The effect of educational aims and objectives on the provision and use of school library resource facilities: with particular reference to 11–16 age range mixed comprehensive schools in the West Midlands

Changes in education leading to an emphasis on equality of opportunity and pupil-centred learning have resulted in more importance being attached to the provision of library resource facilities in schools. As a consequence of this and increased interest in quantitative standards, the need for research into the use of existing provision and its relationship to the curriculum arose. A preliminary survey was conducted in the East Midlands, followed by detailed case study of six secondary comprehensive schools in the West Midlands, using questionnaire and interview techniques. The hypotheses tested were: (i) that the educational aims and objectives influence the use that is made of the library resource provision, particularly by pupils; (ii) that educational aims and objectives determine the amount and type of library resource provision. [Continues.]