1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of Study
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the need for inclusive and culturally responsive libraries that cater to the diverse reading interests and backgrounds of students. The focus has increasingly been on creating engaging library programs and initiatives that promote reading for pleasure, critical thinking, and independent learning. Contemporary research underscores the importance of access to diverse reading materials and the active involvement of librarians in fostering a reading culture (Todd & Kuhlthau, 2005; Krashen, 2004).
The digital revolution of the 1990s and 2000s brought about significant changes in the landscape of school libraries. With the advent of the internet and digital resources, libraries transformed into multifaceted information hubs. The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) introduced standards for the 21st-century learner, underscoring the role of libraries in developing information literacy alongside reading proficiency (AASL, 2007). Studies during this period continued to affirm the positive impact of school libraries on reading culture, particularly when librarians played an active instructional role (Scholastic, 2008).
The function of reading in the development of human life and his society cannot be overemphasized as it adds quality to life and is a pathway to the future. Simply put, reading is a basic building block for learning. It is a necessity for full participation in contemporary society. In effect, reading in its entirety and variety is necessary for being better informed. It stimulates imagination, widens views, expands horizons, encourages quick learning and helps in learning about different people and places. Generally, reading invokes curiosity and imagination that leads to skills for handling complex ideas and issues. In an age when browsing the net, playing with funky handsets and passing non-stop short message service (SMSs) seem to be the order of the day, reading a book in a peaceful corner of a library has become an archaic idea for most people.
The significance of cultivating a robust reading culture among secondary school students cannot be overstated, as it is foundational to their academic success and lifelong learning. School libraries play a pivotal role in this endeavor by providing access to diverse reading materials and creating an environment conducive to reading. As information hubs, school libraries support the curriculum, enhance literacy skills, and foster a love for reading among students. The effective use of school libraries has been linked to improved reading habits, better academic performance, and overall educational outcomes (Krashen, 2004).
Recent studies have highlighted the impact of well-resourced and properly managed school libraries on students' reading habits. For instance, Lance and Kachel (2018) found that schools with comprehensive library programs and certified librarians reported higher reading scores and greater student engagement in reading activities. Furthermore, the presence of a vibrant reading culture within a school can significantly influence students' attitudes towards reading, encouraging them to read more frequently and diversely (Todd, Gordon, & Lu, 2011).
The importance of fostering a reading culture among secondary school students has gained considerable attention in educational discourse, recognizing its crucial role in enhancing literacy, academic performance, and lifelong learning skills. A reading culture is characterized by a habitual engagement with reading for pleasure and information, contributing significantly to the cognitive and emotional development of students (Guthrie & Wigfield, 2000). School libraries serve as critical facilitators in the development of this reading culture. They provide students with access to a wide range of reading materials, including fiction, non-fiction, periodicals, and digital resources, thereby catering to diverse interests and reading levels (Williams, Wavell, & Coles, 2001). The presence of a well-stocked and inviting library environment encourages students to explore different genres and subjects, fostering a habit of regular reading.
The school library is the child's first exposure to library use. The reason for establishing school libraries is for them to serve as a pivot for reading and promoting reading habit among school children. The school library brings together books and other formats of literacy materials and the readers under the expert guidance of a certified or professional librarian for the promotion of a sustainable reading culture. Apart from provision of reading materials, school libraries provide reading programmes that motivate students to read for pleasure. Reading programmes are reading activities school libraries provide to create awareness of the collections and motivate students to read for pleasure.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Investigation revealed that many school libraries operate with limited budgets, which restricts their ability to acquire a diverse and up-to-date collection of reading materials. This lack of resources can diminish the appeal of the library and limit students' access to books that interest them and support their learning needs (American Library Association, 2018). Without adequate funding, libraries struggle to provide the variety of materials necessary to engage a wide range of student interests and reading levels.
Furthermore, the effectiveness of library programs in promoting reading culture can vary significantly based on the creativity, commitment, and support of the school administration. In some schools, innovative programs and activities that promote reading for pleasure and academic purposes are lacking. This inconsistency in library programming can lead to disparities in students' reading experiences and outcomes (Krashen, 2004).
To enable the school library fulfill its role of promoting reading culture, it provides not only books but items such as motion pictures, video tapes, slides, educational materials, etc as library collections. It is also the culture or habit that enables one to imbibe reading and studying as a library include; fiction and non-fiction books and books on other subject matters. Books on current affairs keep them abreast of current happenings. On this background the researcher wants to examine the influence of use of school libraries in promoting reading culture among secondary school students.
1.3 Aim and Objectives of the Study
The aim of the study is to examine the Influence of Use of School Libraries in Promoting Reading Culture Among Secondary School Students using Calabar Metropolis of Cross River State as a case study. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To ascertain whether school libraries promote reading culture among secondary school in the area under study;
- To identify strategies used by teachers and librarians to incorporate library materials into the curriculum;
- To examine the relationship between the availability of information resources and students’ reading habits;
- To determine the extent of utilization of school libraries in secondary school; and
- To assess the extent to which library resources are utilized in classroom activities and assignments.
1.4 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- Does school library promote reading culture among secondary school in the area under study?
- Is there any relationship between the availability of information resources and students’ reading habits?
- What is the extent of utilization of school libraries in secondary school?
- To what extent is library resources utilized in classroom activities and assignments?
- What are the strategies used by teachers and librarians to incorporate library materials into the curriculum?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
Hypothesis One
- H0: The use of school libraries does not significantly promote a reading culture among secondary school students
- H1: The use of school libraries significantly promotes a reading culture among secondary school students
Hypothesis Two
- H0: There is no relationship between the availability of information resources and students' reading habits
- H1: There is relationship between the availability of information resources and students' reading habits
1.6 Significance of Study
The findings of this research will provide insights into how school libraries contribute to the development of students' reading habits and literacy skills. Improved reading skills are closely linked to better academic performance and overall educational outcomes
Furthermore, this study will give a clear insight on the influence of use of school libraries in promoting reading culture among secondary school students. The study will be beneficial to educational sector, students and the general public. The study will also serve as a reference to other researchers that will embark on this topic
1.7 Scope of Study
The scope of the research focuses on the Influence of Use of School Libraries in Promoting Reading Culture Among Secondary School Students in Calabar Metropolis of Cross River State.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Availability of Research Material: The research material available to the researcher is insufficient, thereby limiting the study.
- Organizational Privacy: Limited Access to the selected auditing firm makes it difficult to get all the necessary and required information concerning the activities.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
- Lack of Initial Cooperation from Respondents: A particular limitation of this work came as a result of the respondent refusal to offer their cooperation at the initial time they were contacted. This contributed in making the success of this research study difficult.
1.9 Definition of Terms
Reading Culture:
It is the use of reading as a regular activity and the cultivation of an attitude and the possession of skills that make reading a pleasurable, regular and constant activity.
School Library:
A school library is a library within a school where students, staff, and often, parents of a public or private school have access to a variety of resources
Reading Materials:
It is the various forms of texts and media available for reading, including books (fiction and non-fiction), magazines, newspapers, digital books (e-books), and online resources (Williams, Wavell, & Coles, 2001).
Secondary School:
A secondary school is both an organization that provides secondary education and the building where this takes place
Librarian:
A trained professional responsible for managing the library's resources, providing reference services, guiding students in their reading choices, and organizing programs to promote reading and literacy (Lance & Kachel, 2018).
