The research of a postgraduate study into joint use libraries internationally
led to the development of a proposed model for a community-school
library relevant for South African conditions. This model
was proposed to the Provincial Library and Information Service of
Mpumalanga. Based on the requirements to successfully implement
the model, the rural community of Maphotla was selected as a pilot
site. The proposal coincided with the building of a new library. The
framework of the research was used as a guide to draft a project plan
that was used during implementation. During implementation of the
plan, minor changes were required for practical reasons. Although
the implementation of the model is in its beginning stages, it already
has proved to be successful in relation to factors such as school
participation, learners participation in library activities during and
after school, and the participation of various other role players. It
is envisaged to implement the model in other areas where there is
a dearth of public and school libraries to improve access to libraries
and information.