Pattern of Library use among Primary Six Pupils in Three Communities in Niger State, Nigeria.

Abstract

The study investigated the influence of school library policy and availability of reading materials on reading culture among primary six pupils in Bosso, Tudun Fulani and Rafin Yashi communities in Niger state Nigeria. Four research questions guided the study which centered on library, materials acquired and used, frequency of visit and reading clubs/ societies. The population of the study consisted of primary six pupils, teachers, heads of school libraries and head teachers/mistress in six selected primary schools in Bosso, Tudun Fulani and Rafin Yashi communities in Bosso Local Government of Niger state, Nigeria. Thirty staff and thirty primary school pupils were randomly selected for the study. Questionnaires and interview guides were the two research instruments used and data analysed using frequency counts and percentages, while responses from interview were analysed thematically to support the quantitative data. Results showed that school libraries do not exist in the two primary school owned by Bosso Local Government, while primary school owned by federal institutions and private organization have libraries on average status. There were no laid down polices on school library collection and reading materials. The study further revealed that reading materials were not acquired on regular basis. Reading materials acquired include books on various subject and story books; toys and see-sow were the playing materials. Pupils belong to debate, mathematics and dancing clubs and that none of the pupils cast news during morning assemble. Majority of pupils do not visit school library to read. The study concluded that lack of laid down school library policy, inadequate reading materials and non-existence of reading clubs, discourage pupils to cultivate reading habit. The study recommended that: the proprietors/management of schools within the communities and the entire Bosso Local Government should design library policy that would take care of not only the establishment of school libraries, acquisition of reading and playing materials but also formation of reading club, constant visit to school libraries to read.