THE SCHOOL LIBRARY

There are many aims of a school library. First, it is to introduce boys and girls to books of all kinds. The library should have as wide a selection of books as possible, no one subject should be emphasized at the expense of the others, and there should be a good selection of fictions. It should also be remembered that where English is a foreign language,it will be necessary to provide abridged and simplified editions of many books, especially in the case of fiction.
Second, it is to encourage reading for pleasure. It is useless to expect pupils in the upper classes of primary schools, or the lower forms of secondary schools, to be able to read Robinson Crusoe in Defoe's own words, if they tried they would probably develop a strong dislike for reading. It is now possible to buy simplified readers in durable bindings, which last longer and are well worth the extra costs.
Third, it is necessary to teach pupils to use books and learn from them without the presence or help of a teacher. This will be dealt with at greater length later on, it is enough to say here that all children should be shown how to use books, i.e the purpose of the index and contents table, the meaning of the words title - pages, frontispiece, etc. Instruction in the use of books should be followed by instruction in the use of the library, it's classification and catalogue, and the purposes served by these two aids. The scope of the reference section and the arrangement of individual work should also be explained. If this is done, no pupil should have any difficulty in finding information in books by himself.

Finally, the use the library should teach student respect for books. The correct handling and care of books do not come naturally to everyone, neither does respect for public property, and these must be taught as soon as pupils enter school.

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