Reading interests and use of library resources by students in selected secondary schools in Ijebu-Remo Zone, Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the reading interest and use of school library resources in selected secondary schools in Ijebu-Remo zone of Ogun- State. Survey research design was adopted, while random sampling technique was used to sample 330 students from the five schools surveyed. A self-designed questionnaire was used as data collection instrument. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics. Findings revealed that the students surveyed were very interested in books that are related to arts, economics, commerce and business studies. They are also very interested in stories about people that have made it in life, fantasy, funny, comic and amusing stories while they are not very interested on materials relating to science, tales on war, dangerous experiences/events and mystery. It was further revealed that most of library resources were not available in the school libraries while the utilisation of the school libraries was low among the students. Major challenges hindering students' utilisation of the school libraries by the students include non-availability of library resources, lack of library hours on the time tables, non-provision of materials that tally with the interest of the students, inappropriate opening hours, uncoductive and reading enviroment. Recommendation s in improving school library resources, reading and utilisation of school libraries by the students were also proffered.

Keywords: Children Reading interest, School library resources, School library use, School libraries in Nigeria