ABSTRACT

This study set out to investigate the Availability and Utilization ofSchool Library Resources in two selected secondary schools in Umuahia North Local Government Area, Abia State. Two research instruments; questionnaire and observation checklist were developed based on thefive (5) research questions. Literatures were reviewed under conceptual framework; empirical studies and summary of the reviewed related literature. The population ofthe study is 1,152. This comprises all students in the two selected secondary schools. From the Population, Government College Umuhaia has a total of530 students while Holy Rosary Secondary School Umuahia is made up of 622 students. The population ofthe study wasformulated based on the statistics given by management ofthe two selected secondary schools in the study area. The sample size ofthe study is 115 students which is 10% ofthe entire population. A total of 115 questionnaires were distributed using stratified random sampling technique to Government College Umuahia (53) and Holy Rosary Secondary School, Umuahia (62). Out ofthe 115 copies ofquestionnaires distributed, only 103 was returned dully and considered suitablefor analysis. This makes 87.6°/o response rate. Data from observation checklist was also obtained based on direct visit and observation of the researcher to the both Secondary Schools studied. Data collectedfrom questionnaire was analyzed using descriptive statistics offrequency counts, mean scores and standard deviation and were presented in tables. Findings of this study show numerous challenges hindering availability and utilization ofschool library resources in both secondary schools such as; lack of current materials, restricted library hours, shortage of qualified teacher librarians, poor library orientation, non-conducive reading environment, inadequate power supply, non-awareness on the available library resources and inability to access available library resources. Finally, the study provides many strategies that ifapplied will enhance availability and utilization ofschool library resources by secondary schools.