The Impact of an International Professional Organization on School Librarianship in Jamaica

Authors

  • Rebecca Knuth University of Hawaii

Abstract

This paper represents a study of the 24–year–old International Association of School Librarianship (IASL) with respect to its influence on school librarians in Jamaica. Nine IASL members in Jamaica were interviewed. They agreed on the value of IASL activity for their personal professional growth, for bringing new materials to their attending, for sharing ideas, and for developing a philosophy of school librarianship. The two IASL conferences held in Jamaica involved teachers and principals as well as librarians, and served to heighten awareness of the importance of libraries in the educational process. IASL has also been useful to supporting local efforts to influence government policy in favor of school library development.

Author Biography

Rebecca Knuth, University of Hawaii

Rebecca Knuth is Assistant Professor, School of Library and Information Studies, University of Hawaii. She has an M.L.I.S. from Hawaii and a Ph.D. in library and information science from Indiana University. Dr. Knuth has published articles in IFLA Journal, International Information and Library Review, and a number of other journals. She is an active participant in international conferences, and recently made a presentation in Quebec. Among her interests are school libraries, reading, and children’s literature.

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Issue

Vol. 6 No. 2 (1996)

Section

Articles

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