Materials of the Secondary School Libraries: vis a-vis Standard

Abstract

The survey was made to find out the extent to which school libraries in Imo State are meeting the standards as enshrined in the standard for school libraries in Nigeria by the Ministry of Education (1992). The work identifies the availability of school libraries and their library materials visa-vise the set standard. Data was collected using questionnaire designed and distributed to teacher librarians in all the 9 government secondary schools in Owerri Metropolis. On the spot observations were made to confirm the availability of the resources. The result shows that all the 9 government secondary schools in Owerri metropolis have libraries but are of below the stipulated standards in operation. In terms of library materials, none of the government secondary schools in Owerri metropolis met the set standard. However, Government College and Owerri Girls” have some of the audio-visual materials required of school library. Various problems were found to have contributed to the inadequate school library materials. These include: inadequate funding, attitude of the school management towards librarianship. unqualified library staff and laissez faire attitude of the state government towards the library profession. The work recommends provision of adequate fund and engagement of qualified library staff.