Report of the National Library Service for the Year Ended 31 March 1958 | Page 6

free the money for library books, available to
schools by way of annual capitation grant and from local contribution,
which is eligible for subsidy. These funds may then be used to build at
each school (a) a collection of such basic reference books as are needed
always at hand; (b) reading material for the preparatory classes; (c)
books of purely local interest; (d) other books which it is desired to
have permanently.
By cooperation between the Education Board and the Dunedin City

Council considerable progress had been made in service to schools in
Otago since 1938. Vigorous exploitation of a book stock selected in
terms of children's interests followed the most enlightened overseas
practice, linking skilfully the activities of home, school, and public
library, as well as introducing to this country books not previously
known here.
Beginning in Canterbury in March 1942 by incorporating the
Travelling Library for Rural Schools, the School Library Service has
developed until, today, exchanges of books are sent to 2,490 schools
with a total roll (excluding primers) of 298,317. These figures do not
include those for post-primary schools, which make use of the
information and request service only.
Services available to schools and to the smaller public libraries can be
broadly defined as general exchanges of books, information and request
service, provision of book lists, and advice on library planning.
General exchanges of books, changed regularly, are sent to all primary,
intermediate, and district high schools and the primary departments of
registered private schools which join the service, for the use of pupils
in Standard 1 and upwards. These books are intended mainly for
recreational reading, both at home and at school. The number sent in
each exchange is based on the school roll, exclusive of primer classes,
on a scale of not fewer than one per child, while for small schools it is
usually possible to increase this to two or three books per child.
Exchanges are made at least once a year, with further exchanges during
the year for smaller schools to the extent that books and staff make
possible. Where satisfactory arrangements for storage and adequate use
can be made, exchanges of suitable books are also sent to the smaller
public libraries which provide free service in their children's and young
adults' sections. The number of books sent is based on the population of
the area controlled by the local authority. Post-primary schools
depending, as they do, mainly on their own libraries, do not receive
exchanges of books but participate with the other schools in the
information and request and other services available. The post-primary
departments of district high schools are eligible for all services,

including exchanges.
The information and request service, available to all schools which
have joined the service, supplies to both children and teachers, on
short-term loan, books and other material to meet individual needs not
satisfied by the general exchanges. The particular aim is to meet
requests for children's books and books for school purposes. Schools
have been urged to make the fullest use of this service which helps to
ensure that the right book reaches the child who needs it, for classroom
activity or any other worth-while purpose. Material for the personal or
study needs of teachers cannot usually be supplied by the School
Library Service; such requests can, however, be handed to the nearest
public library or "B" library group linked with the Country Library
Service. When schools are establishing new libraries extra help by way
of special collections or indefinite loans is given. All public libraries
and groups receiving library service from the Country Library Service
may use the information and request service. During the year 328,482
books were sent out in response to requests.
The preparation of book lists, which have proved of value to schools
and public libraries has been continued this year. The supplements to
Junior Fiction and Non-Fiction for Primary Schools are annotated lists
of the better, recently published children's books, other than those
appearing in countries with which there are currency difficulties; these
supplements are distributed twice a year to schools and public libraries
which ask to be placed on a mailing list. "For the Post-primary Library",
a series of annotated lists of current titles, has been appearing regularly
in the Education Gazette since 16 July 1951. Public libraries and larger
post-primary schools will find further suggestions in the cyclostyled
series "Books for Young Adults" which appears at intervals; it includes
books for recreational reading and gives special consideration to
suitable adult titles. Other lists are prepared for publication as the need
arises. A bibliography of material published by the Service from its
inception in 1942 appeared in the annual report for the year ended 31
March 1956. Since that date the following items have been added:
Books for young adults: List