The Effect Of School Library Provision On First Cycle Schools In The Public System

Abstract

The library is the hub of the school's work and it will perform its academic functions properly if it is adequately resourced. A good school library is therefore an essential and indispensable part of the entire school system. Unfortunately, school libraries in Ghana are the least developed and most neglected, especially at the basic education level.
This study looks at the effects of school library provision on first cycle schools in the public system. The case studies are the University Staff Village School, Legon and Anunmle Cluster of Schools, Achimota - both in the Ayawaso Sub-district of the Accra Metropolis. The population comprised pupils and teachers from these two schools. A sample size of 210 was chosen from a population of 960, and data was collected through the use of questionnaires, interviews, personal visits to the libraries and documentary sources.
Analysis of the data gathered revealed that when library facilities such as furniture, library staff, opening hours and book stock among others, are available and adequate, effective use is made of the library by pupils and teachers.
In conclusion, the study advocates for the establishment of libraries in all the public first cycle schools in the country.

Keywords: School Libraries, Basic Education, First Cycle Schools, Public System, Ghana

Ghana Library Journal Vol. 19 (1) 2007 pp.69-82