CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of study

Books, manuscripts, journals, and other forms of recorded information are housed in libraries. Reference works, such as encyclopedias that provide factual information, and indexes that help users find information in other sources, are common examples. Creative works, such as poetry, novels, short stories, music scores, and photographs; non-fiction, such as biographies, histories, and other factual reports; and periodical publications, such as magazines, scholarly journals, and books published on a regular basis,are also examples. As the popularity of records, CDs, audiotapes, and videotapes has grown at home, library collections have begun to contain them, as well as other types of media (Mohammed and Makki, 1997). According to Onuoah (2000), there is a link between school libraries and students' learning results. According to him, pupils who frequent libraries have higher test scores than students who do not frequent libraries. Most students do not use libraries these days for a variety of reasons, including a lack of understanding of how to use the catalogue, which assists library users in locating or identifying the materials they require; and a lack of library orientations or seminars for students. As a result, Adeoye (1999) discovered that, in most situations, learning achievement is dependent on students' use of libraries and positive study habits in his study on the impact of school libraries on students' academic achievement. The majority of Nigerian students do not use their school libraries on a regular basis. According to Ayo (1997), the introduction of Information Communication Technology (ICT) has encouraged many students to use the internet to obtain whatever things they require rather than frequenting libraries. Furthermore, the majority of information materials in most Nigerian school libraries are considered outdated. As a result, kids prefer to use internet materials, which they believe are more up-to-date in terms of information than school libraries. Many factors, according to Adeleke (2001), contribute to many Nigerian students' limited library usage. The issues include a scarcity of experienced library specialists, a lack of funds to provide suitable and current books, encyclopedias, and other materials in school libraries, and the absence of an orientation course for pupils, among others (Adeleke, 1990). According to Adeleke, these issues have contributed to Nigerian students' poor academic performance and low educational standards. Perkins (2001) and Atkins (2002) found that there is a robust link between library use and academic success among students of all ages, from elementary school to university. Students who read extensively, utilizing libraries, and who comprehend what they read typically achieve outstanding marks. Children who are exposed to story book reading before they start school have larger vocabulary, stronger general knowledge, and better conceptual development than their peers who do not read, according to Ninio (2000). Furthermore, they learn to read and write more readily and faster than their non-reading counterparts. The habit of reading begins in childhood (Mbise, 1995). As a result, kids who do not develop the habit of reading will refuse to read in school libraries even if they are forced to do so, resulting in low performance among students who do not utilize the libraries on a regular basis. Smith (2001) conducted a study in which the academic achievement of students who frequented libraries was compared to that of students who did not frequent libraries. According to the results, pupils who frequently read in libraries and conduct research outperformed those who do not or just visit libraries infrequently. According to Hunter (1999), proper and frequent use of libraries has resulted in excellent academic performance among pupils. Students, for example, discover more contemporary information and learn a great deal of knowledge in school libraries by using current and high-quality materials.

In a related study on the association between the use of library facilities and students' academic performance, Anyadike (2000) discovered that pupils do better when they utilize the school libraries regularly than when they do not. As a result of these findings, Anyadike advised students to make extensive use of library resources in order to achieve high academic accomplishment or excellence in their academic endeavors.

1.2 Statement of problem

Students' usage of or lack of use of school libraries is a factor that influences their educational success. For example, the library is designed to assist students in maximizing their academic achievement so that they can become successful members of society. Unfortunately, the majority of students do not perceive the value of going to the library to read or conduct research that will help them advance in their academic careers. This is due to the fact that most students do not know how to use library materials or how to locate and identify the types of books they want to read. Many more dislike sitting for hours reading or studying in the library; still others prefer ‘gisting' away their time outside the library rather than staying quiet and studying in it. These considered elements are to blame for Nigerian schools' current negative or bad academic performance, general low educational standards, and the consequent vast and chronic examination malpractices (Anyanwu, 2003). Most students' poor or insufficient use of libraries and their amenities also contributes to the country's mass failure of pupils in both internal and externally organized tests. Another key issue in many students' lack of or insufficient use of libraries is the bad attitude they receive from most library employees, who appear to be uneducated and hence lack expertise and experience in library attendance and usage. These shortcomings on the part of library attendants or employees frequently result in students' aversion to even entering the library, let alone sitting and reading there.

1.3 Objective of study

The following are primary objectives of this study

To determine if the use of the library has an impact on students' academic achievement.

To assess if there is a difference in academic achievement between students who utilize libraries and students who do not.

To investigate if there is a gender difference in students' academic achievement as a result of their use of libraries.

1.4 Research question

Does the use of the library have an effect on students' academic achievement?

Is there any difference in the academic achievement of students who use the library and those who do not?

Will there be any gender difference in the academic achievement of students due to the use of library (ies)?

1.5 Significance of study

One of the study's major significances is to highlight the relevance of school libraries in improving students' academic performance and achieving high academic achievement throughout their academic careers. This is because if children adopt a reading culture and use the school library, their academic achievement will increase, and the school system's allegedly poor academic standards will be addressed. The findings and recommendations of this study will assist students in becoming more informed about the importance of using library resources to maximize their academic success in school. Teachers will benefit from the study's recommendations and findings as well, as they will be more informed and exposed to the topic of students' use or non-use of libraries as a driver of their academic achievement in school. This study will substantially benefit instructors because, if students learn how to properly use libraries as a result of this study, and their educational standards are maximized, teachers' work will be made easier, and they will receive credit.

1.6 Scope of study

The study focuses on determining if the use of the library has an impact on students' academic achievement. Also, to assess if there is a difference in academic achievement between students who utilize libraries and students who do not. Lastly, to investigate if there is a gender difference in students' academic achievement as a result of their use of libraries. This study is limited to Ave Maria secondary school, Portharcourt.

1.7 Limitation of study

Finance,inadequate materials and time constraint were the challenges the researchers encountered during the course of the study.

1.8 Definition of terms

Library:A library is a collection of materials, books or media that are easily accessible for use and not just for display purposes.

Utilization: The action of making practical and effective use of something.

Academic Achievement:Academic achievement describes academic outcomes that indicate the extent to which a student has achieved their learning goals.

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