The closing of libraries affiliated with bureaus of Jewish 
education has
been going on for at least several years.  It is not surprising if you look
at the Jewish education literature, from which you will conclude that Jewish
libraries do not exist.  There is virtually no recognition of libraries in
the initiatives and publications of JESNA, PEJE, CAJE, or any of the
organizations that support Jewish education.  Despite a huge amount of
research into public school library service in the past 15 years, there is
no research bearing on Jewish school libraries.  The AVI CHAI Foundation,
which funds some Jewish school libraries and underwrites their librarians'
attendance at AJL conventions, has neither conducted nor sponsored studies
into Jewish school library effectiveness.  When a convention program for AVI
CHAI Bookshelf librarians on school library effectiveness research was
suggested to the foundation several years ago, they were'nt interested.  A
handbook for Jewish teachers published by ARE several years ago is thick
with articles except for any on school libraries.  A recent book published
by URJ Press for children about synagogues doesn't mention synagogue
libraries.  AJL itself has no materials promoting the importance of Jewish
libraries.  The examples are endless and depressing; the silence is
deafening.  The handwriting has been on the wall for quite a while so
perhaps it's time - or way past time -  for Jewish librarians to get
political and for AJL to take action.

Linda
Linda R. Silver
AJL Newsletter
AJL Valuesfinder
c/o 3729 Meadowbrook Blvd.
University Heights, OH  44118
[EMAIL PROTECTED]


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and are not necessarily endorsed by the Association of Jewish Libraries (AJL)
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