Lithuanian school libraries today: Problems and perspectives

Abstract

The situation of Lithuanian school libraries and the status of librarians are ambiguous, because libraries are financed by Ministry of Education and Science, but legal acts, except the laws, are organized by Ministry of Culture. School libraries are very important among other libraries in Lithuania according to the latest statistic data of Lithuania. In 2000 the school libraries computerization started and in 2004 they were instilled with a simplified version of the Lithuanian Integrated Library Information System (LILIS) – so called Information System of School Libraries (ISSL).The questioning of school librarians was done in 2006-2007 years. Analysis of questionnaires showed that there are some problems in activity of school libraries. The Standard of Digital Literacy of School Librarians (SDLSL) has contradictory estimations. It contains extremely high requirements for school librarians in the sphere of ICT use. Lithuania school librarians do not have a professional association. Members of IASL in Lithuania are only separate school librarians. The methodical help to school libraries should be given by the Municipality public libraries but the help is given not very often. In some towns more active and experienced librarians organize methodical groups, give seminars for those, who are less experienced.School librarians take part in different state actions. Year 2008 is announced to be Reading year in Lithuania. Reading year is stage of Reading Promotion Program confirmed by the Government.