ABSTRACT

This study was designed to look at the Strategies for Improving the Use of School Library by Students of Michael Okpara Demonstration Secondary School. The main purpose of the study is to examine the strategies for improving the use of school library in MOUAU demonstration secondary school. The specific objective of the study are to find out the current status of the library services in MOUA U demonstration secondary school library, assess the types of information resources available in the MOUAU demonstration secondary school, ascertain the level of school library utilization by the students of MOUA U demonstration secondary school, identify the challenges of using the school library by the students of MOUAU demonstration secondary school, and finally proffer strategies for improving the use of the school library by students of MOUA U demonstration secondary school. The population of the study is 85 and accessible, therefore no sample drawn rather the entire population was sampled using a complete census. Questionnaire were used for data collection. 85 copies of questionnaire were distributed and 73 were returned, representing 89.8% rate of return. In analyzing the data obtained, frequency counts, simple percentages, and mean [x] were used as statistical methods. The results obtained from the findings reveals that the school library is currently providing limited library services, and inadequate number of current and up to date information materials, and services such as personal direct assistance, current awareness services, storytelling hour, are not adequately provided. Also, students don't get to borrow hooks for home use, and there are no computers and internet access in the school library. However, the library guarantees automatic membership for all the students of the school, with adequate provision of reading chairs and tables, and library orientation is conducted for students. There are different information resources available in the school library. These information resources include dictionaries, audio and visual resources, textbooks and monographs, books of fiction, books for recreation, relation and reading, past examination question papers, and adequate number of teacher librarians. There is high level of utilization of the school library for reading note books and text books, to prepare for class tests and examination, and for further studies and assignment. Low level of the school library was recorded for use of computers and internet facility, to seek from the teacher librarian, to borrow books and return them, to read novels, magazines and newspapers, consult past questions papers, and to enjoy story time.