The many changes in the world's social structure require corresponding changes in education. One across-the-system change that needs to be given emphasis is the development of school libraries. The current state of the world's school libraries is generally unsatisfactory. This view is based on the results of an international comparative study of school libraries. Based on the responses from authoritative sources in 64 countries, the study found that school libraries were still absent in some countries, especially in primary schools; that school libraries were given a low priority in education; that the school library was seen as having only a supplementary role in the educational process; and that many teacher-librarians had only minimal training for their positions. There are many challenges ahead in developing school libraries worldwide. This paper puts forward some recommendations and suggestions for international organizations and associations. These recommendations include the need for setting bold yet realistic targets, greater attention to be paid to convincing policy makers about the role of school libraries, ensuring the free and widespread dissemination of information about libraries, and nurturing the development of school libraries in all countries. A list of the countries responding to the survey is appended. (Contains 6 references.) (Author)