10. ASPECTS OF IT

Network in the library

10.1 Overall, 38.8% of schools had a computer network that included the library; there were notable differences between countries with Wales (43.3%), 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 larger 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 for the increasing size of school in terms of pupil numbers were: less than 50 (12.5), 50-100 (11.3), 100-500 (26.1), 500-1000 (41.6), 1000-2000 (45.9) and 2000 plus (54.8).

Automated Library Management System

10.2 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 the possession of an automated library management system is : 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 (percentages with increasing pupil numbers): less than 50 (15.6), 50-100 (10.2), 100-500 (29.9), 500-1000 (62.2), 1000-2000 (74.8) and 2000 plus (75.6).

Access to the Internet

10.3 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 (percentages with increasing pupil numbers):less than 50 (6.3), 50-100 (3.9), 100-500 (15.9), 500-1000 (33.9), 100-2000 (38.8) and 2000 plus (50.0).

CD ROM equipment

10.4 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 percentages 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); a very strong trend.

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