The Mississippi Enterprise

Lack of Library Services in State Schools Serious

The seriousness of the lack of minimum library services in many Mississippi schools, elementary and high, was a chief point of discussion when members of the Jackson State College Library Workshop appeared on a special program centering around problems discussed in their daily sessions. The Workshop, which is being sponsored by the Southern Education Foundation and the State Department of Education in cooperation with Jackson State College, is an outgrowth of an awareness of the problem and the desire on the part of each of the sponsors to do something to meet the emergency.

Mrs. Carrie C. Robinson, Director of the Workshop said: "There are three audiences in each grade - those above average, those who are average, and those below average. Libraries give invaluable assistance in helping all grow according to their individual abilities."

Mrs. Robinson, a native of Madison County, added: "People with these facilities recognize their value in the total educational process."

Each of the several speakers appearing on the program noted that school principals must provide the necessary leadership to improve existing conditions. A. A. Alexander, Assistant Supervisor of Negro Education, stated that "based on information found on accreditation application blanks, 133 high schools and 17 elementary schools have no library services at all. Last school year, some schools spent only 14 cents per pupil for books. With some books costing $3.50, it will take 25 years at this rate to buy a book."

In discussing "Why a Library is Needed," Sampson Williams said: "The library program believes that there are several specific functions; namely, 1) To stimulate and guide pupils in all phases of their reading that they may find increasing enjoyment and satisfaction and may grow in critical judgment and appreciation, 2) To provide boys and girls with the library materials and services most appropriate and most meaningful in their growth and development as individuals, 3) To provide an opportunity through library experiences for boys and girls to develop helpful interests, to make satisfactory personal adjustments, and to acquire desirable social attitudes, 4) To help children and young people to become skillful and discriminating users of libraries and of printed and audio-visual materials, 5) To introduce pupils to community libraries as early as possible and cooperate with those libraries in their efforts to encourage continuing education and cultural growth. 6) To work with teachers in the selection and use of all types of library materials which contribute to the teaching program, 7) To participate with other teachers and administrators in programs for the continuing professional and cultural growth of the school staff, and 8) To cooperate with other libraries and community leaders in planning and developing an overall library program for the community or area."

Others appearing on the program were James B. Moses, Miss Lillie Crusoe, Miss Claudia Palmer, Miss Celious Lewis, Mrs. W. O. Robinson, Mrs. A. P. Thomas, Miss Ruby Jackson, Mrs. E. L. Lipscomb, and Mrs. B. W. Redfield.