Influence of library information resources utilisation on lifelong learning of secondary school students in Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State

Abstract

This study investigates the availability and utilisation of school library resources and their impact on lifelong learning among secondary school students in Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State. The study addresses observed issues of poor academic performance, underdeveloped research habits, and insufficient reading skills among students, despite the presence of school libraries intended to foster intellectual growth and lifelong learning. Justification for this study stems from the critical role that school libraries play in supporting educational outcomes and lifelong learning skills, which are essential for students' academic and personal development. Understanding how effectively students engage with available library resources and identifying barriers to their usage are necessary steps toward improving educational support systems within the region. A sample size of 315 students from ten secondary schools was determined using Krejcie & Morgan’s (1970) table, with an 85% response rate. The sample size was distributed proportionally across the schools according to their respective student populations, based on a total population of 1,736 students. Senior secondary students (SS1-SS3) were then selected through random sampling, offering a comprehensive view of resource utilisation in this demographic. The findings reveal that resources like textbooks, storybooks, and dictionaries are moderately used, primarily for test preparation, recreation, and studying, with a weighted mean of 3.07. However, significant challenges, such as the absence of a library policy, inadequate funding, poor ICT infrastructure, and limited student awareness, hinder effective library resource use, as indicated by a weighted mean of 2.94. Despite these barriers, students who regularly engage with library resources show a 15% improvement in academic performance.