Career in School Librarianship: A Necessity for Provision of Effective School Library Media Programmes in Nigerian Schools.

Abstract

The paper cited the relevant section in the National Policy on Education on the provision of school library/resource centres in Nigerian schools and adjudged the document far less than a legislation thereby making the provisions not enforceable. The present state of school libraries/resource centres, personnel wise, was reviewed while the required qualifications for qualified school library media specialists (school librarians) are identified. The paper draws attention to the practice in the United States of America, where some states have established career for school library media specialists in the education system with the desirable result ofjob prospect and retention for school library personnel. The paper recommends same strategies for adoption in Nigeria education system. Suggestions for implementation are offered.

Key words: Career, School Librarianship, Provision, Library Media Programme, Nigerian Schools, School Library Media Specialist