The Impact of School Library on the Academic Performance of Secondary School Students
CHAPTER ONE
Objectives of the study
The aim of this study was to access the impact of school libraries on academic performance of secondary school students. The specific objectives are to:
- ascertain the level of students’ academic performance in Nigeria secondary schools.
- examine the influence of school library utilization on learning of secondary schools students in Nigeria.
- determine measures for preventing low academic performance in secondary schools of Nigeria.
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
Introduction
The chapter deals with literature review on the concept of the impact of school libraries on academic performance of secondary school students. This involves various definitions of libraries, academic performance, causes of low academic performance, overview of Nigeria secondary schools, strategies to deal low academic performance. The review of empirical studies, theoretical review, theoretical framework and summary of literature review.
Conceptual Review
In this section, the basic relevant concepts were reviewed. These include libraries, academic performance, secondary schools among others.
Library
Oxford dictionary described a library it is a room or building in which all the learning materials such as books, tape, newspapers etc. are available for public in order to study, learn and borrow it. Wikipedia described a school library as a library within a school where students, staff and often parents of a public or private school have access to a variety of resources. The goal of the school library media centre is to ensure that all members of the school community have equitable access to books and reading, to information. Morris (2013) noted that a school library media centre uses all type of media, is automated and utilizes the internet as well as books for information gathering. He also noted that school libraries serves as the centre and coordinating agency for all material used in the school.
According to National Educational Policy (NEP) every Ministry state requires to make available finances to the institution for establishment of libraries in all educational institution and also to prepare and train librarians and library assistant. School library play pivotal role in any educational system and give supports and guidance to the readers. Ullah & Farrog (2008) indicated that reading of library materials have positive relation with students vocabulary, grammar, comprehension, writing and spelling skills. These abilities needs well managed library where they improve their skills and academic performance.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Introduction
This chapter covers the methodology of this study. Key issues discussed includes; data collection, sampling technique, instrument for data collection, method of data analysis among others.
Research Design
The research design used for this study is survey. This is because data gotten through this method can be used to describe the characteristics of secondary schools. It is used as an assessment tool to provide information on which to base sound decisions. It also serves as a foundation for more investigation. This research method was adopted because it offers opportunity for the collation of facts and information from a wide spectrum of respondents, hence it is expedient for this research.
The use of survey is a favourable option for the following reasons:
- It is most appropriate for analysing school libraries as a mode of improving academic performance.
- It is accurate
This method is objective in the sense that the personal bias of the researcher is not allowed in findings.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
Introduction
In this chapter, the researcher tends to deal with the analysis and presentation of data collected in the course of this project. A total of 300 copies of questionnaire were administered in the area under study and 288 copies were retrieved from the respondents. This represents 96% return rate.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
This chapter deals with the summary of this study, conclusions from the findings and recommendations which can be used for policy making.
Summary
This study assesses the impact of school libraries on academic performance of secondary school students. The study is in five chapters. In the first chapter, a general background of the study was undertaken. In view of the background, the problems of study were identified and stated, the research questions, the objective, scope and significant of the study were outline and discussed. Finally in the first chapter is the definition of key concepts used in the study and the organization of study.
Chapter two contains the review of various literatures on the concept of the impact of school libraries on academic performance of secondary school students. This involves various definitions of libraries, academic performance, causes of low academic performance, overview of Nigeria secondary schools, strategies to deal low academic performance. Also in the second chapter is the empirical and theoretical reviews, theory use as a basis for this study (the classical learning theory) was found best for this study.
In the third chapter of this work, the research design, population of study, sample size, sampling techniques, instrument for data collection, method of data collection, validity/reliability of instrument and method of data analysis were all discussed.
In the fourth chapter, data collected (primary) were presented and analysed to answer the research questions. Based on the various findings, the three questions were answered. After the analysis, the findings are as follows:
- The level of students’ academic performance in Nigeria schools is high
- The availability of school library help to improve student academic performance.
- The problem of Low academic performance can be solved making use school libraries.
Conclusion
This study has underscored the impact of school libraries on academic performance of secondary school students. Findings from this research uncovered that level of assimilation by students in secondary schools will improve if provision of libraries are made. Hence, schools should ensure that such facility is provided. This is consistent with the findings of Dr. M. Ayaz, Nasir Ali, Abdul Basit Khan, Rooh Ullah and Mati Ullah (2017) which revealed that School library is the most essential to learning. School library play important role as a set for cheering improvement, interest, and difficulty solving. School library is a medium for literacy and reading and for instruction and scaffolding investigation learning. School libraries formulate a distinction to students understanding and attainment and give help for teaching and learning throughout the school. It is a central part of the school population and reflects and welcomes this community. School library is the place for knowledge and thoughts, and play fundamental part in supporting and developing pleasure of reading and multiple illiteracies. So without school library the educational program may not runs effectively. Thus, in the light of the foregoing, this study reliably concludes libraries provision in secondary schools should be embraced, this will help raise the level of comprehension.
The findings of this study have clearly shown that school libraries make very significant contribution to learning. The success/achievements of students lies on it.
Recommendations
On the strength of the observations and findings made in this study the following recommendations have been made.
- Every secondary school should ensure that library facility is provided as this will improve on the student.
- School libraries should be well equipped with internet access.
Limitations to the Study
The study faced some constraints. They include insufficient literature material, financial constraint, time constraint, various location of the schools etc. however, findings made is valuable for policy making.
Suggestions for Further Studies
This study has researched on the impact of school libraries on academic performance of secondary school students. Further research can be done on the following:
- Impact of school libraries on student achievement.
- Impact of school libraries on academic performance of student.
REFERENCES
- Fowowe, S.O. (1988). Finding Academic Libraries In Nigeria: A survey of some Nigerian University libraries. Ilorin Journal of Education, Vol. 8, (21-16).
- Ullah, S.Z., & Faroog, M. S.(2008). Quality libraries produce quality learners. Journal of Quality and Technology Management, 4(2), 1-9.
- Dr. M. Ayaz, Nasir Ali, Abdul Basit Khan, Rooh Ullah and Mati Ullah (2017). Impact of School library on Students’ Academic Achievement at Secondary School Level in Southern Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences 2017, Vol. 7, No. 5 ISSN: 2222-6990
- Oladebinu, T. O., Amos, A. A. & Dr. W.O. Oyediran. (2018). factors affecting students’ academic performance in colleges of education in southwest, Nigeria. British Journal of Education Vol.6, No.10, pp.43-56, October 2018 ___Published by European Centre for Research Training and Development UK (www.eajournals.org).
- Bakwai, B. & Yusuf, A. (2016). School-based management committee strategies and infrastructural development in Zamfara state basic schools. International Journal of Tropical Educational Issues, Maiden Edition, 96-115. ISSN: 2536-6165. Kaduna: Nasara Press Ltd.
