The School Library as a "Culture Agent"

A Case Study of Sub-Cultural School Libraries in Israel

Abstract

Generally speaking, the Jewish population world-wide includes also two traditional
sectors: modern orthodox and ultra-orthodox. Both population sectors are characterized by observance of Jewish law and commandments, placing great emphasis on family life and personal modesty. While the general Israeli population, particularly youth, spends about a third of its leisure time watching TV, and another third on internet surfing, the ultra-orthodox
population sector is totally different in this respect. Reading remains
one of the main leisure activities and spiritual leaders of the ultra- orthodox communities insist that both adults and youngsters be exposed only to books and other reading materials upholding and promoting the population sector's values and lifestyle. The demographic reality of large families results in a vast population of young book consumers, for whom reading is an alternative to television and the computer. The main objective of the present exploratory study was to examine the extent to which school libraries in this population sector serve as a "culture agent".