Aspects of ICT

40. Overall, 38.8% of schools had a computer network that included the library; there were notable differences between countries with Wales (43.3%) and England (42.3%); Northern Ireland (31.0%) and Scotland (22.1%). There was also variation between types of school with 12-17 (20.0%), ‘Other’ (27.4%), 11-16 (37.5%) and 11-18 (42.8%). There were large differences between sectors with special (11.5%), independent (30.3%), ‘Other’ (37%), LEA (40.2%), grant maintained (48.6%) and CTC (75.0%).Not surprisingly the percentages increased for schools with increasing numbers of pupils: less than 50 (12.5%), 50-100 (26%), 500-1000 (41.6%), 1000-2000 (45.9%) and 2000 plus (54.8%).

41. Overall, 57.4% of school libraries have an automated library management system; the main differences being by type of school: ‘Other’ (35.6%), 11-16 (56.1%), 12-17 (60.0%) and 11-18 (62.5%) - note that the ‘Other’ category is comprised of special and independent schools and so does not reflect a single group. By sector, results were: special (9.6%), independent (47.5%), ‘Other’ (57.8%), LEA (59.6%), CTC (62.5%) and grant maintained (70.2%). There is a noticeable trend by size of school (increased with pupil numbers): less than 50 (15.6%), 50-100 (10.2%), 100-500 (29.9%), 500-1000 (62.2%), 1000-2000 (74.8%), 2000 plus (75.6%).

42. Overall, 30.7% of school libraries have Internet access; 36.5% for 11-18 schools compared with 23.1% for 11-16 schools. Scotland at 50% is well ahead of the other countries on Internet access; special (3.5%) and independent (19.5%) schools also lag behind. As would be expected, there is a tendency for larger schools to have access (increasing with pupil numbers): less than 50 (6.3%), 50-100 (3.9%), 100-500 (15.9%), 500-1000 (33.9%), 1000-2000 (38.8%), 2000 plus (50.0%).

43. Overall, 87.3% of school libraries have a CD ROM player; 86.2% for 11-16 schools compared with 91.8% for 11-18 schools. Scotland with 92.7% and Northern Ireland with 91.9% lead England (83.8%) and Wales (75.8%). Special schools (35.7%) and independent schools (75%) also find this item less popular. Again with increasing size of school (in terms of pupil numbers): the rates of possession of a CD ROM player are: less than 50 (34.4%), 50-100 (30.8%), 100-500 (72.6%), 500-1000 (92.6%), 1000-2000 (96.6%), 2000 plus (100%).

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