Policy for secondary school library provision in England and Wales: an historical perspective

Abstract

Considers the roots of policy development in secondary school library pro vision in England and Wales, assesses the current policy context, and iden tifies possible future models for school library policy making. Comments on the fact that a lack of lobbying at national level for the adequate funding of school libraries has been a continuing theme throughout their recent histo ry, despite evidence that school libraries are significant assets which merit nationally co-ordinated investment and statutory recognition. Discusses the role of the teacher librarian and the professional recognition of school librar ians. Concludes that nationally led policy has consistently failed and a more pragmatic, incremental approach to school libraries is timely. There is a need to accept the reality that school libraries are more the concern of the local community than national government, and to acknowledge that the history of school libraries in England and Wales favours such a model. While not denying the importance of nationally accepted professional standards and minimum performance indicators, it does free schools and their librarians from the tyranny of a nationally accepted norm at a time when schools are increas ingly defining their own policy priorities.