A manual on the organization of secondary school libraries in developing countries.

Beginners' Guide to School Library Organisation

Written and compiled by Rose Damon, Education Library and Information Services of the Western Cape Education Department. Distributed by EDUMEDIA (WCED). 2001. 40 p. Copies may be purchased from Edumedia; the cost is R10-00 per booklet. The booklet is intended for teachers who have no library training. EDUMEDIA (WCED)

Support for resource centers and libraries

Links to book donation and computer donation agencies, funding sources and basic training manuals, including Internet training and skills.

Resource centre manual: How to set up and manage a resource centre

This manual covers a large range of aspects of establishing a resource centre, particularly related to health. It covers the planning stages, collecting and organising the resources, and many other aspects.

Bibliography -- Resource centers

This site has an annotated bibliography of resources related to setting up a library.

Library Tool Kit Project

College of Micronesia -- Federated States of Micronesia FSM
The College of Micronesia came up with a wonderful idea for their circumstances, many small islands which are in the early stages of library development which need support at different levels. The project consists of two parts: the Tool Kit and a mini Resource Library
(1) Library Tool Kit -- for schools/communities in the FSM at the beginning stages of library development. Contents:
* Binder of articles and locally produced materials on using volunteers, writing grants, etc. The Kit is made up of manuals and articles we have gathered that are of the most use to developing library workers in the FSM. The Kit also contains original materials specific to our country including Library Job Descriptions, and Training/Learning materials of most use to school staff interested in starting their own libraries.
* Case-Study video written and created in Pohnpei State showcasing local initiatives to develop libraries on our island providing inspiring examples of what other schools may do.
(2) Resource Kit/ Mini Resource Library. These are designed for the enhancement and development of established libraries. Contents:
* video on information literacy skills
* 8 books on various aspects of basics of library organization and management, teaching information literacy/library skills, collection development, information technology etc.
The kit materials are encased in a Rubbermaid Action Packer, a waterproof lockable container to make them seaworthy, so that they can be safely transported on inter library loans to outer islands by air, boat, canoe or truck.
(With thanks to Jean Thoulag and Sara Krosch for this information)

Free Library Management Systems

Mandarin M3

This Windows-based library management system can be downloaded free from the Mandarin web site. The modules available to download include cataloguing, circulation (including basic reports), OPAC, and inventory. Additional modules are available, including Web OPAC, Authority Control. (From The Informed Librarian Online, June 2005)

KOHA

Free library database called Koha which means "gift" in Maori -- downloadable from the net and open source so that the software can be changed and refined by its users; it offers templates which allow the software to be translated into other languages. The software was developed by Katipo Communications Ltd. Test site is at http://www.koha.org/.

Open source systems for libraries

Message board with comments about and links to open source library management systems

Resources

ASLA website

Go to Publications for these recommended resources if adding electronic resources and teaching information literacy:
* Videotape Steps to Success: Information Literacy produced by the Australian School Library Association.
* CD-ROM Teaching Information Skills

Other Resources

* Books for all
* International Book Project: IBP -- Sponsoring book shipments
* Book donation programs
* Training in preservation microfilming

Last Updated 13 September 2005 (LAC)