Assessing the Status and Resource Availability in School Libraries for Studying Science Subjects in Public Secondary Schools in Bunda Town Council, Tanzania

Abstract

This study assessed the current status of resources availability in secondary school libraries for studying science subjects. The study employed a concurrent triangulation design with a mixed-method approach. The sample of 190 respondents (students, heads of  secondary schools, town secondary education officers, ward education officers, and science subjects’ teachers) was used to provide their  answers to the specific questions of this study. Data were collected with the help of open- and closed-ended questionnaires, interviews  and observation The researcher administered 171 questionnaires where 94 were distributed to the students and 77 were distributed to  the science subject teachers in five public secondary schools. Nineteen (19) participants were interviewed by the researcher. Participants  were selected by using purposive, and simple random sampling techniques. The researcher adhered to ethical issues as data was being  collected. The findings from the study revealed that most public secondary schools are not equipped with supplementary books, and  computers that would help students in studying science subjects. It was recommended that secondary schools should prioritize the  expansion and modernization of their library facilities. This includes investing in a diverse collection of scientific literature, both in print  and digital formats to cater for the diverse learning needs of students. It was also revealed that Secondary schools should implement a  structured program that integrates library services into the curriculum for studying science subjects.