Aspects of school library development in Victoria 1905-1944 with special reference to high schools

Master of EducationSchool libraries had been encouraged in State primary schools before the establishment of high schools, and the State Decoration and Equipment Society provided a subsidy for library books. However this Society collapsed in 1915 and no subsidies were available for library books until 1944, although voluntary effort was encouraged. School libraries in the early high schools were often no more than a book press or shelves in the office. In schools where there was a library room this room was used for other purposes as well. There was little promotion of the library for information or recreation. The period from 1920-1930 was marked by more official recognition of the need for better school libraries to support the humanities. This is evident from the pages of the 'Gazette' and from the reports of the Chief Inspectors of Secondary Schools but little action was taken. Modern teaching methods had some influence. During the period from 1930-1944 more use was made of modern teaching methods, which needed a good school library, and by the end of the period a subsidy on library books was introduced which was followed by other developments. By 1944 many school communities were pressing for library rooms. From the end of World War I school libraries had a place in an educational philosophy which believed that the schools should prepare the future citizens of a democratic society. The Department at times seemed to be looking to the public library movement as a solution to the problem of providing school libraries. Throughout the period and beyond school libraries lacked funds. Although the subsidy system was better than nothing it implied that access to good school libraries was not a pupil's essential right. The school library due to increasing enrolments had to compete with the provision of classrooms