| The purpose of this study was to illuminate the impact of volunteers on the resource centre program in Regina's public elementary schools. A qualitative case study design was employed in which the perceptions of six teacher-librarians working in a cross section of elementary schools were explored in one-on-one, in-person interviews.; The interviews were conducted from May 1999 through January 2000, took place in resource centres in which the informants worked, and ranged from one to one-and-one-half hours in length. An interview guide outlining broad themes and open-ended questions was used to facilitate discussion. Interview transcripts were subsequently analyzed and coded to uncover categories, themes, and sub-themes.; The study made recommendations and identified areas for further research. Participants indicated that recruiting, training, supervising and recognizing volunteers is time consuming, creates additional work for the teacher-librarian, and diverts time and energy from professional tasks. Studies to determine the administrative and budgetary costs associated with volunteer involvement should therefore be undertaken. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)... |
