ABSTRACT
This project work is on the “school
library as an effective instrument for academic excellence of schools on Owerri
town”. The aim of this research survey is to determine and examine the extent
of services being rendered to library users, the stock of the library and to
some extent the problems placing the library. The character and efficiency of
any institution and that of its various categories of populace is adjusted by
its treatment of its central organ the library along with the school, college,
the news media and other manifestations of the “knowledge industry” is one of
the agencies through which the institution of education exerts its influence on
society, the library satisfy the basic information, education, cultural and
other needs of its clienteles in their general and specific intellectual fields
and pursuits. Information is preserved in the print and non-print medium and
the school library acquires, organize, interprets, preserves and stores the
information purveying media for easy access and consultation thus, today is the
gateway to broadcast world or scholarly information for pupils, students and
teachers. School libraries are an information and is indispensable to a pupils
or students advancement or self development. The right information at the right
time, at the right place to improves the ability of a students, pupils or
teacher. School libraries therefore are not the basis of all teaching and
learning, it is also essential for promoting and enhancing intellectual or
academic pursuits. Also its aim at establishing a firm knowledge of school and
general subjects by making choices of these materials to select those which
will build up a firm and realistic foundation. The wide range of such materials
provides an incentive to use them to impart knowledge and for preparing pupils
and students also for their various examinations. In which they give useful experience
and increase self confidence and develop basis for more advanced work and they
through their use the pupils and students will in the best sense of the words,
striving for excellence in their academic. These places the school libraries
are at a position of relevance and explains why it is an effective instrument
for achieving excellence.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title page - - - - - - - - i
Approval page - - - - - - - ii
Dedication - - - - - - - - iii
Acknowledgements - - - - - - iv
Table of contents - - - - - - - v
Abstract - - - - - - - - ix
CHAPTER
ONE
1.1 Introduction - - - - - - 1
1.2 Historical Background of secondary school
library
in
Owerri town (capital territory - - 14
1.3 Statement of the problem - - - - 19
1.4 Objective of the study- - - - - 20
1.5 Scope of the study - - - - - 21
1.6 Significance of the study - - - - 22
1.7 Research Questions - - - - 23
1.8 Definition of Terms - - - - - 24
CHAPTER
TWO
2.0 Review of related literature - - - - 27
2.1 Concept school library - - - - 30
2.2 Importance of school libraries - - - 32
2.3 The roles and functions of the school library
36
2.4 Service of school library - - - 39
2.5 The school library collections - - - 44
CHAPTER
THREE
3.0 Research Methodology - - - - - 46
3.1 Introduction - - - - - - - 46
3.2 Design of the study - - - - 46
3.3 Area of the study- - - - - - 46
3.4 Population of the study - - - - 47
3.5 Sample and sampling techniques - - 48
3.6 Instrument for data collection - - - 48
3.7 Validation of instrument - - - 49
3.8 Method of data analysis - - - - 49
CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 Data Presentation and analysis - - - 50
4.1 Method of data analysis- - - - 51
4.1.2
Finding of the study- - - - - 58
4.1.3
Results of interview - - - - 61
CHAPTER FIVE
5.1
Summary- - - - - - - 63
5.2
Recommendations - - - - - 64
5.3
Conclusion - - - - - - 66
References
- - - - - - - 68
Appendix
- - - - - - - 70
Questionnaire - - - - - - 71
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF STUDY
The
word 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.
The
library has collection of records of human culture in print and non-print
information purveying materials housed, preserve, organized, interpreted and
managed by a professional librarian, to meet the broad and varying needs of
users or clientele, for their information, knowledge, education, research,
recreation and aesthetic appreciation.
However
the word library is defined as a room or building containing books that can be
looked at or borrowed by members of the public or members of the group or
organization that owns the library.
According
to Longman Dictionary of English language and culture; A building in which
collections of books, CDs, newspapers, etc are kept for people to read, study
or borrow.
The library
is an integral part of any academic 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 academic institution which determines the excellence of
the institution in teaching and learning. School libraries are found in
elementary post primary and higher schools and house the materials and services
that students and teachers requires to carry out their academic activities.
Their holdings consist of printed an audio-visual materials 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 school
libraries have fewer than 2000 books, while 3% have more than 10000% books. In
the early 1990s there were approximately 3500 school libraries in Mexico,
representing a 24% increase in just two years. School libraries have also extended
their missions and the level of their services in recent years.
Furthermore,
from the above one can see that the school library has a remarkable role in
academic excellent of students because the process of teaching and learning
cannot be effectively done without incorporating the library of secondary
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.
ii.
Teaching Agency:
Teacher students various skills which when acquired enhances their academic
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 school library are:-
a)
Inculcation of
permanent literacy
b)
Promotion of
early child education
c)
Enhancement of
secondary education
d)
Development of
reading habits.
The school libraries thus has challenged
the functions of parents, teachers, classroom and the various institutions that
were formerly the exclusion, sources of knowledge and information.
The characteristic of the school
library:
1.
User:
They are made up of the pupils, students and teachers. 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.
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 school
library is directed towards the definite education aims of the school.
A large percentage of pupil and students
in nursery, primary and secondary schools are ignorant of the fact that
personal intelligence and more knowledge of a subject does not automatically establish
firm knowledge of a subject and excellence in school, the school library is an
invaluable and for achieving academic
excellence. Also teachers, parents and libraries are today concerned about the
poor reading habits of our students, poor performance at school and fall in our
educational standard. This cry has invariably elicited very passionate question
in the minds of those who love and care of all round development of these
students. The libraries are yearning collectively on how to combat this problem
knowing the adverse effect of this ailment first in the lives of the pupils and
students, secondly in the progress of a country like ours.
The relationship between school
libraries and reading habits and that between school libraries and academic 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 academic pursuit. In the primary schools, the
library laid the foundation for reading habits by importing reading skills at
the formation stage of the pupils education. In the secondary schools they form
the foundation for independent learning at present school and at successive
stages of the students life by establishing firmly the reading habits acquired
in the primary school. Also the school 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
students 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 school 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.
Teachers can suggest to pupils 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 pupils 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:-
Learning with tear is now a thing of the
past like wise 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 teachers need to
consult several source for better understanding and clarity. Also, nothing
could be as dangerous as ignorance and an ill-informed student as they fall
prey to rumours 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
experience 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 ones ability to interpret the printed messages
accurately and fully, while reading is an educational task, essential for ones
excellence in all academic pursuits. He who has other reasons for learning and
reading besides interest in the subject has everything going for him, his interest
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
academics. Also the school library in no small measure plays a great part on
the attitudes, behaviours, aspiration academic 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. The handicap most secondary schools students
face in reading development is lack of good reading materials. The school
libraries are indispensable in the area of provision and proper use of books,
this have made them the forum on which the educational activities of our
secondary school revolves. It behaves on students numerous information sources
to exploit so as to enhance their academic performance and to excel. This way,
it lays foundation for a brighter future. 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”.
1.2
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF SECONDARY SCHOOL LIBRARIES
IN OWERRI TOWN
The development of secondary school
libraries in Owerri town could not be treated in isolation from that of school
libraries in general in Owerri which commenced in the early 1950’s.
This historical development of secondary
schools library started in government secondary school, Owerri now government
college, Owerri which was established in 1952 and modern school, Owerri now
Girls’ Secondary School, Owerri established in 1955.
Libraries in secondary school are
established in government trade centre, which serves the educational
(Technical) needs of those students in the technical education sector.
Moreover, due to the type of materials
the library stock, it could not serve the general interest of the students in
Owerri town. For this reason another library was established in the modern
school, Owerri which now serve various categories of students. Despite the type
of materials that the library stocked it contributed immensely to the
educational development of the town. This was the state affairs until another
library was established in the government secondary school which before then
serve as a book depot for schools in the then Eastern region, as it was from
there that books meant for primary and secondary in the eastern region sent by
the then Colonia government were deposited for the various number of volumes of
books meant for their school. However, it must be noted that the central
library at Enugu
was also providing library service known as “library on wheels” to schools in
Owerri town (secondary school) before the war, (Nigeria civil war). This factor led
to the promotion of the establishment of libraries in secondary schools in
Owerri town which were though largely organized and were left to the part-time
of teachers. The libraries then in some of these schools were either location
in one classroom or found to be in the principals office.
In 1955 the Government College,
Holy Ghost College,
Girls Secondary School Owerri were founded. The Government Technical
College, Owerri was
founded in 1952, Federal
Government Girls
College, 1973 and Bishop Lasbrey
Girls Secondary
School, 1952 become secondary school in 1986.
In 1957 a library was established in the
government college with the aid of the books deposited in the institution. Then
a teacher librarian was trained by the administrators who were white men at Enugu. It has the largest
volume of books amongst all the schools in Owerri town which strives till
today. The library building had a statue of students clutching a book in a
round-about in front of the library to indicates the building. The person in
charge of the library holds a degree in library science education.
The Government Technical College Library
was established in 1956 for students in the technical and trade sector of
education. Its resources is limited to the type of courses offered in the
college. This is an N.C.E graduate in technical in education but with
librarianship. With background knowledge of librarianship acquired through
attending seminars, workshops, conferences and long period of the classroom
complex which is located in a large hall. It has volume of books ranging
between 1000 to 1500.
In 1973, the Federal government Girls
Secondary School Owerri was established and in 1974 was founded. The library
caters for the interest needs of students in the secondary section and those in
higher school section (lower and upper sixth students) this accounts for its
large number of volumes of 3,500. The library is manned by a professional
librarian with a bachelor of library science degree. Since 1973 the school has
achieved its inception. The library is allocated an entire building and has
links with the academic feats.
After the conversion of Bishop Lasbery
Girls Secondary School Irette to a secondary school then the library was established
in 1986, which is located in one classroom and manned by a teacher librarian.
The library has volumes of books ranging between 800 to 1000.
1.3 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
This
study is the investigation of the extent to which school libraries contribute
to academic excellence. 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.
1.4
OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
The library is a central focus because
in every academic institution. 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.
School libraries are very indispensable
for effective teaching and learning process. The main aim of this study is the
town in relation to their academic performance.
1.
To know the
impact of school library and program on its various patrons
2.
To find out the
impact of reading culture and library skills acquisition on students
performance.
3.
To know the
extent to which library collections impact knowledge.
4.
To examine the
service of the school library.
1.5 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The
scope of this study is limited to schools in Owerri town. This covers three
boys and three girls secondary school. These six secondary school represent all
the geographical area in Owerri town.
1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
This
study is significant because it will benefit the following:-
1.
School libraries
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.
2.
Teachers will
know that in order for a student to cope academically and other wise he/she has
to become self reliant in obtaining and utilizing information.
3.
Parents
guardians are to be acquainted with vital role of the school library and its
overall impact on the academic pursuits of their children.
4.
The school
principals should also include the habit of using the library in the life of
the students.
5.
The state
government will also recognize the importance of libraries in the secondary
education from this research.
1.7 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
1) Has any
impact of such library on its patron?
2) Does reading culture and skills acquired
impact on the performance of the students?
3) To what extent do the collections imparts
knowledge on the users?
4) What are the services provided by the
school library?
1.8 DEFINITION
OF TERMS
1) According to the new Lexicon Webster
Dictionary, school is a community of those who teach and those who are taught,
especially one of the education of children, usually housed in a building
design and equipped for this purpose. The purpose to be achieved is
transmission of knowledge, cultural and social values which are acceptable from
one generation to another. Also all these should be recorded and preserved in
book and other information carrying media, which are collected and preserved by
the library for the users to make use of.
2) Library is defined as a room or building
housing a collection of books usually arranged according to some plan. Such
collection of book on related topics issued by a publisher.
3) Education: Is a process of teaching
training and learning especially in schools to improve knowledge and develop
skills. Example Nursery, primary, secondary and higher education.
4) School libraries are an information agency,
they provide ready access to this information and is indispensable to a pupils
or students advancement or self development. The right information at the right
time, at the right place to improves the ability of a student, pupils or
teacher.
5) Questionnaire: It defined as set of
question relating to the aim of the study and the hypothesis to be tested to
which the respondents are expected to answer in writing.
6) Sampling techniques: Is a techniques or
method used to minimize error and bias in the study. It also the method that
all the elements have equal probability of being selected for investigation.
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