Frans P Samuel
School information centres (libraries) are not highly regarded by the government and the ministry of education in Namibia. This lack of recognition extends to school librarians, who serve as custodians of information and resources. However, it is crucial to acknowledge their invaluable role and consider recognising them on the same level as teachers.
Across the world, librarians play a crucial role in people’s lives by facilitating the retrieval of important, crucial and accurate information. They are trained professionals who possess expertise in organising, managing and disseminating knowledge.
Institutions of higher learning in Namibia, such as Unam, NUST and IUM have recognised the significance of libraries and have made substantial investments in their facilities and librarians.
Their databases are filled with a vast array of accurate and up-to-date resources that students at different levels can utilise for their studies and research.
Primary and secondary school learners equally deserve access to qualified librarians within their schools. These librarians can guide and assist learners in navigating the world of information, ensuring they have access to accurate and reliable sources for their research and homework. The presence of librarians fosters critical thinking skills and information literacy among learners from an early age.
I speak on behalf of a significant number of librarians across Namibia when I say that it is high time for the government, the ministry of education and the private sector to recognise the importance of school libraries. Investing in building high-standard libraries in primary and secondary schools is crucial for the overall educational development of our learners.
Additionally, I urge the government and the ministry of education to take proactive steps in considering the placement of librarians in different school libraries.
Similar to how the ministry of health assigns nurses to various hospitals, the ministry of education could establish a system where librarians are placed in schools upon graduating with a diploma or Degree in Library and Information Science.
This proactive approach would ensure that schools have dedicated professionals who can curate resources, provide guidance and enhance the overall learning experience for learners.
Implementing these changes would have a profound impact on learners. Equipped with accurate knowledge and guided by skilled librarians, primary and secondary school learners would develop the necessary research skills, critical thinking abilities and information literacy that are vital for their academic and personal growth.
Furthermore, such initiatives would address the unfortunate trend of students resorting to paying others to complete their assignments and research, which ultimately hinders their own development and learning potential.
By recognising the importance of school libraries and investing in qualified librarians, we can create an educational environment where every student has access to accurate information and the necessary support to thrive academically and beyond.
*Frans P Samuel, a member of Library Aid Namibia, is a librarian and author of over 10 novels. For any enquiries or correspondence, please contact him at samfp435@gmail.com.