Factors affecting utilization of school libraries in Minna, Niger State: A case study of Bosso secondary school and Zarumai Model school Minna

Abstract

Libraries generally are established to promote the teaching, learning and research activities in academic institutions. Students are expected to utilise the school libraries in order to supplement the classroom teachings. The low use of school libraries could result to poor performance of the students in their academic pursuits. The paper, therefore, investigated the factors affecting the effective utilisation of school libraries using Bosso Secondary School and Zarumai Model School, Minna, Niger State. The survey research method was used for the study and the population was 130 secondary school students and the teacher librarians working in the libraries of the two institutions selected for the study. Descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentage tabulation were used in analysing the data. Results revealed that inadequate funding, lack of qualified librarians, ICT facilities such as Internet services and lack of current information resources are the major factors affecting effective utilisation of school libraries in Minna. To enhance the use of school libraries, some suggestions such as provision of adequate funding, Internet services and employment of qualified librarians to mention but a few were recommended.