School library usage: Panacea for promoting reading habits among secondary school students in Oduduwa College, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the use of school library as a panacea for promoting reading habits among secondary school students in Oduduwa College, Ile – Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. The sample size for the study comprises 50 students that were purposively selected based on their advanced knowledge in reading. Questionnaire was used as the instrument for data collection. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics. The major findings of the study revealed the availability of all categories of reading materials including textbooks, study guides, revision books, and professional development materials as topping the list of reading materials available for the students. Other information books available include: easy reader/beginners’ readers, picture books, juvenile fiction, youth fiction, science fiction, dictionaries, encyclopedias, maps, atlases, newspapers, magazines, photographs, films, and computers. Also, the study established that classroom instructions and announcements, collaboration with teachers through library hour integration into class lessons, hosting of reading competitions, creation of book displays for new and popular books, among others are the ways in which the college promotes reading habit among the students. The study recommended the implementation of appropriate legislation in accordance with National Policy on Education (NPE) statements on the provision of libraries by all the stakeholders.