Can library use enhance intercultural education?

Abstract

This article explores the questions to what extent educational research addresses library use in education and how the library can contribute to intercultural education. The focus is primarily on elementary education in Europe. Analysis of research publications was based on searches for peer-reviewed journals in international databases, literary reviews and empirical studies. The findings indicate that research on library use and library resources is under-researched in educational research, including intercultural educational research. Research publications on educational use of library resources are found primarily within 'Library and information science'. The review and empirical studies indicate that education based on the use of library resources can help realise important aims of intercultural education including provision of non-segregated education, development of reading engagement and literacy achievement among first and second language learners that exceeds that within traditional literacy programmes, multilingual development, integration of information literacy in content learning, empowerment of students as competent library users, and intercultural education based on diverse content learning within arts, social sciences and natural sciences. However, teachers and principals need to collaborate with librarians to realise these aims. Further educational studies are needed to explore the potential of library use to enhance intercultural education in the twenty-first century.