ABSTRACT

The aim ofthis study -was to determine the Problems and Prospects ofSchool Libraries in Aba North Local Government Area, Abia State. The descriptive survey descriptive research design ■was used for the study. The study population consisted of 346 students and stafffrom the secondary schools under study and a sample size of117 students was drawnfor the study. Afour point Likert rating scale was usedfor data collection. A total rating scale of177 was distributed, ofwhich a total of174 copies ofthe rating scale was dulyfilled, returned and usedfor analysis. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics ofmean scores and standard deviation with the use ofStatisticalPackagefor Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. The study revealed that there are available information resources in the school libraries ofAba North LGA. The study also identified the extent of utilization of library resources and the purpose of utilizing the library which include for test and examination preparations, personal development and for recreation. He study also identified the problems affecting the availability and utilization of library resources in the library under study which includes lack ofsecurity oflibrary materials, lack ofinterest ofschool teachers/students, inadequate library resources and inadequate reading facilities amongst others. Based on the identifiedproblems affecting availability and utilization oflibrary resources, the study made recommendations towards enhancing the availability and utilization oflibrary information resources in Aba North Secondary school libraries.