The value of quantitative standards has been questioned in the professional literature. The question of whether Papua New Guinea has made a mistake in publishing quantitative standards for its school libraries is examined. The major problem in the high schools is the lack of experienced personnel to implement standards; therefore the only kind of standards it is realistic to use are quantitative. When trained teacher-librarians and Regional School Library Advisers enter the field, it will be possible to move along a continuum to qualitative standards and evaluative criteria. The major needs are the input of resources and professional credibility. Quantitative standards can produce the desired results and are the best choice for Papua New Guinea at this time.
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