The role of the principal in the development of school libraries in Puttalam education zone, Sri Lanka

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the role of the principals in the development of school libraries in Punalam Education Zone, Sri Lanka. Literature related to the role of principal and school library development and published within the last two decades was first reviewed to provide a framework for the study. To collect the data, a questionnaire was administered to 60 randomly selected schools in Puttalam Education Zone in Sri Lanka. The instrument was designed to elicit responses from principals on matters pertaining to the background of the principal and his perceptions, contributions, problems and suggestions regarding the school libraries. The results were analyzed based on 52 (86.6%) returned and completed questionnaires. Some of the main findings from the study are as follow: The majority of the principals did not receive any training in the library field and their working experience in the library field is also poor. The majority of the principals perception and their contribution to the development of school libraries is at a satisfactory level. The results also show that the development of school libraries in Puttalam Education Zone is still at an early stage. Inadequate space for libraries, unavailability of library professionals, lack of funds, lack of training, no proper coordination and supervision, and low emphasis on school libraries in curriculum are among the problems faced by the principals in the development of school libraries. Based on the findings some recommendations are made to develop the school libraries in Pintalam Education Zone in Sri Lanka. Suggestions for further research are also put forward.