School Library

This work addresses the development of the school library within the school environment, the relevance of this research approach lies in its ability to provide a solid foundation for the development of scientific and academic studies. bibliographical research plays a fundamental role in the theoretical foundation of a study. This study aimed to understand the role of the school library in the teaching and learning process as a support for education professionals and students, to identify the role of the school library; know the importance of the school library as a support to the educational process, address educational actions that can be developed with education professionals and students. This is a study of the bibliographic review type, this article aims to emphasize the importance of the library in the child's school life, thus with the help of the authors allowing to praise the idea that the library has a fundamental role in their educational formation. It is concluded that the school library plays a fundamental role in supporting education professionals, offering resources and services that enrich the teaching-learning process within the school environment.


ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Zimbabwe Library Association's National Executive Council (NEC) would like to extend appreciation to the ZimLA Mashonaland Branch Executive, chaired by Mr. Kenneth Mangemba, Library Technician, American Information Center, Harare; for organizing the commemorations of the International School Library Month of October 2012.
The Guest of Honour Mr. Z.Chitiga, Deputy Director, Policy Planning and Research Development in the Ministry of Education, Sport, Arts & Culture; and all other resourceful presenters, who shared their vast knowledge and experiences, we extend our heartfelt thanks for assisting Mashonaland Branch.
Appreciation goes to Glen View 2 High School administration, for hosting the activities of the Branch.We extend our sincere gratitude to the administrators and teachers of all the primary & high schools that participated in the activities.All institutions that allowed their Librarians to participate are highly applauded.
Finally, to all the pupils and students, we hope not only did they have fun, but also learnt the importance of school libraries in learning and self development.

PREAMBLE
The Zimbabwe Library Association (ZimLA) takes keen interest in recognizing national and international events in line with the profession.School Libraries (and Librarianship)  The Branch widely marketed the activities through the use of the media.

Preamble by the Branch Chairperson: Mr. K. Mangemba About International School Library Month
International School Library Day was first celebrated in 1999 in October by the International Association of School Librarianship as a day; until in 2008 when the IASL decided to devote the whole of October as the month to celebrate the importance of the school library and honour the school librarians as the agent The aim of this special day was to draw attention to the importance of school libraries in the education of our children.This year's theme is School libraries: a key to the past, present and future.School libraries are instrumental to foster intellectual growth; prepare students for lifelong learning; prepare students to be independent researchers at tertiary level and impart information literacy skills to allow students to work, study effectively in the information age; develop competences to utilize information effectively and transfer it for the development of the nation as well as effectively participate in the education systems as an informed student.

October 1
Mashonaland Branch Chairperson Mr. Kenneth T. Mangemba organized for a television interview with Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) on the program -"Good Morning Zimbabwe" (GMZ), as an awareness about the month long celebrations.The viewership of that program is estimated at more than four million.The television interview opened up new relationships, networking and synergies with different communities in Zimbabwe and outlined the significance of school libraries in Zimbabwe.

October 19
The Mashonaland Branch took the events to Glen View /Mufakose District to meet librarians, Headmasters and students.More than 40 schools were represented at Glen View 2 High School.The message was to help resuscitate the school librarians in the district, and advocating for school libraries' funding from parent organizations and administrators.Furthermore, the activity aimed at encouraging School librarians to be proactive in devising means to boost collections.Librarians were encouraged to work with writers and artists to make the school library a space for more activities as it thrives to play the educational and cultural role in a school setting.
Presentations from Mrs. Tesah Stima, Acting Director for NLDS and Mr. Collence Chisita from Harare Polytechnic, LIS Department emphasized the need to for consortium and training to improve the library system in Zimbabwe as a whole.

October 25
A news broadcast on various radio stations about celebrating the ISLM at the Christ Ministries High Schools in Harare attracted the attention of many school librarians to take part in the event.

October 26
The commemorations were held at Christ Ministries High School that brought together teachers, librarians, headmasters and students to celebrate the school libraries contributions to the learning environment.The Guest of Honour, Mr. Z.Chitiga, Deputy Director, Policy Planning and Research Development in the Ministry of Education, Sport, Arts & Culture; noted that school library service is the Ministry of Education's concern, and had been drafted in the Action Plan of the Ministry as an integral tool to support learning.

Challenges and Solutions
The Branch Chairperson indicated that working with schools, particularly public schools appeared to be a mammoth task.Schools requested or made reference to the need for a written communication from the Education Officers in the relevant Ministries.The Branch recommended that ZimLA National Executive Council facilitates such a letter in future, and have it circulate around the country.
It is the position of ZimLA NEC that early planning needs to be done by all ZimLA Branches to equip the ZimLA National Executive Council with relevant dates of events in different provinces; to enable that office to come up with a comprehensive letter that can be sent to all the relevant Ministry offices across the country.

Conclusion
The ZimLA National Executive commends the Mashonaland Branch to have an insight of commencing the observation of the School Library Month as early as from the 1 st of October 2012.Having the live interview on national Television was a good strategy in marketing the importance of the school libraries as well as the ISLM of October.
The Branch stressed the importance of the school library in support of learning, the school curriculum and activities.Librarians were encouraged to liaise with stake holders such as authors and publishers; and be pro-active in forming linkages with relevant stakeholders.
We congratulate the ZimLA Mashonaland Branch for the efforts and successful commemorations of the international School Library Month 2012 on four different days.

School libraries: a Key to the Past, Present and Future.
has been on the agenda for the ZimLA National Executive Introduction The ZimLA Mashonaland Branch organized activities for the celebration and commemoration of the ISLM of October 2012.A special Organizing Committee had been set up by the Branch Executive, led by Mr. Kenneth the Branch Chairperson.Relevant stake holders such as the NLDS were closely involved in the organizing of the commemorations.Activities revolved around the 2012 International Association of School Librarianship presidential theme: The activities included a gathering at Glen View 2 High School to address librarians, teachers, students and invited guests on the 19 th of October 2012; as well as a gathering at Christ Ministries High School on October 26 th 2012.