Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

 

Date of this Version

4-2012

Abstract

Introduction

For an educational programme to succeed, adequate attention must be paid to the development of its library services. Ogunrombi (2005) cited Idowu (1988) and stressed that a developing country like Nigeria, even thought faced with the problems of basic social necessities such as food, shelter, among others cannot afford to abandon library services in its educational programme.

School libraries must be assisted by proper funding to acquire relevant and varied materials for this purpose. Books and non-book materials must be provided. They must be well organized, and the right caliber of staff must be put in place to disseminate information directly or give assistance to those seeking information on their own. The educational aims of school libraries include:

(1) To stimulate and enhance the reading habit, promoting lifelong learning

(2) To develop in children the ability to read for information

(3) To help pupils to increase and improve their knowledge of reading, speaking, and writing

(4) To train children to care for books and make good and intelligent use of the library

(5) To enhance children's reading and communication skills

(6) To provide children with information, both current and retrospective

(7) To provide recreation (Udofia, 1997 cited by Ogunrombi, 2005)

In the same vein, the school library prepares both the teacher and pupil to achieve sound and quality education by all or any of the following:

(a) The improvement of teaching by enabling the teaching staff to make reference to current books in the preparation of their lessons

(b) Providing information for teachers and pupils on current affairs.

(c) Providing supplementary reading for teachers, enriching class work.

(d) Serving as the laboratory where all books on all disciplines encourage self-reliance, good use of leisure time, and arouses interest in reading (Ekweozoh, 1989 cited by Ogunrombi, 2005)

School Library World (2009) summarized the effectiveness of a school library as follows: it is accessible to the total school community, it is cost effective because one book is used by many, it provides flexible scheduling and timely access to the collection by all students, a broad range of materials, add new resources throughout the school year to keep collection dynamic, create a sense of ownership that is shared by the entire school community.

The research findings revealed that there is a positive relationship between school libraries and student achievement; it further stated that whether such achievement is measured in terms of reaching scores, literacy, or learning more generally. A school library that is adequately staffed, resourced, and funded can lead to higher student achievement regardless of the socioeconomic or educational levels of the community.

Purpose of Study

The purpose of this survey research is to discover the state of school libraries in Benin city, and to ascertain whether these libraries meet their aims and objectives of a school library and then make recommendations.

Methodology

Data for this study were collected using survey method. This study covered secondary schools in Benin City; some secondary schools were selected in the different local government area in Benin City. Data were analyzed using percentages

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