IMPACT OF PROVISION AND USE OF SCHOOL LIBRARY RESOURCES AND SERVICES ON THE STUDY HABITS OF STUDENTS IN GOVERNMENT COLLEGE, AFIKPO, EBONYI STATE

Abstract

This paper focuses on the impact of provision and use of school library resources and services on the study habits of students in Government College, Afikpo, Ebonyi State Nigeria. It critically considered the opinions of researchers over the time on the roles, influence, and effects of library resources and services provided and utilized in school libraries on the study and reading habits as well as the educational development of students in the secondary school level in Nigeria and beyond. Four (4) research questions were answered. The research design adopted was the descriptive survey design with a sample of fifty (50) respondents drawn from SS2 and SS3 of the institution. The purposive sampling technique was adopted in selecting the respondents. The instrument for data collection was limited to the questionnaire. Copies of the instrument were distributed to the students selected and all were retrieved on the spot for data analysis. Data generated were analyzed using frequency counts and mean scores. A criterion mean of 2.50 was adopted to ascertain the acceptance and rejection of item statements. The study found out the provision of different library resources and services in secondary school. These resources were lowly utilized by the students. The findings also revealed the possession of good study habits by the students. The study also found positive impacts of library resources and services on the study habits of the students. This is based on the fact that the majority of the respondents believes they are motivated to study in the library and develop their study habits through the availability and use of different resources and services in the library. The study, therefore, recommends the compulsory consideration and proper equipping of school libraries as a panacea for approval of secondary schools, among other recommendations.