UNIVERSALIZATION OF SCHOOL LIBRARIES IN BRAZILIAN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

Abstract

This text reflects on the nature of the School Library, taking as a point of debate the universalization of libraries in Brazilian educational institutions based on Law n. 12.244/2010. Although there is legislation that supports and defends the existence of libraries in schools, its effective implementation does not occur, among other reasons, due to the lack of a conceptual debate that considers the complexity and diversity of this space. Considering this, the Brazilian Commission of School Libraries (CBBE) of the Brazilian Federation of Associations of Librarians, Information Scientists and Institutions (FEBAB), prepares a Manifesto presenting guidelines that guide the structuring of school libraries by foreseeing, in its discussion, aspects of the relationship between school, library, books and reading; the professionals involved and the relationship between the pedagogical project and the school library. Based on these initial questions, we want to think about the nature of this place. School Library: what is this space and who does it serve? What is the pedagogical role of the School Library? How effective would libraries be in school education? The defence of the existence of libraries in educational institutions to promote concrete conditions for access to books, cultural assets and systematized knowledge produced socially and to reading in the country is obvious – however, there is no guarantee of effectiveness. What has prevented the implementation of libraries in schools?