School library services after ERA: an investigation of the effect of the 1988 Education Reform Act on school library services

This study has addressed three core questions: What is the current state of School Library Services? How is the Education Reform Act affecting these services? Why are specific choices being made by School Library Services from the options available post-ERA? Information was gathered from questionnaires, consultation, seminars etc., and also by contact 1989-91 with 14 authorities in England and Wales. Specific matters investigated over the two-year period were: Structures; Policies; Service range and level; Relationships. The study found evidence that ERA had a significant effect during this period on library support services to schools, but that other influences on change were at work, most notably the community charge and its repercussions. All the School Library Services in the contact authorities changed between 1989 and 1991, although in different degrees,, and'it was observed that the effect of national legislation was being mediated by local cultures. The hypothesis that 'The Education Reform Act is leading to new perceptions of School Library Service effectiveness' was upheld, and factors making for effectiveness were identified.