Computer Science Project Topic Chapter 1-5 titled: An Assessment Of Information Resources And Service Provision Of Staff School Libraries In Niger State.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
DECLARATION …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… iii
CERTIFICATION …………………………………………………………………………………………………………. iv
DEDICATION ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. v
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ………………………………………………………………………………………………. vi
TABLE OF CONTENTS ……………………………………………………………………………………………….. vii
LIST OF TABLE ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. x
LIST OF FIGURES ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. xi
CHAPTER ONE …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 1
INTRODUCTION ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 1
1.1 Background to the Study ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 1
1.2 Statement of the Problem ………………………………………………………………………………………. 5
1.3 Objectives of the Study ………………………………………………………………………………………… 6
1.4 Research Questions ………………………………………………………………………………………………. 6
1.5 Significance of the study …………………………………………………………………………………………….. 7
1.6 Scope of the study ………………………………………………………………………………………………… 7
1.7 Limitation ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 7
1.8 Operational Definition of Terms …………………………………………………………………………….. 8
REFERENCES ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 9
CHAPTER TWO ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 10
REVIEW 0F RELATED LITERATURE …………………………………………………………………………. 10
2.1 Introduction …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 10
2.2 Conceptual Framework …………………………………………………………………………………………… 10
2.3 School Library …………………………………………………………………………………………………… 11
2.4 Availability of Information Resources…………………………………………………………………… 14
2.5 Library Services in School Libraries …………………………………………………………………….. 17
2.6 Provision of Information Resources in School Libraries ………………………………………….. 20
2.7 Information Services in School Libraries ………………………………………………………………. 21
2.8 Adequacy of Resources and Services in School Library ………………………………………….. 22
2.9 School Library Resources Acquisition Methods …………………………………………………….. 27
2.10 Organization of School Library Resources …………………………………………………………….. 32 viii
2.11 Accessibility of School Library Resources …………………………………………………………….. 35
2.12 Problems of Provision of Information in School Libraries ……………………………………….. 36
REFERENCES …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 39
CHAPTER THREE ………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 45
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY…………………………………………………………………………………….. 45
3.1 Introduction ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 45
3.3 Population of the Study ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 46
3.4 Sample and Sampling Techniques ………………………………………………………………………… 47
3.5 Research Instruments ………………………………………………………………………………………….. 48
3.5.1Use of questionnaire ………………………………………………………………………………………………. 48
3.5. 2 Observation …………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 49
3.6 Validation of the Instrument ………………………………………………………………………………… 50
3.7 Reliability of Instrument ……………………………………………………………………………………… 50
3.8 Procedure for Data collection ………………………………………………………………………………. 50
3.9 Procedure for Data analysis …………………………………………………………………………………. 50
REFERENCES …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 51
CHAPTER FOUR …………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 52
DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION …………………………………………….. 52
4.1 Introduction ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 52
4.2 Response Rate of the Respondents ……………………………………………………………………….. 52
4.2.1Qualification of Teacher-Librarian in Staff Schools in Niger State ………………………………. 52
4.2.2Gender Distribution of Teacher-Librarian in Staff Schools in Niger State …………………….. 53
4.3.1Types of information resources and Human Resources available in staff school libraries in Niger State? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 56
4.3.3 Methods of Acquiring Information Resources in the Staff School Libraries in Niger State ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 62
4.3.4 Methods of Organizing Information Resources in the Staff School Libraries in Niger State 63
REFERENCES …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 67
CHAPTER FIVE ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 68
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION …………………………………………….. 68
5.1 Introduction ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 68 ix
5.2 Summary of the Study ………………………………………………………………………………………… 68
5.3 Summary of the Findings …………………………………………………………………………………….. 68
5.4 Conclusion ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 69
5.5 Recommendations ………………………………………………………………………………………………. 70
BIBILIOGRAPHY ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 71
APPENDIX ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 77
ABSTRACT
The study investigated the information resources and services of staff school libraries in Niger state. The general objective of the study is to assess the information resources and services of staff school libraries in Niger State. Survey method was adopted for the research; the choice of this method is based on the fact that the study area is spread across different geographical area and involves large population.
The population of the study consists of the staff school libraries and librarians/teacher librarians in Niger state. Simple Random Sampling technique was used to select six (6) out of twenty one (21) staff school libraries. Instrument for data collection was observation and questionnaire containing items on availability and adequacy of resources, availability of services, method of acquisition and organization of resources and challenges constraining the provision of information resources and services. The data collected were analyzed using frequency and percentages.
The findings revealed that the available resources were printed resources which are mostly text books, maps and pictures. The libraries do not have computers and other non-printed resources the resources and services available are inadequate. It was also found out that most of the school libraries acquire library resources through purchase and gift/donation. The method of organization used by the libraries were subject basis and numerical order, none of the libraries use classification scheme in organizing their resources.
The staff school libraries were face with many challenges ranging from inadequate funding, lack of relevant resources, lack of professional staff and mutilation of library materials. Finally, the study therefore recommended the following: provision of adequate budgetary allocation to school libraries to enhance provision of varied and adequate resources, effective library and information services, qualified staff and functional ICT and internet facilities to be made available in the staff school libraries 1
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
The library which is the hub of any educational set up, provides information and ideas that are fundamental to functioning successfully in the increasingly information and knowledge-based society. The library is, therefore, able to equip pupils and students‟ imagination, thereby enabling them to live as responsible citizens (Federal Republic of Nigeria FRN, 2001).
A schoollibrary (or a school library media center) is a library within a school where students, staff, and often, parents of a public or private school have access to a variety of resources. The goal of the school library media center is to ensure that all members of the school community have equitable access to books and reading, to information, and to information technology. A school library media center uses all types of media is automated, and utilizes the Internet as well as books for information gathering. School libraries are distinct from public libraries because they serve as learner-oriented laboratories which support, extend, and individualize the school’s curriculum. A school library serves as the center and coordinating agency for all material used in the school.
According to Saka andBitagi (2010) school library can be defined as a place designed for the provision of all kinds of learning resources. Petters andOttong(2012) described school library as a learning laboratory that provides opportunities for pupils to develop information skill. Augustine, Odenigbo, and Tongs (2014)defined school library as the part of the school where collection of books, periodicals, magazines, and newspapers, films, filmstrip, videotapes, recording of all kinds e.t.c. are housed for use by the students. 2
School library supports the school curriculumby providing up-to-date information resources and services to keep staff and students abreast of new development. The library equally involves in promoting the development of reading skills and encouraging long term reading habits through listening to andviewing a variety of learning materials. Thus, the school library system is an integral part of the school and it must be runaccording to agreed standard. According to National Policy on Education and School Library Standard inNigerian, (2004) the aims and objectives of establishing school Libraries in Nigeria are:
- Teaching students the necessary skills required in the use of library.
- Complementing classroom instruction by exposing the students to a wider selection of books and other resources.
- Inculcating in students the habits of reading for pleasure and
- Providing users of the library with information on current issues, etc.
Library resources are seen as all inputs which are utilized in the library in order to provide good learningenvironment for students and teachers so as to achieve the educational goals. Resources in the library are oftwo types, that is, human and non-human resources. Human resources refer to the professional librarians and other library staff , while non-human resources refer to prints such as; reference books, dictionaries, and so on,and non- print resources such as; videotape for instruction, slides and other software for instruction. However, to be able to achieve the objectives stated above, the school proprietors and government should follow the standards as stipulated in the Inspection Guidelines for libraries in Nigeria as recommended below:
- Every school should have a standard library and it should be built separately or use a space of two classrooms.
- Furniture seating capacity should not be less than 50-60 seats in the library.
- The Library should be managed by librarian who has a degree in Library Science.
- Non-print resources should be part of resources in the library, etc.
(Federal Government Guidelines on Inspections of Library, p.5) Information Provision in School Libraries Materials in school libraries are made up of print and non-print media. These are all information carriers. There cannot be a functional school library without adequate stock of relevant and current information resources. These include textbook fictions, newspapers, films, film projector, radio, television, maps, charts, realia, tape recorders, reference items and other educational materials. Egesimba, Quadri, Dimkpa, andEzebuike (2011) highlighted that the school library media centre resources include, books, periodicals, newspapers, pamphlets, brochures, handbills, and ephemeral notices, audio materials (disc, phonographic records, audio-tapes on reels and cassettes), film materials (slides, film-strips, motion picture films as well as other forms of photographic film), graphics, video materials (video-tapes on reels, cassettes and cartridges as well as video disc), Realia (toys, games, model and actual specimens) and microforms (microfilm, microfiche and micro-card).
Morris (2004) also revealed that other school library resources include, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) facilities such as computers, computer diskettes, computer programmes, multi-media collection, teleconferencing, videoconferencing, audio graphic communications, Broadcast TV/Radio + audio-teleconferencing and Interactive Multimedia. The author emphasized the need for annual financial provisions for the replenishment of school library. From the above analysis, it could be argued, with great emphasis that modern school library information resources should be made up of both print and non-print formats so as to enhance teaching and learning among the teachers and students. Scott (2002) relates acquisition methods to the various ways by which a Library build up its collection. It is concerned with the selection and acquisition of materials for an expanding collection and the decisions on the materials to be included in that collection. According to Scott(2002) there are five methods, by which libraries can acquire materials, purchase, gift/Donation, Exchange/Inter institutional Cooperation, Bequest and Legal Deposit
Staff Schools in Niger State
There are 15 tertiary institutions in Niger State which have established Staff Schools These are School of Nursing, Bida, School of Midwifery, Minna; School of Health Technology, Minna; School of Health Technology TunganMagajiya; College of Agriculture Mokwa; Justice FatiAbubakar College of Arts and Islamic Studies Minna; Niger State Polytechnic , Zungeru; College of Education, Minna; Ibrahim BadamasiBabangida University Lapai; Federal College of Education Kontagora; Federal Polytechnic, Bida; Federal University of Technology Minna; Federal College of Wildlife Management New Bussa; Federal College of Freshwater New Bussa; Fisheries Technology Staff School, New Bussa; and National Cereals Research Institute Badeggi. This studycovered only six selected school libraries located in Federal and State tertiary institutions spread across the three geopolitical zones of Niger State. The institutions are: the Federal University of Technology Minna, Federal college of Education Kontagora, Federal Polytechnic Bida, Ibrahim Badamasi University Lapai, College of Education Minna, and Niger State Polytechnic Zungeru.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
The major functions of any school library are to facilitate learning and provide the basic information resources to the library users. Thus any educational programme cannot achieve its objectives fully if the library is left out in the implementation of the programme. Despite their inestimable importance, school libraries in Nigeria seems to be under developed in the areas of staffing, accommodation, provision of information resources and services. Ose and Okoedeon (2012) surveyed the present state of school libraries in Benin City and revealed that all the schools visited are under stocked with library materials.Majority of the schools visited in Benin City have outdated books which are very dusty, where they existed. A similar case was reported by Selbar, et al. (2009) who reported that secondary school libraries in Jos metropolis are not equipped with the necessary materials and staff to render services to users. Majority of school libraries in Ilorin metropolis did not have non-print resources at all. However, due to the nature of school libraries in Nigeria one wonders what could be the situation of school libraries that have not been surveyed which is school libraries in staff schools This is an astounding gap in the work of most of the school library researchers considering the international recognition accorded the library as the nerve centre of any educational programme. It is against this backdrop that the researcher sought to investigate the situation of school libraries in staff schools of tertiary institutions in Niger State to see whether the situation will be different since they are properties of institutions of higher learning, which are looked upon as model for others. 6
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The aim of this study is to assess Information Resources and Service Provided by Staff School Libraries in Niger State. The specific objectives of the study are:
- To reveal the available information resources in staff school libraries in Niger State.
- To ascertain the information services available in staff school librariesin Niger State.
- To find out how information resources are acquired in the staff school libraries in Niger State.
- To find out the ways in which the information resources are organized in the staff school libraries in Niger State.
- To identify the challenges constraining in the provision of information resources and services in staff school libraries in Niger State.
1.4 Research Questions
The research seek to provide answers to the following questions-
- What are the information resources available in staff school libraries in Niger State?
- What are the information services provided in staff school libraries in Niger State?
- How are the information resources acquired in the staff school libraries in Niger State?
- What are the ways in which the information resources are organized in the staff school libraries in Niger State?
- What are the challenges constraining in the provision of information resources and services in staff school libraries in Niger State?
1.5 Significance of the study
The study will be of great significance to governments at all levels, school proprietors, non -governmental organizations and information professionals.Findings of the study will help in knowing the importance of providing information resources in school libraries. In this study suggestion will be given on how to improve school libraries. The study will be useful to school proprietors and government on how to provide functional school libraries at both primary and secondary school levels. The government can through this study appreciate problems faced by school libraries thus make effort to alleviate such problems. It will also contribute to the advancement of knowledge in library and information studies.
1.6 Scope of the study
The study covers the school libraries in staff schools in Niger State. School libraries in conventional primary schools andLocal Government Education Authorities (LGEAs) in the state are not included in the study neither are primary school libraries in other neighboring state included in the study.
1.7 Limitation
Due to distance, time factor and financial constrain the researcher limited the study to six selected schools libraries located in federal state tertiary institution spread across the three geo-political zone in Niger state. This institution are:
- Federal College of Technology Minna Staff School Library.
- Federal College of Education Staff School Library K/Gora.
- Federal Polytechnic Bida Staff School Library.
- Ibrahim BadamasiBabagida University Lapai Staff School Library.
- College of Education Minna Staff School Library.
- Niger State Polytechnic Zungeru Staff School Library.
1.8 Operational Definition of Terms
The following terms are defined in the context of this study to enhance their understanding and use: Information resources –The total collection of library materials including print and non-print provided in staff schools in Niger State with a view to satisfying users information needs, these include books, journals, reference books, computers and related electronic gadgets.
Library services –Are those critical activities that facilitate the easy inventorying, tracking, retrieval or access, and utilization of all information resources and systems therein. These include reference services, cataloguing services, inter-library loan services, bibliographic services, etc. This has to do with acquisition, processing, storing, retrieval and dissemination of information to teachers and students in staff schools in Niger State.
School library: Any library found in the staff schools, be it at primary or secondary level in Niger State
Staff schools: these are primary schools that are particularly established to serve the interest of particular institutions or organizations in Niger State.
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