THE INFLUENCE OF LIBRARY RESOURCES AND SERVICES ON STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT IN SELECTED SECONDARY SCHOOL LEVEL IN OBIO/AKPOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, RIVERS STATE

1.1 Background to the Study The role of libraries in both secondary and tertiary institutions has evolved significantly. Since the 1950s, Africa has seen the establishment of nearly 30,000 new secondary school libraries. In Nigeria, numerous government-funded initiatives have supported the development and expansion of library collections and services in both primary and secondary schools, leading to major improvements in the quality of library resources available to students. It is widely recognized that learning primarily takes place within the school environment. Among the core support services necessary in education systems at all levels—primary, secondary, and tertiary—is the provision of library services. A well-equipped school library enhances the delivery of academic programs, thus supporting the realization of educational goals and objectives (Anyawu, Obichere & Ossai-Onah, 2021). The World Bank (2018) affirms that an operational school library provides students with increased access to reading materials, which in turn strengthens their learning, writing, reading comprehension, and communication skills. Fakomogbon, Bada, and Omiola (2018) highlight that in light of constantly evolving curricula, school libraries play a vital role in helping both students and teachers stay informed on current educational developments. Research further reveals that student engagement with library facilities can significantly affect their academic outcomes. For instance, Ginika (2017) demonstrated that when students are given access to library services, their use of library resources increases. He maintained that students cannot rely solely on classroom instruction for knowledge acquisition; instead, they must supplement their learning with resources available in both physical and digital libraries. Adeyemi (2021) emphasized that consistent use of library materials is directly linked to students' intellectual development. School libraries are designed to meet the information needs of students by offering easy access to educational materials. Vent (2016) also found a strong correlation between library resources and positive student learning outcomes. Farmer (2020) concluded that the importance of school libraries is undeniable and that they play a pivotal role in students’ academic performance. Despite these benefits, studies and initial observations indicate that many Nigerian secondary school students fail to gain admission into higher institutions due to poor performance in entrance examinations. This underachievement, which poses a threat to students’ educational advancement, is often attributed to an inadequate learning environment—especially the lack or poor quality of school library services. In this context, academic achievement serves as a key metric for assessing educational progress. A student's ability to complete academic tasks effectively is strongly tied to their overall performance. Academic performance is most commonly evaluated using grades, which reflect how well a student can absorb, retain, and articulate learned information, whether in written or oral form. Nnadozie (2020) categorizes library services into two major areas: technical services and user services. The term "library services" encompasses all forms of assistance that a library offers to its users. These services significantly influence the intellectual, emotional, and overall well-being of those who utilize the library. Library services may be rendered directly or indirectly and may be tailored to individual users or groups. Given the critical role that libraries play in educational development, this study aims to explore how library resources and services affect the academic performance of secondary school students in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State. 1.2 Statement of the Problem According to a World Bank (2018) report, many school libraries in Sub-Saharan Africa face challenges such as underqualified staff and a lack of essential library materials. In South Africa, for instance, limited access to a diverse range of library resources remains a major hurdle in delivering effective library services. Similarly, Benard, Ronald, Dulle, and Frankwell (2021) reported that secondary school students in Tanzania encounter numerous challenges when trying to use their school libraries. These challenges include restricted operating hours, outdated materials, and a shortage of trained librarians. In Nigeria, despite the fact that the National Policy on Education (2004) recognizes the importance of libraries within the educational framework, research continues to highlight the difficulties faced in providing adequate library services in secondary schools (Adeyemi, 2021). A major issue is the lack of sufficient funding. Limited budgets are among the most significant barriers to maintaining well-resourced and functional school libraries in Nigeria. Adeyemi (2021) noted that government support for library funding—especially in public secondary schools—has been largely inadequate, with over 90% of such schools depending heavily on government allocations. Furthermore, there is an ongoing shortage of professionally trained library staff in Nigerian secondary and primary schools. The common practice of assigning unqualified individuals to serve as teacher-librarians only worsens the problem. These individuals often lack formal training in library science, which prevents them from fully utilizing the library’s resources to benefit students. Although several studies—such as Farmer (2020)—have shown that access to and use of school libraries positively impact students' academic achievement, challenges surrounding staffing, infrastructure, and resources continue to hinder library effectiveness in schools. While previous research has investigated these issues in other regions of Nigeria, this study specifically focuses on the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State. Unlike earlier studies, which primarily surveyed students, this research will center on teachers' perspectives. Therefore, the goal of this study is to assess the influence of library resources and services on the academic achievement of secondary school students within this particular local government area. 1.3 Purpose of the Study The general objective of the study is to evaluate the Influence of Library Resources and Services on Students’ Academic Performance at the Secondary School Level in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State . Specifically, the study will be guided by the following: i.To examine the library resources and services provided by secondary schools in Obio/Akpor LGA. ii. To find out the extent to which students make use of the library resources and services in secondary schools in Obio/Akpor LGA. iii. To investigate the impact of the library services and resources on students' academic achievement in Obio/Akpor LGA. iv. To assess the challenges in the provision of library resources and services in secondary school in Obio/Akpor LGA. v.To identify the strategies that can be used to enhance library resources and services in Obio/Akpor LGA. 1.4 Research Questions The following questions have been prepared for the study: i. What are the library resources and services provided by secondary schools in Obio/Akpor LGA? ii. To what extent do students make use of the library resources and services in secondary schools in Obio/Akpor LGA? iii. What is the impact of the library services and resources on students' academic achievement in Obio/Akpor LGA? iv. What are the challenges in the provision of library resources and services in secondary school in Obio/Akpor LGA? v. What are the strategies that can be used to enhance library resources and services in Obio/Akpor LGA? 1.5 Hypotheses The following hypotheses have been formulated for the study: H01: There is no provision of library resources and services in secondary schools in Obio/Akpor LGA. H02: The extent to which students make use of the library resources and services in Obio/Akpor LGA is low. H03: Library resources and services do not have a positive impact on students' academic achievement in Obio/Akpor LGA. 1.6 Significance of the Study A vivid understanding on the impact of library resources and services on student's academic achievement, its importance and need for availability and utilization by students as well as the significant role it places in the academic achievement of students would be of immense relevant to managements of schools, the government, researchers, students and all the various bodies that comes to play when talking of library resources and student academic achievement. The outcome of the study will help students to strategize and reconstruct their attitude regarding the utilization of available library resources in their schools. It will also push them further to identify the exciting benefits that comes when school library resources are utilized by student. 1.7 Scope of the Study This study will examine the library resources and services provided by secondary schools in Obio/Akpor LGA. The study will also find out the extent at which students make use of the library resources and services in secondary schools in Obio/Akpor LGA. The study will further investigate the impact of the library services and resources on student's academic achievement in Obio/Akpor LGA. More so, the study will assess the challenges in the provision of library resources in secondary school in Obio/Akpor LGA. Lastly, the study will identify the strategies that can be used to enhance library resources and services in Obio/Akpor LGA. Hence this study will be delimited to Obio/Akpor LGA 1.8 Limitations of the study As with many other research endeavors, this study encountered several challenges. One of the primary difficulties was the lack of readily available and accurate materials relevant to the topic under investigation, as well as the inability to obtain sufficient data. The researcher also faced financial limitations, which created obstacles in sourcing appropriate materials and in carrying out the printing and compilation of questionnaires. In addition, time constraints posed another significant challenge. The need to balance the demands of writing the research with other academic responsibilities made the research process particularly strenuous and demanding for the researcher. 1.9 Definition of terms Library resources: those materials, both print and non-print, found in school libraries which support curricular and personal information needs Students: a person who is studying at a university or other place of higher education. Academic achievements: performance outcomes that indicate the extent to which a person has accomplished specific goals that were the focus of activities in instructional environments, specifically in school, college, and university.