The Minister of Education and National Culture meets the Public Libraries Advisory Committee

The Hon. Evarist Bartolo, Minister of Education and National Culture, chaired the first meeting of the new Malta Public Libraries Advisory Committee on Monday 24th March.

The Minister outlined his concerns and thoughts on the local library scene. He commented that as a nation the Maltese do not read enough. The recently announced literacy campaign is aimed at all ages and classes of persons. Libraries must be at the forefront of any such campaign. The need to expose readers and prospective readers to a wide range of reading materials imposes a certain responsibility on library staffs.

The lack of professional librarians in most libraries must be tackled with vigour. More employees already working in libraries must be encouraged to attend the Diploma in Library and Information Studies Course at the University. Suitably qualified staff should be given the opportunity to follow courses overseas with adequate remuneration at the end of the course.

The use of the library must be introduced at a very early age, preferably at the primary school level. Steps are being taken to encourage children in this sector to make better and more intelligent use of libraries. The application of known standards for school libraries should be enforced at the national level.

The question of assistance from Local Councils to extend the opening hours of a number of branch libraries was discussed. This will be tackled primarily at Ministerial level to ensure a uniform application, if possible.

The meeting was addressed by its Chairman Mr. Laurence Zerafa, who outlined his attitude to books, libraries and the library profession. Other Committee Members present for the meeting were: Mr. John B. Sultana, Ms. Lillian Sciberras, Ms. Vicky Vella, Ms. Tessa Baluci, Mr. Victor Fenech, Mr. Joe Debattista and Mr. Joseph M. Boffa.