Marina Neđić
Biblioteka grada Beograda, Beograd
marina.tutunovic@gmail.com

doi: 10.19090/cit.2025.46.11-23
Br. 46 (maj 2025), str. 11-23

School Libraries in Belgrade
and Inclusive Education: challenges and possibilities for organizing
programmes for students with developmental disabilities and disabilities

Sažetak

The paper addresses a current topic in the education system of the Republic of Serbia – inclusive education, which aims to include all children. According to the Ministry of Education, 20,500 students follow an individual educational plan. The activities of school libraries are regulated by laws and regulations in both education and librarianship. These regulations ensure quality, equality, and accessibility in education, as well as free access to information. However, it is necessary to assess all aspects and determine how well inclusive education and its accompanying programs have been implemented in regular schools across Belgrade. The Belgrade City Library is the main professional authority, overseeing the professional work and conditions of 293 school libraries in Belgrade. Reports on school operations, professional resources, and school library activities – available on individual school websites – as well as data collected from visits conducted for supervision or professional assistance, indicate that many school libraries and librarians remain passive in organizing and implementing cultural and educational activities or collaborating with local institutions. The primary role of the school library is to support and assist users in better socialization and integration into the community while raising awareness about the needs of students with disabilities through activity presentations. Schools that educate students with developmental disabilities are recognized for the quality of their teaching and the comprehensive support they provide. Additionally, they are open to sharing their knowledge and experiences with colleagues from regular schools. This paper highlights examples of good practices in the implementation of inclusive programs in regular schools across Belgrade and examines their collaboration with specialized institutions.

Ključne reči:

inclusion, school libraries, students with disabilities, inclusive education, assistive technologies

Submitted: 5th February 2025
Correction to the manuscript: 11th February 2025
Accepted for publication: 25th February 2025

School Libraries in Belgrade and Inclusive Education by Marina Neđić is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

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