Cape Coast, Aug. 4, GNA- School authorities, were on Friday reminded that libraries are indispensable tools in the teaching and learning process and must be given the needed attention to facilitate research work.

Mr. Sparks Adoboe, the librarian at the Holy Child Secondary School, who gave the reminder, therefore expressed concern that although students paid library fees, many school heads failed to put such funds to the use for which they had been provided.

He was speaking at a day's workshop on the theme "management of school libraries", organized by the central region branch of the Ghana Library Association for librarians in schools and colleges in the region at Cape Coast.

He pointed out that the practice, whereby, school heads shout "there is no money" as soon as they see their librarians in their offices, must stop, if libraries in the country are to be properly equipped to help students enhance their knowledge "in this information and technological age".

Mr. Adoboe, therefore, suggested to school authorities, to request their librarians to provide them with terminal reports to enable them to acquaint themselves with their problems, to help enhance proper management of the libraries.

Mr Edwin Asamoah, the regional president of the association in his opening remarks, said a series of training workshops would be organized to help upgrade the skills of its members.

According to him, librarians should be able to, among others, help build the capacities of pupils and students, as well as members of staff in their schools.

He told his colleagues that libraries are meant to educate and inform as well as serve as recreational centres and urged them to ensure that these goals are achieved.

The headmaster of Saint Augustine's College, Mr Frank Amissah, who chaired the function, urged librarians to ensure cordial working relationships with their heads of institutions, and evolve strategies to help ensure that the libraries were effectively run to enhance teaching and learning.

He also called on school heads to ensure that the libraries were properly stocked to facilitate improved academic work.