Role of school libraries in educational achievement of junior secondary school students in Bosso Local Government Area, Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated the role of school libraries in the educational achievement of junior secondary school students in Bosso Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria. The study was guided by three specific objectives with corresponding research questions to cover the information resources provided and available; ways by which school library usage improves the educational achievement as well as challenges to the roles of school libraries towards educational achievement of JSS students in Bosso LGA, Niger State, Nigeria respectively. Descriptive survey design was used and in-determinant population consist of JSS students in 13 secondary schools with libraries in the LGA. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 120 students from eight schools in Bosso and environs. Checklist and structured questionnaire were the data collection instruments used. Descriptive statistics (tabulation, frequency counts, mean and standard deviation) was used to analyse data. Results showed 100% response rate. The available collection include: printed and electronic resources with absence of video, projector and computer. The use of school libraries and available collection has increased the literacy level of students; the collection and facilities were inadequate. The study concluded that with the available printed collections, there was improvement in the educational achievement of JSS students in the LGA. It was recommended that there should be collaboration among State Ministry of Education, State Universal Basic Education and LGA to commit adequate funds for the procurement of relevant but balanced collection and facilities in school libraries as well as ensuring conducive library environment.