Quest Journals
Journal of Research in Humanities and Social Science
Volume 10 ~ Issue 5 (2022) pp: 61-69
ISSN(Online):2321-9467
www.questjournals.org
*Corresponding Author: Dr. Lily Oluebube Ezeala 61 | Page
Research Paper
Availability and Utilization of Library Resources in Some
Selected Secondary Schools in JOS South Metropolis,
Plateau State
Dr. Lily Oluebube Ezeala
Library and Information Science Programme
Department of Social Science Education,
University of Jos
ABSTRACT
Over the years the role of library resources and it utilization across secondary schools has been advocated by
professionals in the effort to improve students reading skill as well as overall academic achievement. In-line
with this clarion and advocacy, this paper investigated the accessibility and utilization of library resources
across some selected secondary schools in Jos Metropolis. The study formulated four research objectives and
four corresponding research questions were put forward. A survey research design was adopted specifically
cross sectional survey research design in conducting the study. A sample size of eighty senior secondary school
students was selected from the population of eight hundred and twenty-two students across the selected twenty
secondary schools within Jos South Metropolis using simple random sampling technique. A structured
questionnaire developed by the researcher was used for data collection after subjecting it to content validity by
experts. Data was collected using face to face method and the analysis was conducted through SPSS with the
research questions answered using simple percentage and frequency count while the hypothesis was tested
using PPMC. The study revealed that though library resources like textbooks and few reference materials were
available and utilized by mainly staff and very few students. Modern school library resources like audio-visual
and periodicals were not available due to inadequate resources, poor funding and lack of adequate provision
for school library resources. The study recommends adequate funding of school libraries to make way to
engaging qualified library staff and stocking of the library with current books and non-book materials.
Keywords: Education; Library Science; School library resources; Feasibility study
Received 28 Apr, 2022; Revised 07 May, 2022; Accepted 09 May, 2022 © The author(s) 2022.
Published with open access at www.questjournals.org
I. INTRODUCTION
Education and library cannot be separated in all-round development of a child. Library constitutes the
sources of good and quality education because it provides the learner with various learning materials. Education
is attained as a result of knowledge imparted to a child. This makes the child todevelop abilities, attitudes,
behavior and technical know-how. The agency used in acquiring,organizing and disseminating this knowledge is
the library. This therefore made the provision of library services in schools at all levels, very important. With
digitalization of library and development of ICT, libraries now have electronic resources which students can
access from the comfort of their zones all in the effort to widen students’ horizon and improve educational
standard.
Different types of libraries were derived from the uses of each library: school library for primary and
secondary schools; college library, for college of education and polytechnics; university library, for universities,
national library, for the nation; research library, for research institutes; and so on. Knowledge is the by-product
of information acquisition. This is because an individual becomes knowledgeable after acquiring the necessary
information and making meaning out of the information.
Information is key to the life of every man, both young and old. Right information to an individual help
to create and shape minds, develop good moral character, broaden experiences and understanding.In fact,
information is the life blood of any society and vital to the society of both the government and private sectors.
Adequate and effective information resources and services to children and young people are required for them to