Abstract:
The study was to investigate the operational conditions and problems in
carrying out library work of the primary schools in Surin province. Studies were based on the schools libraries sizes. The research findings revealed that
in this study, there were 261 Surin provincial school libraries and these were
categorized ad follows :72 small, 137 medium, and 52 large. The instrument used in this research was a questionnaire.
Mostly, each of these libraries has only one female teacher who is not certified as a librarian working as a librarian. The experience of these acting
Librarians ranges from 1-5 years. Collections of these libraries mostly included 1-5 journals, 1 newspaper, and the volumes found in small and medium sized libraries rang from 100-200 and 1,000 or more for the large-sized.
Furnishings of each of the libraries are mostly 1-5 tables, 1-5 chairs,
book and journal shelves ranging from 1-5 items. In the large-sized libraries,
the number of chairs ranges from 31 or more. There is only one card catalogue in each library.
In the operation of these libraries, the administrative part was found to be at moderate level and the practical part was mainly emphasized. These include looking after the libraries to be in tidy condition and convenient for service and encouraging a welcoming atmosphere. The analysis of call numbers, card catalogue and the binding of journals were practiced the least.
The technical work of the library was found to be practiced at a moderate level. Book registration was practiced the most. Journal and clipping indexing
was practiced the least. The library service was practiced at a moderate level.
The book loan service was found to be practiced the most, and the least
were the establishment of library club and puppet show. The teaching job was
practiced at a moderate level. What was mostly practiced was the lecturers using the libraries for teaching and studying purposes. What was practiced the
least, was the cooperation of lecturers and librarians in booking of library items.
The problems on the administrative operation of small and medium-sized libraries occurred the least, but at the large-sized libraries they were at
Moderate level, and inadequate budgeting was found to be the most serious one. In small-sized libraries, library personnel problem was ranked the most
serious, but was moderate in the medium and large-sized.
The point raising most serious problems was found in the fact that those acting librarians were assigned the teaching job as of regular teaching staff.
All these libraries encountered budgeting and infrastructure problems at a moderate level and the most serious one was the inadequate budgeting for books and printed materials. A library is often found to be a part of a building of other purposes.
Collections and furnishings of small and medium-sized libraries were found to be moderately ranked. In large-sized ones, the problem revealed at serious stage. The area causing problems the most was from the inadequacy of journals and furnishings.
Concerning teaching and library service, small and large-sized libraries were faced with problems which categorized as moderate. In the medium-sized, the problems were less found and the area causing problems the most
was an inadequate planning of resource consumption between lecturers and librarians.