Biblioteche scolastiche “a progetto"

Abstract

School libraries are the weakest part of the Italian library system. They do not exist as institutions; likewise, there are no professionals to manage them. Most school libraries have poor or outdated collections, scarce opening hours, and unqualified personnel. The few active school libraries are managed by enlightened headmasters and operated by volunteers; in 1999 and 2000, two-fixed term projects funded their promotion and development. The factors that hinder the development of school libraries are: no institutional recognition of school libraries and of the professionals that should be in charge; no stable budgeting; no perception of the educational role of the library by teachers themselves, let alone in curricula. A bill under way, a new project aimed at subsidizing innovative school libraries over time and a plan for more comprehensive teacher training may produce some change.