A system for library resources utilization at Kitante Primary School

Abstract

The study “system for utilisation of library resources was conducted at Kintante Primary School (KPS)” and it aimed to investigate the strategies employed at KPS for utilisation of library resources, challenges faced in order to come up with guidelines, measures and strategies to improve on utilisation of library resources at KPS. The study was based on case study design with qualitative approach and used interviews, questionnaires and observation to collect data from 34 respondents who included pupils, teaching and non-teaching staff selected purposively. Study revealed that pupils are the most users of KPS library and the most period when the library is frequented is during exams and tests, in free hours. Study discovered that respondents used their free times to read textbooks, individual books, novels, newspapers and attend to discussions. Time passers and socialist seekers were few in the library as the librarian is very strict to nonsense doers. Study also revealed that debates, discussions, spelling and grammar helps, literacy help, collaborative discussion for teachers, and inter-library services are offered in the library at KPS. Borrowing service is only limited for teachers who are given only three days with library resources. The librarians are the only retrievers of library resources to avoid loss of materials. Challenges mainly attributed to lack of management support such as limited library space, inadequate library resources, limited funds for library operations, inadequate furniture facilities, lack of motivation of library staff, untamed users, loss of materials, tear and wear, and misplacement of library resources, manual library system, restricted hours of library operations were identified at KPS library. Extension of management support in terms of increase in financing, sensitization of patrons, employing of more staff, provision of borrowing services to pupils, acquisition of more library materials, reference services to users were the suggested solutions. Study recommends digitization of library services, adoption of new ICTs, provision of incentives and motivation to librarians and adequate funding to the library would help better the utilisation of library resources at KPS.