PROVIDING ACADEMIC LIBRARY SERVICES IN AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE FACULTY ARE INCREASINGLY TEACHING A CURRICULUM THAT DRAWS LESS AND LESS ON LIBRARY RESOURCES

PROVIDING ACADEMIC LIBRARY SERVICES IN AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE FACULTY ARE INCREASINGLY TEACHING A CURRICULUM THAT DRAWS LESS AND LESS ON LIBRARY RESOURCES

ABSTRACT

The focus of this study is on providing academic library services in an environment where faculty are increasingly teaching a curriculum that draws less and less on library resources in Abia State, Nigeria. The study investigated the only government owned secondary school in Igbere Community of Bende Local Government Area of Abia State. The school was chosen on the basis of availability of school library. Students from Senior Secondary 1 to 3 were the respondents of this investigation. However, a sample size of 99 students out of a total population of 248 students representing 40% of the entire population, were randomly selected. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. The study investigated the library services provided for the students, the extent of the students’ use of the library services, the effects of the library service on the educational development of the students, the challenges facing library services as well as strategies to enhance library services to ensure the educational development of secondary school students. The study through its findings concludes that libraries are the drivers of educational development through its numerous services. It therefore recommends the establishment of school library with up-to-date information resources and relevant services as a criterion for the approval of any secondary school programme in Abia State and Nigeria among other recommendations. With this, the educational sector of Nigeria stands to benefit immensely and not only that, there will be a reduction in emigration of Nigeria students as well as increase in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Nigeria.