An investigation into the effectiveness of school libraries in support of local language policy. A case study of twenty private and public schools in Lusaka

Abstract

This study was undertaken to investigate the effectiveness of school libraries in support of local language policy. A case study of twenty private and public schools in Lusaka. Specifically, the study focused establishing the information services school libraries offer to users in support of the local language policy; assessing the availability of local language materials at the school libraries and; investigating the challenges faced by school libraries in providing information services to users in support of the local language policy. A total sample of 200 respondents was drawn using the stratified random sampling method. The sample was picked in the ratio of 1:9 with 1 librarian and 9 teachers respectively. In-depth interviews were conducted with these respondents using a preset interview guide. The salient findings from the study showed that the majority of the school libraries offer local language services to their users. These services are offered in form of literature, posters, charts and promotion of reading and usage through competitions. The respondents in this study pointed out that in as much as local language services are provided by their school libraries, the materials are not sufficient and do not meet the needs of the users. It was observed that the school libraries face numerous challenges and these are financially related as well as involve the inability of existing members of staff to use local language materials. The study concluded that local language policy is being promoted in the sampled schools but despite this, challenges are being faced and if the promotion of local language policy is to be enhanced, measures to mitigate these challenges must be implemented.