A Survey on the Present State of School Libraries inBenin City

2024

The school library is arguably the backbone of the teaching and learning process in South Africa. The National Curriculum Statement Grade R-12 (28 December 2012) clearly states that schools must "produce learners that can identify, solve problems and make decisions using critical and creative thinking and also learners who can communicate effectively…." and an efficient and effective school library is crucial in this regard. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the role of school libraries in teaching and learning. In pursuing this aim, a case study approach was adopted and the focus was on the Dinuphozo Primary School in the Umhlali Circuit of the ILembe District, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The resource-based learning model based on constructivism theory underpinned the study. Resource-based learning is a model where learners, teachers and teacher-librarians use a range of print, non-print and human resources efficiently and effectively. Purposive sampling was used to select the study participants. The participants, who were all members of the School Library Committee, comprised the Acting Principal, the Deputy Principal, Heads of Department, a teacher from each of the phases (foundation, intermediate and senior phases) and the school's teacher-librarian-a total of nine participants. The study adopted a qualitative approach using telephonic interviews, observation and document analysis as data collection methods. The findings revealed that teachers and the school teacher-librarian require basic library services training. It was found that teachers do not utilise the library and its information resources sources for daily teaching and learning. It was also found that the library collection does not satisfy either the teachers' or learners' needs; hence, they seek information elsewhere. Recommendations included the need for the School Management Team, the School Governing Body and the teachers to be involved in discussions on how to improve the school library and its financing. vi Contents Declaration.

This paper examined the school library in Ekiti State, N igeria and students' learning outcomes in the scho ol. As a descriptive survey, the study population comprised all the 170 secondary schools in the State. Out of this population, a sample of 120 schools was drawn and selected through the process of stratified random sampling technique. Out of the 3640 teachers in the sampled schools, 560 teachers made up of 12 0 principals and 440 teachers were selected for the study. The process of selection was by stratified random sampling technique. The instrument used to collect data for the study was a inventory which requested for information among other things on the level of development of school libraries in the State and students' learning outcomes in the schools. The data collected were analyzed with the use of percentages Person Product Moment correlation analysis and the t-test. The findings revealed that the level of development of school libraries in the State was low while the condition of libraries was poor. Based on the findings, it was recommended that the State government should intensify more efforts at reviving school libraries in the State.

Indonesian Journal of Librarianship, 2022

Latar Belakang: Kebijakan pendidikan nasional di Nigeria telah menekankan pentingnya kebutuhan perpustakaan sekolah. Namun situasi yang terjadi selama beberapa tahun ini cukup mengkhawatirkan karena banyak laporan menyebutkan tidak adanya perpustakaan di sekolah-sekolah dan jika ada kondisinya tidak layak. Hal ini menghambat peran yang seharusnya dijalankan oleh perpustakaan sekolah demi perkembangan pendidikan di Nigeria. Tujuan: Penelitian ini membahas berbagai permasalahan yang dihadapi oleh perpustakaan sekolah dan menawarkan berbagai solusi yang dapat diterapkan. Metode: Penelitian ini menggunakan kajian literatur sebagai metode penelitian. Kajian literatur tersebut menunjukkan kondisi terkini perpustakaan sekolah serta permasalahan, prospek, dan layanan yang dapat digunakan untuk mendukung perkembangan pendidikan di perpustakaan sekolah. Hasil: Temuan penelitian menunjukkan bahwa permasalahan yang dihadapi perpustakaan sekolah meliputi kurangnya dana, kurangnya tenaga terampil, ketidakpatuhan terhadap aturan Kebijakan Pendidikan Nasional dan kurangnya waktu kunjung perpustakaan yang khusus. Sementara itu, solusi yang memungkinkan meliputi advokasi perpustakaan, memastikan implementasi Kebijakan Pendidikan Nasional, merekrut tenaga terampil, mengembangkan standar pembentukan dan pengelolaan perpustakaan serta menyosialisasikan waktu kunjung perpustakaan yang khusus. Kesimpulan: Penelitian ini menyarankan LRCN dan NLA untuk menyuarakan pemberian pelayanan yang berkualitas di perpustakaan sekolah dengan mematuhi aturan Kebijakan Pendidikan Nasional serta dengan membentuk komite akreditasi guna memonitor semua sekolah. Saran selanjutnya adalah kurikulum Ilmu Perpustakaan dan Informasi harus ditinjau Background: The National policy of education of Nigeria indicated the importance and need to have functional school libraries, but the situation over the years later is worrisome as many researchers have reported the non-existence of library in many schools and the deplorable state of the ones available. This is hampering the role expected to be played by school libraries in the development of education in Nigeria. Purpose: The research explores the various challenges confronting school libraries and proffer workable solutions. Method: This paper uses literature review as a methodology for conducting research. The literature reviewed exposed the current state of school libraries, the challenges, prospects and the services that can help promote educational developments in school libraries. Result: The findings revealed the challenges limiting school libraries to include inadequate funding, lack of trained personnel, non-compliance to the provisions in the National Educational Policy and the absence of dedicated library time. Possible solutions include library advocacy, ensuring the implementation of the National Educational Policy, enforcing the appointments of trained personnel, developing standard benchmark for establishing and management of school libraries and the introduction of dedicated library time. Conclusion: The paper recommended that LRCN and NLA should constantly advocate for quality service delivery in school libraries through ensuring strict compliance with the provisions in the National Policy of Education by forming accreditation committee to monitor all schools. It was also recommended that the Library and Information Science curriculum be reviewed to include innovative library services that can be adopted to improve reading habits in schools.

International Journal of Library Science, 2020

The paper attempts to establish and posit justification for the inclusion of Library Education as a subject in Nigeria secondary school curriculum. Library is a power house of Education and should be seen as a compliment and an adjunct to schooling. It aids teaching and learning process and even reading. According to American Library Association, reading is a foundational skill for 21 st-Century Learners,' guiding learners to become engaged and effective users of ideas and information and to appreciate literature requires that they develop as strategic readers who can compare, analyse, and evaluate text in both print and digital formats, it observes. The research adopted expository and analytical methodology. The expository character will expose some basic elements of Library Education which can be taught in secondary schools to increase the reading and learning ability of pupils and usefulness of library. The paper points some branches of library which are necessary and essential to form the foundational basic and process of librarianship for secondary school students. The paper argues that the teaching of Library Education will help in equipping students with an effective way of using the library and what librarianship entails. Furthermore, the problem of reading will be solved and there will be the establishment of reading club. In addition, the paper establishes that if library education is taught in secondary schools, it will provide job opportunities for some library officers and librarian in the school library. Finally, the study of library education will also assist in other subject. That is, it will help the students to develop reading and studying skills.

2016

School libraries are the backbones of functional education; without which academic excellence may not be achieved. Aside educational achievements, school library is essential for literacy, social, economic and cultural development of a nation. This study investigates the private school libraries at Ado-Odo, LGA, in Ogun State, South West Nigeria. A survey was conducted to both teachers and students with a sample size of 515; 80% students and 20% teachers responded. The study adopted descriptive survey design. Instruments used were self-structured questionnaire, interview and observations. The findings among others; show that the libraries lack up-to-date facilities; four out of the ten private schools visited were without a library; while six with a library, has only one librarian. The study established implementation of the National school Policy on Education, if the school library is to meet up with the development of the 21 st century. Keywords : Ado-Odo LGA, Library materials, L...

International Journal of Library and Information Science, 2014

This study investigated the use of libraries among primary school children in the public, private and missionary schools in Makurdi metropolis. Using a survey design method and structured questionnaire, data were collected from a total of 366 participants. The findings showed that generally, there was a high level of reading interest and proficiencies among the children which are good indicators of use of library resources; but a low level of volume of books read, which indicates low level of library use. The test of the three research hypotheses, revealed that (i) There was insignificant difference in interest in reading among the children based on the type of school they came from (f(2,358)=8.6.7,pc.01).(ii) There was no significant difference in reading proficiency among children from the public, private, or missionary schools (f(2,352)=0.99,p>.05) and (iii) There was significant difference in the volume/extend of reading materials among the children from the three categories of schools investigated. It was discussed and concluded that although the children reported high interest and proficiencies in reading, their low volume of reading materials indicates low use of library. It was recommended that the government and private schools should provide and encourage children to use the library frequently.

The focus of this paper is on the effect of library services on the educational development of secondary school students in Abia State, Nigeria. The study investigated the only government-owned secondary school in Igbere Community of Bende Local Government Area of Abia State. The school was chosen on the basis of availability of school library. Students from Senior Secondary 1 to 3 were the respondents of this investigation. However, a sample size of 99 students out of a total population of 248 students representing 40% of the entire population, were randomly selected. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. The study investigated the library services provided for the students, the extent of the students’ use of the library services, the effects of the library service on the educational development of the students, the challenges facing library services as well as strategies to enhance library services to ensure the educational development of secondary school students. The paper through its findings concludes that libraries are the drivers of educational development through its numerous services. It therefore recommends the establishment of school library with up-to-date information resources and relevant services as a criterion for the approval of any secondary school programme in Abia State and Nigeria among other recommendations. With this, the educational sector of Nigeria stands to benefit immensely and not only that, there will be a reduction in emigration of Nigeria students as well as increase in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Nigeria.

2014

This study investigated the impact of school library on students’ academic achievement in Iwo Local Government Area of Osun State. Despite the importance of school library, its operation in terms of compliance to academic achievement of students’ cannot be overemphasized. Hence the assessment of the student characteristics are determined so as to know the composition of the students to the school library patronage. Data were gathered using the school record of examinations taken by SSS 3 students particularly English Language. The record of examination are taken by the random selected secondary schools students’ of the area till the time of the study. Variables such as sex were investigated. Data analysis was descriptive and analytical using t-test contingence. The findings revealed that provision and utilization of school libraries have no significance effect on senior secondary school students’ academic achievement. The data generated during the study analyzed using t-test at 0.05...

This study was conducted to the grade 10 students of Saint Vincent’s Academy which consisted of 53 respondents. The respondents were 27 female and 26 male in accordance to their gender which was 53 in total. The respondents was supposedly be 63 but due to the reason of some student being absent in the given date of conducting the survey only 53 respondents were able to cooperate in the research. The study was able to determine the fact that the Saint Vincent’s Academy has an Academic library which uses a Dewey Decimal System of where in it is a proprietary library classification system first published in the United States by Melvil Dewey in 1876. Originally described in a four-page pamphlet, it has been expanded to multiple volumes and revised through 23 major editions (Dewey, Melvil 1876). The result of the research shows that high school students from grade 10 at Saint Vincent’s Academy agreed to “sometimes” go to the library “during their vacant time” specifically 47% of them. A majority of 57% of students stated that “sometimes” they go to the library to do research. Also 36% of the students stated to “sometimes” go to the library when they’re looking for answers in their assignments. Meanwhile 60% of the grade 10 students agreed to “always” visit the library to “relax their minds”. And lastly 40% of the students have the common reason of “recreation” to “sometimes” visit the library The research also showed that the most preferred type of book of the grade 10 high school students is Historical books with the leading 91% of readers. And the most disliked book among the academic book is the Mathematical book with only 9%. And only 47% of the grade 10 high school students stated that when they visit the library they read their preferred books. With these data the researchers came to a conclusion that although the grade 10 high school students have a seemingly high general average the number of their times of visit proves that the library still lacks some facilities and services. The minority of percentages in the interest of reading a book serves evidence in saying that the school’s library has lapses in providing students a place for learning. The research was conducted only to provide knowledge and understanding of both teacher and student and has no further personal issue about the matter.

2019

The study surveyed the availability and effective utilization of library resources in selected primary schools under the State Universal Basic Education Board -SUBEB in Atiba Local Government Area of Oyo State. The project aims at finding out the available learning resources, the services rendered in the libraries, the utilization of library resources, the problems facing the library staff and how to improve library resources and services in the local government. The main instrument for the data collection was the questionnaire. One hundred and twenty (120) questionnaires were administered to pupils and teacher/librarian in the selected schools, one hundred and ten (110) were completed and returned. Descriptive statistical methods were used to analyze the collected data. The findings indicated that library facilities and resources were inadequate and little attention was given to the provision of this by the government and the school authorities. Qualified library personnel were lac...