CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background OF Study

The library is an integral part of any School institution where it is situated and no such

institution can achieve its well throughout objectives without the library. It is not an adjunct

to the parent institution, but an indispensable part. It is necessary to have library in our post

primary schools because it is the central organ of an School institution which determines the

excellence of the institution in teaching and learning.

Libraries are found in elementary post primary and higher schools and house the

materials and services that students and lecturers requires to carry out their School activities.

Their holdings consist of printed an audio-visual material that support and extent the

curricula and that attempt to make reading attractive to students.

According to encyclopedia Americana, they offer reference and inter-library loans in

terms of size, 54.6% of libraries have fewer than 2000 books, while 3% have more than

10000% books. In the early 1990s there were approximately 3500 libraries in Mexico,

representing a 24% increase in just two years. Libraries have also extended their missions and

the level of their services in recent years.

Furthermore, from the above one can see that the library has a remarkable role in

School excellent of students because the process of teaching and learning cannot be

effectively done without incorporating the library in education system. It is therefore an

instrument of education excellence. In this regard Ishola (2002) says “That whose function is

to broaden the education of students by introducing them to spheres of knowledge outside the

narrow confines of their school curriculum” The School library can serve as follows:-

i. Resource Centre: Offers a wide variety of materials that information is not only

stored in print form but also in non-print.

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ii. Teaching Agency: Teacher students various skills which when acquired enhances

their School performance and discourage leaving by rote.

iii. Services Agency: Offer various services users to aid them make maximum utilization

of the library resources.

iv. Recreation Agency: Guides students in their research work involving using the

library by providing minor reference assistance to them.

v. Educational Agency: This is the overall development of an individual, growth,

progressive reconstruction of experience and a life long process. The educational roles

of the library are:-

a) Inculcation of permanent literacy

b) Promotion of early child education

c) Enhancement of Education

d) Development of reading habits.

The School libraries thus has challenged the functions of parents, lecturers, and the

various institutions that were formerly the exclusion, sources of knowledge and information.

The characteristic of the library:

1. User: They are made up of the students, and lecturers. Some are more intelligent than

others or some are eager to read while others are backward. The libraries should give

more attention to the less intelligent once in order for them to meet up.

2. Contents: It contains materials that are book and non-book materials also contains

materials based on the syllables and subjects taught at school chosen on basis of its

individual merit considering the special needs and problem of the institution and the

medium that most effectively conveys the desired content so that its objective will be

met.

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3. Location: It is part of the school community. They are to achieve the objectives of the

school that set it up the library as a complement.

4. Functions: It is an integrating factor in the work of the school. The work of the

library is directed towards the definite education aims of the school.

The relationship between libraries and reading habits and that between libraries and

School excellence has been a subject of theoretical interest and practical importance amongst

librarians. However, this relationship has been established through effective reading and

general success in School pursuit. In the primary schools, the library laid the foundation for

reading habits by importing reading skills at the formation stage of the student’s education. In

the schools they form the foundation for independent learning at present school and at

successive stages of the student’s life by establishing firmly the reading habits acquired in the

primary school. Also, the library communicates information from several information carries,

for better understanding and broadcasting of knowledge and there produce profound effects

on the various categories of the student’s populace who acquire the skill of utilizing and

assimilating information from the library, thus become more successful than others by virtue

of information and knowledge they possess via the library collections.

It was in view of this that Morgan (2003) asserts that in the hands of a cultured

teacher the library may serve as a link to bind together the home and school, and to arouse the

interest of parents in what and how their children are reading, by referring them to the library.

Lecturers can suggest to students’ valuable books suitable for their age, attainment,

tastes and necessities. Seldom does a day pass when the vigilant teacher has not an

opportunity, either in a class or in private conversation, to drop into the prepared soil of

students mind a hint of some valuable books to read in the library.

In conclusion “there is no better intellectual and moral influence than that which

comes from reading a good book aloud in the family circle” Morgan (2003) concludes that:-

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 Learning with tear is now a thing of the past likewise learning from single textbook.

As every good and resourceful teacher knows one of the crimes or worst “sins” a teacher can

commit against his students is to feed them with wrong and out-dated information, also for

the purpose of education to be fully achieved, students and lecturers need to consult several

sources for better understanding and clarity. Also, nothing could be as dangerous as

ignorance and an ill-informed student as they fall prey to rumors and false propaganda. The

library selects, acquires and store in a classified arrangement on shelves the best and up-to-

date sources of information that keeps staff and students abreast of new developments in

knowledge and understanding of the subject matter, encourage practical work and develop

the powers of analytical appraisal and of critical thinking.

Learning can be one of the most exciting experiences in life, while reading is

identified as the single most important determinant of a child’s success at school and in

modern society as well. Learning also in modern life depends largely upon one’s ability to

interpret the printed messages accurately and fully, while reading is an educational task,

essential for one’s excellence in all School pursuits. He who has other reasons for learning

and reading besides interest in the subject has everything going for him, his interests

broadens and cheap source of information during childhood education.

Thus, ideas absorbed from reading and learning through then remains with the

students for the rest of their lives and produces profound effects and influences on their

Schools. Also, the library in no small measure plays a great part on the attitudes, behaviors,

aspiration School pursuits embarked upon by students and in determining the kind of people

they can be good readers who have mastered the tasks of reading agree that early exposure to

a wide range of printed materials is a highly relevant factor in reading.

It behaves on students’ numerous information sources to exploit so as to enhance their

School performance and to excel. This way, it lays foundation for a brighter future.

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Knowledge acquired from the information embedded, in the library and resources is like a

fortune rightly acquired. For it is “the heart of the institution and the apex on which the

intellectual life of the school and student rest”. It is against the background that the researcher

seeks to investigate the extent of school library service as an effective instrument for

achieving School excellence.

1.2 Statement of The Problem

This study is the investigation of the extent to which school libraries contribute to

School excellence in Shabu town. Also school libraries has effect on the pupils, students and

teachers and their indispensable contributions to the teaching and learning programs of the

schools is yet to be fully understood. As a result of this problem, what this research study

tries to portray is the mechanism by which the school libraries comes about it.

1.3 Objective OF The Study

The library is a central focus because in every school, the learners and educators

achieve this objective through the library which serves as the vehicle of communication or

transmission of scholarly knowledge for educational excellence. Libraries are very

indispensable for effective teaching and learning process. Furthermore, the objectives are

therefore stated.

i. To ascertain the effect library services and program on its users executive.

ii. To find out the influence of reading culture and library skills acquisition on

students’ performance.

iii. To determine the extent to which library collections influences knowledge.

iv. To determine the services of the library.

1.4 Research Questions

i. What extent has Library services affected its users?

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 ii. Does reading culture and skills acquired influence on the performance of the

students?

iii. To what extent do the collections influence knowledge on the users?

iv. What are the services provided by the library?

1.5 Significance OF The Study

This study is significant because it will benefit the following: -

i. Libraries management should be able to perceive and teach the students on how to

use the library as data banks of information and knowledge for self directed learning

and research.

ii. Teachers will know that in order for a student to cope Schoolally and other wise

he/she has to become self reliant in obtaining and utilizing information.

iii. The entire management of the schools in Shabu town would also increase the habit of

using the library in the life of the students.

iv. The state government will also recognize the importance of libraries in the education

from this research.

1.6 Scope of The Study

The scope of this study is limited to Government secondary school library Shabu.

1.7 Limitation of The Study

This study does not have a wider national coverage, in other words, it is limited by its

scope/coverage to Secondary Schools in Shabu using Government Secondary School Shabu,

Shabu as the case study. This is because of it is virtually impossible to cover all secondary

schools in Shabu due to shortage of funds.

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1.8 Definition of Terms

Library: according to the new Lexicon Webster Dictionary of the English language. Library

is defined as a room or building housing a collection of books usually arranged according to

same plan. Such collection of book on related topics issued by a publisher.

Excellence: The quality of being outstanding or extremely good. Exhibiting an intrinsic

knowledge of the difference between right and wrong, shows the courage to act upon that

knowledge, and embodies the following ethical characteristics: Respect for self, others, and

the environment. Empathy. Integrity.

Education: Is a process of teaching training and learning especially in schools to improve

knowledge and develop skills.

Library Services: Library Service means a service that provides reading materials for

convenient use; circulation of reading materials; service to help provide users with library

materials, educational and recreational audiovisual materials; or a combination of these

services.

School Library: A school library is a library within a school where students, staff, and often,

parents of a public or private school have access to a variety of resources.

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 CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Concept of School Library

The impacts of School libraries are known to be wide, varied and complex depending

on “what is affected”, “what is changing”, “what is read”, how the process takes place” and

when the impact is evidenced”. It is important to note that the effects of that impact are a

product of interaction depending on the students view of the library and purpose library

usage. Writing on types of library users in and their perception of the library, Dike (2017)

notes that, for the non-users, either the library or it resources has become it’s friend and

instructor. For an average user, it is a sort of friend who informs him of events; educates,

advices and offers help while not being boring or noisy. For the captive users, it is a

wonderful counselor, a source of knowledge, a framework for School feat and a guide into

areas of life not yet known to him.

On the whole, the School library promotes education process and it is evidenced that

School libraries also has notable influences and effects on the education, performance and

School excellence of students in post primary institutions as well be reviewed in this chapter,

for it purposes on citations where researchers, authors and commentators work are cited in

addition to that of other various intellects also the researchers contributed her own views.

2.1.1 Importance of School Library

To educate citizens, students and teachers of today which is very necessary in our

post-primary institutions, it is in realization of the importance of School libraries in the

educational process that Chioma (2012) observed that: the School library therefore is not just

a conduit pipe in relation to education of a child but invariably a very active factor in the

education process.

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 The two great divisions of the School library are specialization and the actual

imparting of knowledge. However, in each, resourcefulness is a prime factor. In the imparting

of knowledge, the School library holds first place. The unforeseen and the unexpected will

always arise and give the resourceful library the golden opportunities of being the “world of

knowledge”. In recent years, education has learned a great deal about making school

interesting. In most classrooms sincere effort is made to get students involved and create

enough interest so that motivation is not a problem. We now know that these efforts have

been only partially successful. In this regard to Allan (2013) had observed that:

The scope of knowledge has become too expensive, too vast to be covered
extensively with the boundaries of classroom instruction, superior though
may be. Through the School library, these boundaries can be extended
immeasurably in all areas of knowledge to meet and stimulate the many
interest, appreciation and curiosities of youth.

The human and materials resources needed by the school to establish its inherent

educational programs cannot be put in place without the School library. The school reflects

and supports the philosophy of the school, it shares and implement the school aims and

objectives. It is totally involved in the teaching and learning process and widens the horizon

of the student’s education. It is the place in the school where almost every subject and every

interest meet. That is, it brings together in one place books in all subjects and learners and

educators interested in them thus it is a symbol of unity.

Commenting further on the importance of the School library, Odiase (2015) observes

that the library provides background materials which can be used to enrich the teaching and

learning of all subjects. A well-organized school library is the most powerful instrument of

education.

The school library is important in broadening the students education and in motivating

and encouraging students to read. Also let librarians be trained and users (students) be

educated on how to use the library for the influence to be felt. The philosophy of education,

9
the quality of teachers, attitude of the students to education, the teaching and learning

resources available reading and extraordinary diverse array of knowledge are the product of

the School libraries.

As an agency through which the institution of education exerts its influence on

students academics, the changes which have take n place as a result of its importance or

relevance in the education process these years are nothing less than revolutionary. Expressing

their views on the information of School library and books in life and education process of a

child, the International Federation of Library Associations Committee (IFLAC) on library

work with children highlighted it thus:

Library and books are a stimulus to his intelligence, are incentive to

independent thinking, a source of information and enjoyment. They are
indispensable tools in education and a child who has learnt to use and
enjoy them is better able to continue his studies after leaving school.

2.1.2 Roles and Functions of The School Library

Nike (2011) says “School library is a veritable investment for actualizing the much

desired educational reforms”. The above statement underscores the invaluable contributions

of the School library in the teaching and learning programs of the school. The role of School

libraries in education are inexhaustible though Nickel (2012) attempt to summarize them. In

his view, the School library can serve as: A resource center, a learning laboratory, a teaching

agency, a service agency, a guidance agency, and a center for recreational reading, viewing

and listening. It functions as a vital instrument as well as a basic requirement for quality

education by enriching the school curriculum.

The School library satisfies the variety of personal interest developed by the students

outside the scope of the school curriculum. Another important role of the School library is in

relation to personal development and self improvement. Also the School library is the natural

10
center for all kinds of educational effort, and lessons held in its meeting room are a valuable

means of extending education with books in the library to students.

The primary objective of the School library is to implement, complete and supplement

the total educational programs of the school. Others includes development of reading skills,

literary tastes, discrimination in choice of materials, instructions in the use of library and

books, and the development of the school, intellectual and spiritual values of the students and

appreciation of their cultural heritage.

Obi (2012) highlights some of the contributions of the School library as follows:

1. Provides a framework for achievement in present

2. Schooling and increase students chances of study

3. Success in other professional pursuit

4. Provides student with vocational information leading to choice of suitable career.

5. Help in discovering and developing the special gifts and talents of students.

6. Train students to study independently by providing a wide range of material for class

projects, individual reports, and class assignments.

2.2 Library Services on Library Users

For most clienteles of a particular library, the overall content of the library does not

serve the purpose of meeting the user without such intervening forces of its services which it

renders to its clienteles. It becomes necessary to ask “What is the School library trying to

do?” “Who is the School library trying to help?” “What service be rendered effectively?” and

“How can these materials be organized, stored and made available?”

However, it is important to note that the School library is a service-oriented institution

established to serve the staff and students. The aim of offering these services is to help the

school achieve its educational objectives. The library’s effectiveness will depend upon the

library services as a whole. It is concerned with the interaction of the user with library as only

11
this can make the library exercise its education role and maintain its educational social and

recreational values.

In evaluating the overall effect of the School libraries on students Schools, it is

important to pose these question: How do such services exert influence on students Schools?

What Schools benefits are there in such services?

The teacher/librarian has the challenging responsibility of getting the students

acquainted with the use of the library so that they form reading habit and continues to read

and consult books and libraries after leaving school.

Allan, (2003) observes that “giving the children instruction on the use of books and

libraries is a basic educational discipline”.

Mc Cleory (2016) maintains that librarians should educate their user on the use of

materials in the library by teaching, implementing relevant programs of instruction for groups

or individuals and or class. Users should be educated on the development of social

collections, services for particular categories of users and cataloging and classification.

Investigations have revealed that one of the problems inhibiting School excellence is

ignorance or lack of knowledge in the use of the library. Thus Okpala (2012) contested that:

Our contention is that the capability of knowing what, where and how to find information on

a student subject needs to be taught, and the total lack of these teaching of this leaves a gap in

student knowledge and makes School pursuit more difficult.

Tactz (2016) rightly observes most library users are unable without help to find the

information they need even though more information than ever is actually in the library. In

order to cope with the ever increasing volume of knowledge, students need to understand the

patterns of communication and how to organize their methods of information retrieval

efficiency.

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 Library orientation is a foundational element of users education. Other relevant topics

treated in library period of instruction (user education) include: use of the card catalogue,

organization of materials, reference books, borrowing procedures, library regulation, how to

gather information and proper care and handling of books. In addition the School library also

performs exhibition and display services such as:- Display of books relating to the curriculum

or the special class project are very useful in bringing the students to read books other than

textbooks. They reveal its resources and help make the students aware of books on topics

they may not have had the opportunity to explore.

2.3 Influence of Reading Culture on Academic Performance

Access to information is crucial to individual advancement as well as corporate,

educational development. Information is indispensable, and it bridges the gap between

knowledge and illiteracy (Yusuf, 2017). Kolawole (2015) sees reading as the fulcrum or

cornerstone of literacy, and that without it, there can be no literacy.

Reading offers a productive approach to human development as it is the foundation

upon which other School skills are built. Tella and Akande (2017) assert that the ability to

read is at the heart of self-education and lifelong learning and that it is an art capable of

transforming life and society. Yani (2013) posits that reading habits of Nigerians are a matter

of concern in our educational and national development, stating further that in a developing

country like Nigeria, the concept of reading habits should not be relegated to the background.

Reading is the bedrock of any formal form of education. It is a cornerstone of any

School endeavor or success. Its proficiency is the royal road to knowledge and success in all

School subjects. Kolawole (2015) also noted that reading is fundamental to learning, and so a

child’s ability to read is the centre of the education process. The complexity of reading is

mainly geared at recognizing and understanding written and printed words (Mabekoje, 2015).

It is essential in all phases of life because of the practical purposes it serves. Therefore, if the

13
child must develop well as a social being, he needs to cultivate desirable reading attitudes and

interests. To ascertain if there is a relationship between reading interests and reading

achievement, scholars, and teachers have all along with advanced possible causes of low or

under-achievement of students in school subjects. Subject teachers have concentrated on

diagnosing textbooks used, teachers’ method and personality, difficult concepts, curriculum

contents, among others, as influencing students’ performance.

However, educational researchers have identified poor motivation, study habit,

attitude, planning (pre- and post- by teachers and students), adjustment, and lack of self-

concept, among others as possible causes of poor School achievement (Akinboye, 2014;

Emeke, 2014; Ezewu 2017; Oheari, 2014; Akinsolu, 2010). Astudy by Aduwa (2014), on

determinants of students’ School success, reported that a student’s home environment, their

cognitive abilities, self-esteem, self-concept, study habits, and motivation affect their School

success. Contrary to this, Iyamu (2015) contended that the provision of all these factors might

not have a significant impact on successful learning if the learners are not exposed to

competent principals, teachers, and other school teams.

2.4 Library Collection on Performance

Organizations of all kinds are regularly called on to provide evidence of their

effectiveness by measuring performance. Libraries and other information agencies are no

exception. The motivations for performance measurement in libraries may have evolved over

time (particularly as new services are offered, and newer e.g., electronic resources are made

available), but increasingly libraries must demonstrate their worth for things that sometimes

elude simple quantification. Identifying and properly utilizing the tools and essential

frameworks and principles needed for collecting, analyzing, and presenting such information

can be difficult and elusive. Moreover, the risks of losing resources or having decisions made

14
by others outside the library mean professionals must develop the foundational skills of

determining which of a variety factors should be measured and how

The School library is no longer as a mere store house of book rather as a preserver

and collector of recorded information and knowledge both past and present and future in

addition to a transmitter of scholarly information in whatever format they are presented. The

stock of School library is one of the ways its objectives are to be met.

An School library should tock a wide range of books covering many subjects,

different reading levels and for extensive reference and research. This is because according to

Tyler (2018) Assorted range of books give an opportunity towards the development of

interest and habits in reading a wide variety of books that are satisfying and significant to the

reader. They provide greater extension to the experience of young people by widely

extending the horizon of the reader through various experience. Each material while

containing or giving a great deal of information, is carefully and systematically arranged that

they demonstrate inter-relationship of subjects.

Performance measurement in libraries may be required or motivated by bodies outside

the organization (for instance, as part of accreditation by the Joint Commission on

Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations), as part of self-examination of the effectiveness of

current services, or perhaps as justification for an increase in resources. As noted, there is no

dearth of literature that the librarian can turn to regarding measuring the performance of a

range of services, from outreach services to electronic resources and related services.

However, the breadth of issues that Brophy presents in his book, particularly given the way

he has chosen to organize these, would serve as an excellent foundation to guide these

activities.

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2.5 Library Services

To meet information needs of the users, libraries provide a range of services, which

are broadly known as Reference and Information Services. Reference services are concerned

with direct personal assistance to the user seeking information. It covers direct services such

as assistance to the user in the use of the library and its tools, assistance in searching and

locating documents, ready reference and long range reference service, literature search and

compilation of bibliography, helping in research etc. and indirect services such as selection,

organization and maintenance of library material for reference service, and other tasks of

reference section such as keeping a record of reference queries, preparation of publicity

material, evaluation of reference section etc.

Haycock (2015) revealed that in schools with good library services students

performed significantly better in reading comprehension and in their ability to express

effectively ideas in relation to their readings.

More general views on the need of having a library service in every school were those

raised by Francis at el (2010) who said, School library was an integral part of educational

system that could not be ignored without jeopardizing the quality of education in schools.

The School library was an important part of elementary, middle and high school programs

without which students would not thrive Schoolally and invariably find it most difficult to

conduct School research before they reached college level.

Adefarati (2012) highlighted the aims of School library among them being a source of

subject information centre and support the school curriculum. Jato (2014) saying that School

library was very important in shaping students habit as regard reading for leisure, to pass

examinations and to obtain information on different aspects of life.

16
 Information services are provided in anticipation of various needs of the users of

libraries. Current awareness services, indexing and abstracting service, etc. fall under

information services. At times, these services are provided on demands from the users.

In literature the terms reference service and information service are used

synonymously. Some experts refer them as two different kinds of services. The differences

are enumerated in the Table below: -

S/N REFERENCE SERVICE INFORMATION SERVICE

1. Traditional Service Non-Traditional Service

2. Emphasis is on providing document Emphasis is on providing information

3. User is given the material or directed to Attempt is made to provideexact

locate the material information

4. Aim is to instruct the user Less concerned with instructing user

5. Service provided on demand Service provided in anticipation of

need

6. Passive service: Library staff waits for Active service: Library staff provide

the user to approach user well - service in anticipation to keep them

informed and make a demand

Reference and information services may also be broadly grouped into responsive information

services and anticipatory information services. Responsive information services, also known

as passive information services, are provided in response to the requests from the library

users. Anticipatory information services, also known as active information services are

provided in anticipation of the needs of the library users.

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2.6 The Challenges/Prospects of School Library not Delivering Its Services

Effectively

The paper has apparently discussed some of the challenges and problems that impede

satisfactory development of school libraries in Shabu. The lack of professional trained

librarians in Secondary Schools in Shabu has been a major impediment to the growth of

school library services. From the earlier discussion it is apparent that the school, board

and government do not highly regard libraries otherwise they would ensure recruitment

of trained librarians, purpose built libraries or adequate training of teachers librarians. The

fact that teacher librarians are heavily loaded with maximum teaching work means that

they can only give partial service to the libraries and only open the libraries when

they must. The teacher librarian core business is the classroom and not library service.

The standard of library organization consequently become low and perception about

school libraries is extremely low. Currently there are several universities and

polytechnics teaching librarianship. In addition, teachers training colleges teaching

learning resource course which partially deals with librarianship. Some of the university

undergraduates have taken bachelor of education (library science) whose objective is to

produce students with dual professional (librarianship and teaching). This is a major

strength in boosting primary and secondary school libraries. Teacher librarians interact

with other teachers and are fully aware of the curriculum. The attend meeting with the rest

of the staff and participate in curriculum discussions. Low perception and lack of

awareness in the usefulness of the school libraries among teachers and management

board is a major constraint. The administration has little regards on the role played by

school libraries in promoting teaching and learning. Of greater concern is teachers and

administrators who succeed in going through primary and secondary schools without the

library having an impact in their school life? The inception and success of school

18
libraries is hinged on the perception and attitude of the administrator and the

management. Thus, the success of a library in a modern school depends upon the

administrator making the library part of the child’s everyday experience Trehan G.L.

(1985). Precisely school libraries should be uncalculated into the teaching and learning

in primary and secondary schools. Shabu is one of the countries where there is no

legislation to make all schools to have functional libraries mandatory. Schools in Shabu are

inspected and registered even though they don’t have simple libraries. This sorry state

persists despite the existence of many official policy statements, ministry of education

and reports from the commissions on education emphasizing the need and importance

of the school libraries. Shabu need an act of parliament accorded in law on

establishment of school libraries in all schools. The legislation and establishment of

school libraries would set the required standards and guideline in terms of purpose

and functions. Standards establish clear cut expectation as it is the case in USA, UK

and the developed world. The ALA standards and guideline stipulates the expectations

from all the school Woolls B. (2004). The Shabu library association could successfully

steer the establishment of standards and guidelines. The standards on school libraries

would focus on space and accommodation for staff, user and stock,

collection/resources, staffing and budgetary estimates Greenwood H. and Maynard S.

(2009).

2.7 Summary of Reviewed Literature

The full educational impact of the School library on the School behavioral pattern of
students is yet to be fully understood. Obviously, communication is very vital in human
existence. In the increasingly independent modern world of today, the ability to read and
communicate forms one of the basic skills for an individual’s survival in the society.
Libraries and teachers agreed that a meaningful knowledge must be in-depth while theorist
and practitioners alike that effective communication must be persuasive.

19
 Communication and reading involve some sort of subsequent resource like book and
non-book resource with these School libraries represent a major force for School excellence.
Harold Demsetz (2016) sees communication thus communication seeks to alter the
state of knowledge or the feelings of others so that it implicitly attempts to convince and
persuade others, that this information is not worth having. Most studies on School library and
School excellence have tended to focus on reading habits/skills, independent learning and
others without focusing attention on the instrument responsible for acquiring them and the
relationship with its clienteles.
With this Morgan (2013) describes the School library thus:- Long known as the only
educational institution that educates silently, which provides a large collection or wide
variety of materials specially selected and evaluated for their teaching value and education.
Gagg also contributes his own quota (2018) in School library activities and how to get
good results opined that: the detailed guidance in the library materials will be of utmost value
in helping even the least experienced reader to get good results, for he is taken step by step
through each lesson.
Due to the harmful effects of poor educational standards and performance in
examination, can we say with greater clarity and certainty whether the School libraries do or
do not improve the educational standards and School performance of children in post primary
institution.
Awoniyi, (2014) emphasizes, teachers, parents, librarians and others who express
concern about the harmful effects of the fall in our educational standards have raise the
spectra of School library potentials for constructing our intellectual and social horizons by
converting “backward readers” in to passive and highly influential “active readers” and “dull
students” in to “very bright students”.

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 CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.0 Introduction

These research methodology focuses on Research Design, Population of the study,

Sample and sampling techniques, Instrumentation for data collection, Validation of

instrumentation, Reliability of Instrument, Method of Data Collection and Method of data

analysis.

3.1 Research Design

Okafor (2002) defined research design as a comprehensive plan or blue print showing

how the research will be used to solve the already identified problem. For the purpose of this

study the survey research design will be used for this study. Survey research is the collecting

information about a group of people by asking them questions and analyzing the results. They

are a good choice when you want to find out about the characteristics, preferences, opinions,

or beliefs of a group of people.

3.2 Population of The Study

The population for the study targets secondary school students in Shabu which have a

total number of one thousand five hundred and twenty three (1523) students.

3.3 Sample and Sampling Techniques

A sample size of one hundred (100) respondents was chosen for this study. This

sample size was considered large enough for the needed statistical calculations and

tabulations. It was also considered appropriate because of the time and cost associated with

this kind of academic investigation. The sample size was made up of respondents from

Government Secondary School Shabu comprising of eighty (80) students and twenty (20)

staffs both teaching and non teaching staffs.

21
The sample technique for this research is purposive sampling. A purposive sample is a non-

probability sample that is selected based on characteristics of a population and the objective

of the study therefore it is used where a researcher selects a sample based on their knowledge

about the study and population. Purposive sampling is also known as judgmental, selective,

or subjective sampling.

3.4 Instrument of Data Collection

For the purpose of this research the questionnaire was adopted as the instrument that

was used for data collection.

3.5 Validation of Instrument

The instruments were given to experts including the project supervisor for validation.

This enables the project supervisor to make some input and ensure the validity of the

questionnaire in order to obtain effective data for the study.

3.6 Reliability of Instrument

A test is said to be reliable if its consistency yields the same results when repeated.

Measurement of a property is taken of the same entities, under the same conditions. In

addition, the reliability of a measuring instrument can be expressed as the free scores

variance to the actual score variance. The researcher used the test-retest process to establish

the reliability of the research instrument. The test-retest is a process whereby the researcher

administered the constructed questionnaire to the same sampled group more than once with

the view of discovering how consistent each element of the group is in the scoring of the

instrument at those different times.

3.7 Method of Data Collection

Primarily, since the study is on empirical one, the data for this study is obtained from

information gathered mainly from questionnaires which is administered to teacher and

students of government secondary schools Shabu by the researcher.

22
 Secondarily, other source of data in this research work is from journals, magazines,

newspapers, textbooks, internet, unpublished note etc. related to the course of the work.

3.8 Method of Data Analysis

In analyzing the data, the researcher present the result of data collected in tables and

analyzed statistically through simple percentage which helped to bring about clarity and no

discrepancy in the result statement. Tables were used to show frequency distribution of

responses.

f 100
x
N 1

where f =frequency of response ,

N=number of respondents

I =unit , a constant figure

23
 CHAPTER FOUR

DATA ANALYSIS, PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS

4.1 Data Analysis and Presentation

The researcher designed and administered 150 sample questionnaires to students and

staffs of Government Secondary School Shabu and 100 questionnaires were retrieved.

Summary of the data collection from respondents to the sample questionnaire are presented in

following below.

Table 1: Sex of Respondents

Response Frequency Percentage (%)

Male 54 54
Female 46 46
Total 100 100%
Source: Field Survey, 2023

Table 1 above reveals that, 54 (54%) of the respondents are of the male gender, while

other 46 (46%) respondents are of the female gender.

Table 2: Age Distribution

Response Frequency Percentage (%)

15-20 26 26
21-25 35 35
26-30 25 25
31-above 14 14
Total 100 100%
Source: Field Survey, 2023

From the above table, 26 (26%) respondents of the population falls within the age

bracket of 15-20 years while 35 (35%) respondents are in the age bracket of 21-25years, 25

(25%) respondents are within 26-30 years of age and 14 (14%) respondents are within age 31

and Above.

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Table 3: Level of Respondents

Response Frequency Percentage (%)

Yes 73 73
No 27 27
Total 100 100%
Source: Field Survey, 2023

The above table depicts that, 73 (73%) respondents do make use of the School library

facility as they answered positively while other 27 (27%) respondents do not use the School

library facility as their answer was no.

Table 4: Do you often visit the library?

Response Frequency Percentage (%)

Yes 69 69
No 31 31
Total 92 100%
Source: Field Survey, 2023

The table 4 shows that 69 (69%) respondents often visit the library, while the

remaining 31 (31%) respondents do not visit the facility. This shows that majority of the

student at Government Secondary School Shabu uses the school library.

Table 5: Do the use of library have any impact on you?

Response Frequency Percentage (%)

Yes 80 80
No 20 20
Total 100 100%
Source: Field Survey, 2023

The above table depicts that, 80 (80%) respondents are impacted through the use of

the library as they answered positively while other 20 (20%) respondents are not impacted by

25
the use of the library facility as their answer was no. This shows that the use of the school

library has impact on majority of the student of Government Secondary School Shabu.

Table 6: Have Library staffs impacted in you Library Ethics, Reading and other Skills?

Response Frequency Percentage (%)

Yes 45 45
No 55 55
Total 100 100%
Source: Field Survey, 2023

The above table depicts that, 45 (45%) respondents say that the library staffs have

impacted Library Ethics, Reading and other Skills in them while others 55 (55%) respondents

say that the Library staffs have not impacted Library Ethics, Reading and other Skills in them

as their answer was no. base on this findings, this shows that the number of student who have

not been impacted by library staffs on Library ethics, reading and other skills are the

majority.

Table 7: Does the reading culture and skills acquired have impact on the performance

of the students?

Response Frequency Percentage (%)

Yes 58 58
No 42 42
Total 100 100%
Source: Field Survey, 2023

The above table depicts that, 58 (58%) respondents say that the reading culture and

skills acquired have impact on the performance of the students as they answered positively

while other 42 (42%) respondents are of the opinion that the reading culture and skills

acquired do not have impact on the performance of the students as their answer was no. Base

on the findings, it shows that the reading culture and other skills acquired by the students has

impact on their performance.

26
Table 8: The use of Library made you exposed to wide range of materials?

Response Frequency Percentage (%)

Yes 63 63
No 37 37
Total 100 100%
Source: Field Survey, 2023

Table 8 says, 63 (63%) respondents say that the use of Library made them exposed to

wide range of materials, while other 37 (37%) respondents are of the use of Library have not

made them exposed to wide range of materials as their answer was no. Base on this findings,

it is evident that the use of library has made the student exposed to wide range of materials.

Table 9: The use of Library made you have sound background knowledge of course?

Response Frequency Percentage (%)

Yes 70 70
No 30 30
Total 100 100%
Source: Field Survey, 2023

The above table 9 depicts that, 70 (70%) respondents say that the use of the library

made them have sound background knowledge while other 30 (30%) respondents are of the

opinion that the use of Library did not make them have sound background knowledge of

course the reading culture and skills acquired do not have impact on the performance of the

students as their answer was no. Base on this findings it shows that the use of library has

made the student have sound background knowledge.

Table 10: The use of Library made you have General success in examination

Response Frequency Percentage (%)

Yes 63 63
No 37 37
Total 100 100%
Source: Field Survey, 2023

27
 Table 10 above notes that 63 (63%) respondents say that the use of Library made

them have General success in examination, while other 37 (37%) respondents are of the use

of Library have not made them have General success in examination. This shows that has

made the student have general success in exams.

Table 11: The School library service provides Reference Services such as Reference

desk assistance, Bibliographic Assistance etc.

Response Frequency Percentage (%)

Yes 70 70
No 30 30
Total 100 100%
Source: Field Survey, 2023

The table 11 shows that, 70 (97%) respondents say that the School library service

provides Reference Services while other 2 (3%) respondents are of the opinion that the

School library service do not provide Reference Services.

Table 12: The School library service provides Lending Services such as magazines and

periodical loans, Educational kits and manipulatives.

Response Frequency Percentage (%)

Yes 78 78
No 22 22
Total 100 100%
Source: Field Survey, 2023

Table 12 states that 63(87.5%) respondents say that the School library service

provides Lending Services, while other 9 (12.5%) respondents are of opinion that the School

library service do not provide Lending Services.

Table 13: The School library service provides Recreational Services such as library

competitions, Authors visit, storytelling sessions etc.

Response Frequency Percentage (%)

28
Yes 24 24
No 76 76
Total 100 100%
Source: Field Survey, 2023

Table 13 notes that 24 (24%) respondents say that the School library service provides

Recreational Services, while other 76 (76%) respondents are of the opinion that the School

library service do not provide Recreational Services. this shows that the school library does

not provide recreational services.

Table 14: The School library service provided increases independent learning

Response Frequency Percentage (%)

Yes 70 70
No 30 33
Total 100 100%
Source: Field Survey, 2023

The table 14 shows that, 70 (70%) respondents say that the School library service

provided increases independent learning, while other 30 (30%) respondents are of the opinion

that the School library service have not increased independent learning. This entails that the

school library services provide increase independent learning.

Table 15: Impact of Library to Achieving Academic Excellence

Response Frequency Percentage (%)
Strongly Disagree 5 5
Disagree 10 10
Neutral 15 15
Strongly Agree 30 30
Agree 40 40
Total 100 100%
Source: Field Survey, 2023

The table 14 shows that, 5 (5%) respondents strongly disagreed that the school library

has an impact to achieving Academic Excellence, while other 10 (10%) respondents disagree

29
to the fact, 15 (15%) were left neutral, 30 (30%) strongly agreed that the school library has an

impact to achieving Academic Excellence, and 40 (40%) agreed. This entails that the school

library has an impact to achieving Academic Excellence. This is because the respondents who

agreed have the highest frequency.

Table 16: What are the Problem/Prospects of library not Achieving Academic
Excellence?
Categories Frequency
Insufficient Resources 5
Outdated Collection 4
Limited Technology Access 8
Inadequate Study Space 5
Lack of Diverse Resources 5
Poor Facilities 7
Insufficient Library Staff 5
Lack of Collaboration 10
Potential Solutions/Prospects 6
Increased Funding 11
Updated Technological Tools 12
Enhanced Collaboration 6
Diversified Resource 5
Modernized Facilities 3
Improved Staff Training 7
Total 100
Source: Field Survey, 2023

4.2 DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS

The outcome of the study data analyzed and discussed answer to the research

questions put forward to investigate and establish the School library as an effective

instrument for achieving Schools excellence. The findings are:-

a) The School library promotes reading habits and makes valuable contribution to the

educational programs of the Institution.

b) Reading skills when acquire significantly improves the students reading performance.

c) Independent reading, learning and formation of good reading habits can only be

effective when the reading skills and library skills had been taught and acquired.
30
d) Students are encouraged to read good books and excellent collection of a variety of

educational materials which has been selected, systematically arrange on shelves and

classified to demonstrate inter-relationship of subjects for easily accessible to be

retrieved.

e) The functions, services and activities of the School libraries exerts subtitle influence

on the students’ School.

f) Inadequate scholarly materials is one of the problem most Nigeria students face, in

development of reading habits and in achieving School excellence. Also, the stock of

the School libraries is not encouraging.

31
 CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENTATIONS

5.1 SUMMARY

The School library provides an opportunity for meaningful change, it is meant to help

develop some clear positive motivation for learning and succeeding in school.

The most important discussion, but frequently experience virtue of an education is

that it is an excellent confidence by what you know is a good way to gain a positive attitude

“knowledge is power”, when you feel confident you can meet difficult situations ahead, but

with the self-assurance, you will succeed. It is clear that School libraries opens up

immeasurable gateway to the acquisition of skills, knowledge and competences which will

equip the learner for continuous success in School pursuits and of immense benefit to

himself, family and the society at large. Libraries has indeed transformed the face of the

world in knowledge and the School libraries has a major factor in education and in promoting

reading habits amongst students.

Therefore, School libraries are the heart of the institution and the apex on which the

intellectual’s life of the school rests. Also, the most important sources of educational

information.

5.2 CONCLUSION

School library is a dynamic instrument of educational excellence. As there is no better

way of encouraging students to read other than proper provision and presentation of a wide

range of good books which the school librarian by virtue of his profession has the expertise to

select, evaluate, acquire, process and promote reading habits in students. Reading is said to be

essential for success in all School subjects and School libraries are indispensable in the

formation of good reading habits.

32
 The development of human resources through education, calls for efficiency in

reading and learning, hence the society has realized that human development move needs to

be controlled and directed.

5.3 RECOMMENDATIONS

It is recommended that the School libraries in the areas of study do not play their roles

effectively due to inherent problems. In view of this, this research prefer solutions to

includes:-

1. The institution management board should as a matter of urgency deploy professional

librarians and library assistants to our tertiary institutions in order to produce certified

graduates of NCE, HND and BSc. in library science. This will increase the functions

and improve library services in the institution.

2. The librarians are to embark on the job training to improve their competence and keep

them abreast with the modern trends in librarianship. Also, they should be given the

opportunity to attend conferences, participate in seminars, workshops and symposia

organized by the Nigerian Library Association and her likes.

33
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performance (Unpublished Masters Thesis). University of Ibadan, Ibadan.
Allan, R.V (2003) The School library media programme: Instructional force excellence New
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Dike, V.W. (2009) “The school library: An instrument for educational reforms”. National
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Morgan, H.W (2003) The School library at work. New York: H.W Wilson Company.
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35
 APPENDIX

Department of Library and information Science

School of Information and Comm. Tech.
Isa Mustapha Agwai 1 Polytechnic,
P.M.B 109,
Lafia,
Nasarawa State.

Dear Respondents,

LETTER OF INTRODUCTION

I am a final year student of the above named department and school and as part of the

fulfillment of the requirement of Isa Mustapha Agwai 1 Polytechnic, Lafia, I am conducting a

research on the "Libraries as an effective instrument for achieving School excellence: A Case

study of Government Secondary School Shabu".

Please kindly respond objectively to the question as your responses will be

confidentially treated since the purpose of this research work is purely for School purpose.

Thanks, as I look forward for your cooperation and responses.

Yours faithfully,

Muktar Aliyu Agaba.

36
 QUESTIONNAIRE

This section is divided into two parts: Section I which is the Bio-data of respondents and

section II carries questions which was derived from the research questions of the study. Tick

or fill in the boxes provided

SECTION A: BIODATA
1. Level ND 1 [ ] NDII [ ]
2. Sex: Male [ ] Female [ ]
3. Age 15-20 [ ] 21-25 [ ]
26-30 [ ] 31-above [ ]

RESEARCH QUESTION 1
S/N QUESTION YES NO
4. Do you use the school library?
5. Do you often visit the school library?
6. Do the use of library have any impact on you?
7. Have Library staffs impacted in you Library Ethics, Reading and other
Skills?
8. Does reading culture and skills acquired impact on the performance of the
students?

RESEARCH QUESTION 2
9. The use of Library made you exposed to wide range of materials
10. The use of Library made you have sound background knowledge of
course
11. The use of Library made you have General success in examination

RESEARCH QUESTION 4
12. The School library service provides Reference Services
13. The School library service provides Lending Services
14. The School library service provides Recreational Services

RESEARCH QUESTION 3
15. The School library service provided increases independent learning
16. The School library service provided makes it difficult to the ability to use
other libraries
17. The School library service provided increases Reading Habits

37