Comparison of Private and Public School Library Services in Kuwait: A Case Study.

This study is a comparison between public and private school learning resource centres (LRCs) and their services in Kuwait, exploring related job descriptions, training, qualifications, services, resources, policies, and facilities, in addition to the time allocated to inventory in the private and public school systems. The elements studied make a strong case for private LRCs. The private school Learning Resources Specialists (LMSs) all share their views and convictions, to varying degrees, about their roles and about how to improve the LRC services, facilities, and collection resources. The gap between private and public education becomes clear, including the presence of effective LRCs. The study sheds light on the publishing industry in the Arab world, including its weaknesses and its inability to support collections, even when the budget allows. Merely being an advocate of the service is not enough, as LRC services need to be mandated and cannot be left to the intentions and motivations of the individual specialist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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