USE OF SCHOOL LIBRARY AND STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN SELECTED PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN CALABAR MUNICIPALITY, CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA

This study examined school libraries and students’ academic performance in selected public secondary schools in Calabar Municipality, Cross River State, Nigeria. Three research questions and hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. Survey research design was used for the study. The population of the study comprise of one thousand, two hundred and fifty-nine (1,259) selected secondary school students using purposive sampling technique with a sample of two hundred and fifty-two (252) students representing 20% of the entire population of the study. The main instrument used for data collection was a structured questionnaire titled: “School Libraries and Students’ Academic Performance Questionnaire” (SLSAPQ) designed by the researcher with the help of the supervisor. One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and independent t-test was employed to test the hypotheses. After testing the hypotheses, the findings revealed that there is a significant influence of use of library facilities on students’ academic performance in selected secondary schools in Calabar Municipality, Cross River State, use of technology in library significantly influence students’ academic performance in selected secondary schools in Calabar Municipality, Cross River State and there is a significant gender difference on students’ academic performance due to the use of library in selected secondary schools in Calabar Municipality, Cross River State. It was concluded that school libraries play a crucial role in students’ academic performance in secondary schools in Calabar Municipality, Cross River State, Nigeria. The impacts were found to be relevant to students learning outcomes. Therefore, the study recommends among others that school authority in Cross River State should make available a functional library in their various secondary schools for student to make use of in their studies at all time. This will not only boast students’ academic performance but will also increase their love for reading and learning (word count: 250).