ABSTRACT

 The purpose ofthis study was to examine the Availability And Utilization OfLibrary Resources By Students In Three Selected Secondary Schools In Umuahia Metropolis, Abia State. It was carried out withfive (5) specific objectives, including identify the library resources available in school library for student use. The study adopted the descriptive survey design .Data were collected using the closed-ended questionnaire designed with the four-point rating scale model. A total oftwo hundred and thirty three (233) questionnaires were distributed to the respondents, and one hundred and ninety eight (198) were returned correctly filled. This indicates 85% percentage return rate. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to compute the mean scores and standard deviations whilefindings were presented in frequency tables. The findings showed the extent of library resources available in school library for student. The findings also revealed the purpose do student utilize the library which to read and borrow library books, (63.6%), to do assignment and homework, (43.6°%), .%> to readfor examinations (33.6.%). It showed that perceived benefits of utilizing library resources include: support teaching and educational work ofthe school, to develop in young people a habit ofreading both for pleasure and for purpose of gathering information for themselves, etc. the findings also indicated that Unqualified library personnel, poor funding, Lack of skills, obsolete library collection where some of the Factors affecting utilization of library resources. Hence, the findings provided the strategiesfor effective utilization oflibrary resources by students in three selected secondary schools which include: provision of library resources in accordance with students' academic needs, provision of adequate conducive environment for school students, regular maintenance culture on the learning materials should be encouraged to avoid reducing ofmaterials, teachers should motivate students to use library resources. .