Role of School Libraries in Curbing the Spread of Corona-virus (Covid-19) Pandemic in Secondary Schools: (A Case of Ibeku High School, Umuahia, Abia State) :- Kalu Olanma J

ABSTRACT

The study examined the role of school libraries in curbing the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in Ibeku High School, Umuahia. The study adopted descriptive survey design with five (j} ::,pecijic objectives. A population of 231 students comprising 136 Senior Secondary 1 (SSJ) and 95 Senior Secondary 2 (SS2) students were used for the study. A sample of 115 students were selected for the study using the proporliomlle strutf ied SClmpling technique. The instrument for data collection were the observation checklist and structured questionnaire designed with closedended questions. The data collection processes yielded J 08 re.\pvndents representing 94% response rate who completed and returned the questionnaire with valid information. The data generated were analysed using the descriptive statistics of frequency counts and mean scores. The findings revealed that the information resources availahle in lht1ku High School library on coronavirus pandemic are: books. health magazines, journals, newsletters on COVID-I9, interactive lessons, newspapers and leaflets. It revealed that {bekau High School library contributes in curbing the spread of coronavirus pandemic by using Web 2.0 technologies and social media such as: email, Facebook, Whats App, blogs, etc.,for sensitization; providing serial materials on COV!D-19 such as: pamphlets, leaflets, newsletters, etc.; coordinating the school community on localized implementation of observance vf the COVID-19 protocols such as: hand washing, social distancing. use of facemask, etc. The study found that the frequency of use of available information resources in the school on coronavirus pandemic is high. It revealed that the factors militating against the role of Ibeku High School library in curbing the spread of coronavirus pandemic include: inadequate information resources on COVID-I9, lack ojlpoor JCT infrastructure. nonimplementation of lack of library policy, lack of professional in the school library to carry out proper sensitization on COVJD-19 pandemic, inadequate funding. etc. Finally, the study concluded that the school library has a vital role to play in curbing the spread of COVID-/9 pandemic. Thus, it was recommended among others, that school library should be adequately funded by the government and professional school librarians employed to facilitate proper and regular sensitization of the students and staff on the observation and implementation of the COVID-19 pandemic protocols.