Gender Issues in School Libraries

Paradigm Lost or Found

Abstract

School Libraries are not value free or neutral, they cannot be assumed to be collecting information sources free from gender stereotyping. They are characterized by clear set goals, values and mission statements. Knowledge is a social construct and therefore reflects dominant social, economic and social order. In the new millennium social, educational and economic institutions have pledged to remove all forms of prejudice based on gender. The paper seeks to explore the role of school libraries in challenging gender stereotyping concepts. The purpose of the paper is to identify issues and suggest how school libraries can shift the paradigm. It also shows how and why the library and information systems are silent on gender issues.