School Libraries in Taiwan: A Review of the Statistics Since 1950

Authors

  • Martha C. Leung Amherst Central High School
  • Michael A. Davis Western New York State

Abstract

Analyzes the development of elementary and secondary school libraries in Taiwan from the 1950s through the 1980s. The study demonstrates the parallels between school library progress and the advance of the Taiwanese economy. Government surveys of school libraries are closely examined, with relevant data presented. At this time there are some outstanding schools and school libraries in Taiwan, and there are some very weak examples as well. Wide disparities are found between schools with excellent facilities and those with poor facilities. Education of school librarians has not kept up with growth of the school libraries. Library use by students is minimal, largely because teaching style still depends on memorization of lectures. Now that the national economy is strong, the attention of government and of the educational establishment is focusing on means of improving the library situation in schools.

Author Biographies

Martha C. Leung, Amherst Central High School

Martha C. Leung is Library Media Specialist at Amherst Central High School, Buffalo, New York. She was born in Shanghai, and studied at the University of Hong Kong. Her doctorate in education is from the State University of New York at Buffalo; she also has master’s degrees in secondary education (Northeastern University) and in library science (Simmons College). Dr. Leung was co–compiler of “Chinese Libraries and Librarianship: An Annotated Bibliography.”

Michael A. Davis, Western New York State

Michael A. Davis is a high school computer teacher in Western New York State. He earned a B.S. in business at Syracuse University, worked in the business world for several years, then turned to education. His M.Ed. is from the State University of New York at Buffalo.

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Issue

Vol. 2 No. 1 (1991)

Section

Articles

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