Book Description

Schools were never so dependent upon adequate library facilities as they are at the present time. This condition has come about largely through modern school curricula which demand for their execution large collections of books, magazines, and other reading matter relating to many subjects. At the present time much stress is being placed upon the necessity for well-trained teachers and supervisors of instruction. It is poor economy to provide a highly trained teaching personnel and withhold the tools necessary for good instruction. Libraries, like maps, globes, blackboards, and laboratory equipment, are tools of instruction. The need for better library facilities for children living in the rural areas of the country is very great. Those persons who are concerned with ways and means for the improvement of library facilities for rural schools in their respective States should have a knowledge of what is being done along similar lines in other States. This study shows for each of the 48 States, the principal State agencies that are directing library service for rural schools and describes the administrative machinery that these agencies have set up for the performance of their duties. It also discusses the chief rural school library activities of the agencies. Knowledge of the contents of the study will be of great assistance to State educational and library officials, members of State legislatures, leaders in educational, civic, and farm organizations, and all others who are responsible for improving library service for rural schools. Contents include: (1) Letter of transmittal; (2) Introduction; (3) Present rural school library situation; (4) Principal State agencies directing library service for rural schools; (5) Activities of State educational and library agencies; and (6) Summary and conclusions. (Contains 3 tables.) Individual chapters contain footnote. [Best copy available has been provided.].