Abstract:
The research project on the Development of a Childrens Library for Learning in an Institution Affiliated with the Local Government of Kalasin Province was a participatory action research, aiming (1) to study the context of a childrens library, (2) to study the problems of a childrens library development, and (3) to develop a childrens library for learning in an institution affiliated with the local government of Kalasin Province. The Ban KhaiNun Child Development Center at HuaiPhueng district in Kalasin was purposively selected in the case study.
The results revealed the following:
With regards to the context of a childrens library, it was found that the context of a children library in Ban KhaiNun Child Development Center was divided into five sections: place, personnel, information resource, service, and community participation.
In the place section, the child development center had limited area, so the library building could not be constructed. There was no library room, only the book corner in the classroom was provided. Some information resources were kept in the teachers office. In the personnel section, the personnel of the child development center did not have qualifications in the area of library science. They never received professional training about the library. They did not have knowledge and skills related to library management and computer use. In the information resource section, few information resources were provided and they did not meet the childrens needs. In the service section, the book corner was provided in the classroom, but there was no circulation service. A few activities for promoting childrens reading were organized. Finally, in the community participation section, the community participated in the donation of books and instructional materials.
Regarding the problems of a childrens library development at Ban KhaiNun Child Development Center based on SWOT analysis, it was found that in the strengths, the personnel were aware of the significance of childrens library development. They were local residents who could coordinate with guardians and members of the community. The community cooperated and supported the activities held by the child development center. In the weaknesses, the personnel lacked knowledge related to library management and skills in computer use. The information resources were not sufficient and did not meet the childrens needs. Regarding opportunities, the government put reading on the national agenda and promoted reading in order to create a lifelong learning society. Regarding threats, there were a number of media available at the present time. The media filter for young children was minimal, so they received inappropriate media and less priority was placed on books.
In conclusion, in order to develop a childrens library for learning at the Ban KhaiNun Child Development Center, this study provided these guidelines: (1) develop personnel to have them acquire knowledge about library management, (2) provide guardians with knowledge about reading, reading promotion, and making oneself a good model for reading, and (3) promote community participation by providing them with the opportunities to take part in the co-ownership of the childrens library and to take part in using and developing the library as a learning resource for the community.