| Content | CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
This research is on Information retrieval systems in academic libraries (a case study of federal polytechnic, nekede owerri).
Information is a basic human need. It is needed in all facts of human endeavour. No society and libraries can function effectively without the intensive of information whether in print or non-print format.
It is therefore pertinent to know how this information can be retrieved and disseminated for use by the users or the society in a modern world. The different systems of information retrieval in academic libraries are therefore discussed in this write up with special interest on Federal Polytechnic Library Nekede, Owerri.
The world in information cannot be mentioned in isolation of human beings. Information has been described as the master resource, the chief raw material and the principle product on modern economic. Even before the modern world, the ancient world has been dealing with information gathering, storage and retrieval which were done in an ancient way where papyrus, clay tablets e.t.c. were used.
Information can be seen as data that have be subjected to functions capable of answering a users query, be it recorded, summarized or simple collection that would help in decision making, according to Uwem, (2008) defined information as a finished product ready for use, the source and medium of communication not with sanding information therefore, can help to ensure the effective use of other resources when it gets to the right people and at the right time.
Consequently, the basic objective of any library be it academic, public, school or special library includes the acquisition of information, surveying materials properly processing, organizing, storing and retrieving for disseminating such information to interested users. Hence every academic libraries whether the limits of its fund, develop sufficient information both in scope, nature and size to support the users information needs and aspiration will largely depend on a specific question and its ability to supply known information are produced in form of language even to retrieve information is inform of language, most times, the users found it increasingly difficult to cope with the basic problems of accessing particular information items for use.
This research purpose to investigate the various system adopted by the academic library under study in retrieving for use known information items when needed and to retrieve documents on a particular subject problem and questions encountered.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
The period under review in this research work is of great importance in academic libraries. It is a period of technological information explosion.
This is a period when many retrieval systems exists, where more efficient and accurate retrieval system has been developed like computer and internet which links different but many stations together.
However, there are basic problems which militate against the efficient utilization of these resources and these problems include.
a. Lack of funds
b. Government apathy to academic libraries
c. Low literacy level in Nigeria
d. Poor computer informed staff in the academic libraries.
1.3 Objective of the study
In order to evaluate information retrieval system in Federal Polytechnic Library Nekede, Owerri, the following objectives are to be focused.
i. To identify the existence of information retrieval system in the library.
ii. To know how information resources are organized in the library in its retrieval effort.
iii. To identify the problems encountered by the library in its information retrieval effort.
iv. Identify the process on how information retrieval system are improved in the library.
v. To highlighting the changes of information retrieval system in the library.
1.4 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
This study is limited to the information retrieval processes in academic libraries. This study is further narrowed down to academic libraries and specific focus on Federal Polytechnic Library Nekede. The different information retrieval processes were reviewed with unique interest in the libraries as it applies to the library under study. This library was chosen so as to evaluate the developments and the changes that have taken place in the library under study as regards to information retrieval system.
1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
This study is significant because there is no society that can function without information. So information can only be relevant when it gets to the right people at the right time and in the right dosage. It is sine-qua-non to library users, librarians, administration and the entire society.
1.6 RESEARCH QUESTION
What are the extent of information retrieval system used in Federal Polytechnic Library Nekede?
ii. How does Federal Polytechnic Library Nekede, organize their materials in the library.
iii. What are the problems of information retrieval systems in the library?
iv. How does information retrieval systems improve in the library?
v. Do they have changes in information retrieval system in the library? | CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
Information is a basic human need. It is needed in all facts of human endeavour. No society and libraries can function effectively without the intensive of information whether in print or non-print format.
It is therefore pertinent to know how this information can be retrieved and disseminated for use by the users or the society in a modern world. The different systems of information retrieval in academic libraries are therefore discussed in this write up with special interest on Federal Polytechnic Library Nekede, Owerri.
The world in information cannot be mentioned in isolation of human beings. Information has been described as the master resource, the chief raw material and the principle product on modern economic. Even before the modern world, the ancient world has been dealing with information gathering, storage and retrieval which were done in an ancient way where papyrus, clay tablets e.t.c. were used.
Information can be seen as data that have be subjected to functions capable of answering a users query, be it recorded, summarized or simple collection that would help in decision making, according to Uwem, (2008) defined information as a finished product ready for use, the source and medium of communication not with sanding information therefore, can help to ensure the effective use of other resources when it gets to the right people and at the right time.
Consequently, the basic objective of any library be it academic, public, school or special library includes the acquisition of information, surveying materials properly processing, organizing, storing and retrieving for disseminating such information to interested users. Hence every academic libraries whether the limits of its fund, develop sufficient information both in scope, nature and size to support the users information needs and aspiration will largely depend on a specific question and its ability to supply known information are produced in form of language even to retrieve information is inform of language, most times, the users found it increasingly difficult to cope with the basic problems of accessing particular information items for use.
This research purpose to investigate the various system adopted by the academic library under study in retrieving for use known information items when needed and to retrieve documents on a particular subject problem and questions encountered.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
The period under review in this research work is of great importance in academic libraries. It is a period of technological information explosion.
This is a period when many retrieval systems exists, where more efficient and accurate retrieval system has been developed like computer and internet which links different but many stations together.
However, there are basic problems which militate against the efficient utilization of these resources and these problems include.
a. Lack of funds
b. Government apathy to academic libraries
c. Low literacy level in Nigeria
d. Poor computer informed staff in the academic libraries.
1.3 Objective of the study
In order to evaluate information retrieval system in Federal Polytechnic Library Nekede, Owerri, the following objectives are to be focused.
i. To identify the existence of information retrieval system in the library.
ii. To know how information resources are organized in the library in its retrieval effort.
iii. To identify the problems encountered by the library in its information retrieval effort.
iv. Identify the process on how information retrieval system are improved in the library.
v. To highlighting the changes of information retrieval system in the library.
1.4 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
This study is limited to the information retrieval processes in academic libraries. This study is further narrowed down to academic libraries and specific focus on Federal Polytechnic Library Nekede. The different information retrieval processes were reviewed with unique interest in the libraries as it applies to the library under study. This library was chosen so as to evaluate the developments and the changes that have taken place in the library under study as regards to information retrieval system.
1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
This study is significant because there is no society that can function without information. So information can only be relevant when it gets to the right people at the right time and in the right dosage. It is sine-qua-non to library users, librarians, administration and the entire society.
1.6 RESEARCH QUESTION
What are the extent of information retrieval system used in Federal Polytechnic Library Nekede?
ii. How does Federal Polytechnic Library Nekede, organize their materials in the library.
iii. What are the problems of information retrieval systems in the library?
iv. How does information retrieval systems improve in the library?
v. Do they have changes in information retrieval system in the library?
1.7 DEFINITION OF TERMS
For the purpose of understanding this project work under study, the following items are relevant to point out. They are as follows: -
ACADEMIC LIBRARY: An academic library is a library that is been established in higher institutions, such as universities, polytechnics and college of education which serve the teaching and research needs of students and staff. This library serve two complementary purpose which are to support the schoolÕs curriculum and to support the research or the university faculties and students.
INFORMATION: This refers to a fact told or communicated that, fact is a piece of information that is referred as true. It can also be seen as a processed data which is communicated or receive which also can be used in making an information decision.
INFORMATION RETRIEVAL: This means the systematic storage and recovery of data as from a file and catalogue or memory bank of a computer. It equally means document delivery such as mails, photocopied document, data bank mail, links, library searches, personal files, catalogue and database design.
INFORMATION STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL SYSTEM: This refers to a system that stores record in a file, accept requests for information, search the file for data relevant to each request, retrieve the data and provide the information to the requester. The aim of such system is to help access and use knowledge that has been recorded. An effective information system stores a large number of records yet retrieves desired record rapidly and accurately in response to requests. | | CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
This research is on Information retrieval methods (a case study of Onitsha divisional library). Information is a basic human need. It is needed virtually in all facets of human endavour such as teaching, learning, business, decision making, education, travel etc. No modern society can function effectively within the intensive of information whether in print or non print format.
It is therefore pertinent to know how these information can be harness, retrieved and disseminated for use by the user or the society in a modern world. The different methods of information retrieval are therefore discussed in this write up with special interest on Onitsha divisional library.
The word information cannot be mentioned in isolation of human beings. Information has been described as the master resource, the chief raw material and the principle product of modern economics. Even before the modern world, the ancient world has been dealing with information gathering storage and retrieval which were done in an ancient ways where papyrus, clay tablets etc were used. Information can be seen as data that have been subjected to some logical processing or functions capable of answering a user?s query, be it recorded, summarized or simply collected that would help in decision making.
Information retrieval methods or systems came into beings as a means of ensuring that information generated and recorded do not get lost over time. Before knowledge became, individuals formed the repository of knowledge. With libraries, repository of knowledge began to change into recorded form. Nowadays the quantity of new information being generated is such that no individual can hope to cope with this information explosion and at the same time make them available to users. This led to the use of information retrieval with minimum cost in time, labour and money. Information retrieval method or system therefore is the process of searching some collections of documents in order to identify those documents in order to identify those documents which deals with a particular subject.
Reitz (2004) defines information retrieval (IR) as the process, methods and procedure used to selectively recall recorded information from a file of data. In libraries, searches is made typically for a know item or formation on a specific subject, and the five is usually a human readable catalogue or index, or index, or a computer-based information storage and retrieval system, such as an on-line catalogues and bibliography database. In the design of such systems, a balance must be attained between speed, accuracy, cost and effectiveness. Any system that is designed to facilitate the literature searching activity may legitimately be called an information retrieval system. The catalogue, Index and bibliography, abstract as well as computers is known as information retrieval systems (IRS)
In the library today, instead of the individual storing the knowledge in the brain and mind, we have the corporate store, the library, instead of the individual memory, we have the corporate memory. The library catalogues, bibliographies indexes and computers. These information retrieved systems (tools) contain the bibliographical details of documents such as the author, edition, call-number, publisher, place of publication, date etc. These details help the user to identify the current title, author of the document without which retrieval becomes impossible.
Thus, the researcher purposes to investigate the various process adopted by the public library under study in retrieving for use known information items needed to retrieve documents on a particular subject problem and questions encountered.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF ONITSHA DIVISIONAL LIBRARY
In Nigeria, educational activities started with the arrival of the whitemen who introduced their religion to us. In the process, churches and schools were established. A seminar was organized for the development of public libraries in Africa and it is hold at the university college, Ibadan between 27th July and 21st August, 1953. This seminar focuses on drawing up guidelines for the public library services. The seminar also covered all aspects of public libraries and the major outcome includes the formation of the professional library association then called West African library Association (WALA). The impact of WALA is quite immense.
The Eastern Nigeria government then under the leadership of late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe too up the chance of UNESCO (United Nations Educational and scientific cultural organization) conference and invites professionals from the regions to come and help to establish public library in the region. Late Mr. Kalu Okorie come and surveyed the Eastern region and make recommendations, part of which is that there must be library legislation to give legal backing to the establishment of public library services. This recommendation is accepted by the regional government.
The Eastern part of Nigeria therefore becomes the first region to have library board and library legislation. The establishment of the library actually takes effect in 1958 with the building of the regional library headquarter at Enugu. This quickly followed with the establishment of divisional libraries at port Harcourt, Ikote Ekpne Umuahia and later at Onitsha and other branch libraries were also established Onitsha Divisional library was establish in 1967. It is not a separate library of its own. The library is use during the war as Onitsha high court until 1972, when the library is renovated and open for users consultation, following the creation of 19 states in 1973 Anambra State is created out of the east central state just like Imo state, each of the states had libraries within its area of jurisdiction.
On 11th September 1976, Anambra State Government Constitute the state library board with the responsibility of equipping other divisional libraries in the state. This board is set up to serve the people within their community. The acquisition of this library is mainly materials from Enugu.
Onitsha divisional library is opened on the 28th November 1966, by the Military Governor, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu. The library has passed through many directors. Because of the creation of the new Anambra State in 1991 with its capital at Awka, the materials obtain as part of the library?s share were housed at St. Mary?s High School Ifitedunu because there is no permanent building for the library board.
The present administration under the leadership of Mr. Peter Obi give Onitsha divisional library a new look as most of the old books has been weeded out and replace with more current ones, furnish it, repaint it, beautify the compound, establish a Microsoft centre for E-library services. The Microsoft unit building has been completed but equipment it is still in progress (Mr. Peter Obi) donated reading desks and shelves, tables and chairs for the Microsoft centre.
The former director of library is Barr. Chris O. Onebunne who retired from service on April 2009 before Mr. Osigwe N. took over from him and become the present director of library services. The incumbent divisional library is Nkechi Udeze.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
The period under review in this research work is of great importance. It is a period of manual information explosion. It is a period more many retrieval methods exist, where more efficient, rapid and accurate retrieval methods has been developed such as the use of catalogue card, index and bibliography abstract as well as the computer.
However, there re basic problems which militates against the utilization of these methods or systems. Some of these problem includes: Low literacy level, Lack of funds, Government apathy to libraries, the pitiable conditions of our public libraries.
1.3 PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
This study aims at finding the causes and solutions to the problems of information retrieval methods by the library. The following objectives are:
i. To identify the available information retrieval system used by library under study
ii. To know the types of information retrieval in the library
iii. To discover how information is being organized in the library.
iv. To identify the problems encountered by the library in its information retrieval efforts.
v. Making useful recommendations of how best to improve on the methods of information retrieval in the library
1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The study is significant because the library users, librarians, administrators and the entire public will see it as a guide to their field of endeavours especially the (librarians)
Again there is no information can only be relevant when it goes to the right people at the right time.
1.5 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
This study is focused on public library only due to financial constraint and time that the researcher cannot be able to cover other libraries like national libraries, academic and special libraries etc.
1.6 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
i. What are the information retrieval methods used in Onitsha business library?
ii. What are the type of information retrieval Onitsha divisional library is operating?
iii. How are materials being arranged or organized to enhance easy location?
iv. What are the problems of information retrieval methods in the library?
v. What are the useful recommendations that should be adopted to improve method of information retrieval in the library under study? | BREAKDOWN OF THE ASUP STRIKE
1. Preparation/Embarking
2. Appeal
3. Resolution
4. Violence
5. Direct Action.
DEFINITION OF BREAKDOWN
? Preparation/embarking: according to Longman dictionary, these two subjects can be used to ascertain/ talk about something starting now. It means starting something new for any reason.
? Appeal: oxford learner?s dictionary also defines an appeal as an urgent public request regarding a particular matter.
? Resolution: The dictionary stands firmly to define this as an act and behaviour of being resolution. Therefore, being resolute also is defined to mean being determined not to change what you are doing because you are sure that you are right.
? Violence: This can be define as an act of being violent in the oxford learners dictionary, being violent/an act of violence can be define as involving actions that are in tended to injure or kill people or are likely to hurt them too.
? Direction: This can be define as a way of taking or involving major steps and particular decisions either to enhance or effect the present situation being faced at hand.
?
BIBLIOGRAPHIC ENTRIES
PREPARATION/EMBARKING
1. Ademola. 2013. The ASUU, ASUP strike. Daily Sun. 9th July. P. 9.
2. Adesuole, Dayo, 2013. ASUP may resume strike, unless. Vanguard. 18th July. P.12.
3. Ojiego, Nnemdi. 2013. ASUP: is strike still the best option. Vanguard. 9th July. P.10.
4. Chukwuka, Chinedu. 2012. ASUP Strike: why has the press forsaken us? Daily Sun. 9th June. P.33.
5. Ekpunobi, Dom. 2011. Unizik alumni chairman appeals to striking poly lectures. Daily Sun. 8th June. P.48.
RESOLUTION
6. Onwudinso, Emeka. 2013. Stop paying lop service to polytechnic education ASUP tells FG. Daily Sun. 9th July. P.36.
7. Adesulu, Dayo. 2013. ASUP, ASUU strikes ground varsities polytechnics. Vanguard. 4th July. P.12.
8. Madukwe, Bartholomew. 2013. Strike: ASUP remains adamant says no going back on demands. Vanguard. 2nd July. P.11.
9. Ademola, Tayo. 2014. ASUP/ASUU arises: varsities turn ghost towns poly students fear fresh strike. Vanguard. 22nd August. P.10.
10. Adesulu, Dayo. 2012. Stike: Varsity, poly students protest in Lagos block roads. Vanguard. May 10th. P.40.
VIOLENCE
11. Arenyeka,Laju. 2013. ASUP Strike: Goodluck as protesting students storm Lagos road. Vanguard. July 10th. P.10.
12. Olatunji, David. 2014. Strike: Travelers stranded as poly students protest. Vanguard. 28th June. P.6.
13. Adesulu, Dayo. 2013. ASUP suspends strike. Vanguard. July 16th. P.12.
14. Adesulu, Dayo. 2014. ASUP exco meets on strike today. Vanguard. June 16th. P.10.
15. Adesulu, Dayo. 2013. Senator move to end 67 ? day ASUP strike. Vanguard. July 8th. P.15.
DIRECT ACTION
16. Adesulu, Dayo. 2013. Senator wades into ASUP strike. Vanguard. 9th July. P.20.
17. Agbakwuru, Johnbosco. 2014. For not read to implement agreement ASUP. Vanguard. 19th June. P.41.
18. Ojiego, Nnamdi. 2012. ASUP Strike: Polytechnic Slam media over block out. Vanguard. 3rd June. P.6.
19. Okoro, Judex. 2013. ASUP suspends strike, ASUU adamant. Vanguard. 17th June. P.22.
20. SONI, Daniel. 2013. ASUP Strike: Arena youths ask education minister to resign. Vanguard. 26th July. P.16.
?
AUTHOR INDEX
1. Admola Tayo 1,2
2. Adesulu Dayo 3,4,5,6,7,8,9
3. Agbakwuru, Johnbosco 10
4. Arenyeka Laju 11
5. Chukwuka Chinedu 12
6. Ekpunobi Dom 13
7. Madukwe Bartholomew 14
8. Ojiego Nnamdi 15,16
9. Okoro Judex 17
10. Olatuji David 18
11. Onuwdinjo Emeka 19
12. Soni Daniel 20
CHRONOLOGICAL INDEX
Year Entries
2011 ? 2014 1, 2, 3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10
11,12,13,14,15,16,17, 18,19,20.
SOURCE INDEX
SOURCE ENTRIES
1. Daily sun newspaper 1, 12, 13, 19
2. Vanguard newspaper 2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10
11,14,15,16,17,18
19,20.
SUBJECT INDEX
SUBJECT ENTRIES
Preparation/embarking 1, 2, 3
Appeal 4, 5, 6
Resolution 7, 8
Violence 9, 10, 11, 12
Direct action 13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20
PART 2
INDEX SURVEY ON THE 2011-2013 ACADEMIC STAFF UNION OF POLYTECHNIC (ASUP) STRIKE IN NIGERIA
BY
ORAEGBUNAM CALISTA
FPO/ND/RII/LIS/013/262
DEPARTMENT OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE, SCHOOL OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY,
FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC, OKO.
OCTOBER 2014
DEDICATION
This work is dedicated to the God almighty and my parent/guidance who made all these possible for me.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Bringing this to a successful completion, I give much thanks and gratitude to some thoughtful individual who made this a reality for me.
Firstly, I am grateful to the almighty God who for his infinite mercy gave me the life to begin this project and to finish it without problems. I also wish to thank my able supervisor, Mrs. Onyejeakor Sandra for whom through her careful, through criticism and helpful suggestions made through for the successful execution of this bibliography.
My thanks goes to my loving parent Mr. and Mrs. Oraegbunam, to my sailing and also to my guardians both home and abroad, for their love, financial support and advice, I am also grateful to everyone who stood by me through this heavy challenge of writing and making it with my mind, mostly my friends, Oraegbunam Ngozi, Eke Chioma, Ozoemena Oluchukwu, Oraegbunam Calistus, Onuoraha Chinenye, Ezenyi Victoria, Ujunwa and Chilota with utmost prayer of fruitfulness I show appreciation.
?
PREFACE
This compilation on the (2011-2014) academic staff union of polytechnic (ASUP) strike was embarked by the compiler to enable the public most especially the comprisation of students, lecturers, working class personnel?s and other prestigious people in the country to have an insight about the various problems affecting the standard of education in our country.
This research work on the ASUP strike will serve as a guide and a pointer to the details of information available on the present reasons why strike was being taken upon or why it has always been used as the last resort to end educational problems both by the students and staffs. It will also serve as a reading list for consultation by students in higher institution of learning.
Also, it will be of good benefit to librarians, professionals, information scientists etc. in the acquisition of available information on the past and present ASUP strikes.
?
INTRODUCTION
Down through the ages, education has always been at the for front of human existence, which entails that without education in this 21st century, its really going to be hard for the youths to make through for a better future.
According to Longman Dictionary ?education? can be defined as the process to teaching and learning usually at school, college or university, polytechnics on its own is an edifice of teaching and learning.
Strike also was defined as a situation whereby a group of workers stop working for a period of time because they went a better pay or better working conditions. The 2013 academic staff union of polytechnics (ASUP) strike was taken upon because the conditions which they expected the federal government to work on so as to enhance teaching in the various polytechnics in the country was over looked and not paid attention to by the government.
BREAKDOWN OF THE ASUP STRIKE
1. Preparation/Embarking
2. Appeal
3. Resolution
4. Violence
5. Direct Action.
DEFINITION OF BREAKDOWN
1. Preparation/Embarking: According to Longman Dictionary, these two subjects can be used to ascertain/talk about something starting now. It means starting something new for any reason.
2. Appeal: Oxford Learner?s Dictionary also defines an appeal as an urgent public request regarding a particular matter.
3. Resolution: The dictionary stands firmly to define this as an act and behaviour of being resolution. Therefore, being resolute also is defined to mean being determined not to change what you are doing because you are sure that you are right.
4. Violence: This can be define as an act of being violent in the oxford learners dictionary, being violent/an act of violence can be define as involving actions that are in tended to injure or kill people or are likely to hurt them too.
5. Direct Action: This can be define as a way of taking or involving major steps and particular decisions either to enhance or effect the present situation being faced at hand.
?
INDEXES ENTRIES
Preparation/Embarking
1. Adesulu, Dayo
ASUP may resume strike, unless
Embarking strike
V ? 15 ? 07 ? 13 ? 9
2. Ojiego, Nnamdi
ASUP: Is strike still the best option
Embarking strike
V ? 09 ? 07 ? 13 ? 10
3. Chukwuka, Chinedu.
ASUP Strike: Why has the press forsaken us?
Appeal
DS ? 09 ? 07 ? 13 ? 33
4. Ademola, Tayo.
ASUP/ASUU Crisis: Vestries turn ghost towns,
Poly students fear fresh strike
Violence
V ? 22 ? 08 ? 13 ? 10
5. Olatunjia, David
Strike: Travelers stranded as poly student protest
Violence
V ? 28 ? 06 ? 12 ? 6
6. Adesulu, Dayo.
ASUP exco meets on strike today
Nagotiation
V ? 16 ? 07 ? 12 ? 4
7. Adesulu, Dayo
Senate wades into ASUP strike
Direct Action
V ? 04 ? 07 ? 12 ? 4
8. Agbakwuru, Johnbosco
F.G. not ready to implement agreement ASUP
Direct Action
V. 19 ? 05 ? 14 - 41
9. Ojiego, Nnamdi
Poly students slam media over blackout
Resolution
V. 03 ? 07 ? 14 ? 6
10. Soni, Daniel
ASUP Strike: Arewa youths ask education minister to resign
Resolution
V. 26 ? 08 ? 14 ? 16
?
AUTHOR INDEX
Ademola Tayo 4
Adesulu Dayo 1, 6, 7
Agbakwuru Johnbosco 8
Chukwuka Chinedu 3
Ojiego Nnamdi 9, 2
Olatunji David 5
Soni Daniel 10
?
CHRONOLOGICAL INDEX
2011 ? 2014 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
?
SOURCE INDEX
DS ? Daily Sun 3
V ? Vanguard 1,2,4,5,6,7,8,9,10
?
SUBJECT INDEX
Appeal 3
Direct Action 7, 8
Embarking strike 1, 2
Negotiation 6
Resolution 9, 10
Violence 4, 5
? | CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF STUDY
This project work is on the school library as an effective instrument for academic excellence of schools on Owerri town. The word according to the new Lexicon Webster Dictionary of the English language. Library is defined as a room or building housing a collection of books usually arranged according to same plan. Such collection of book on related topics issued by a publisher.
The library has collection of records of human culture in print and non-print information purveying materials housed, preserve, organized, interpreted and managed by a professional librarian, to meet the broad and varying needs of users or clientele, for their information, knowledge, education, research, recreation and aesthetic appreciation.
However the word library is defined as a room or building containing books that can be looked at or borrowed by members of the public or members of the group or organization that owns the library.
According to Longman Dictionary of English language and culture; A building in which collections of books, CDs, newspapers, etc. are kept for people to read, study or borrow.
The library is an integral part of any academic institution where it is situated and no such institution can achieve its well throughout objectives without the library. It is not an adjunct to the parent institution, but an indispensable part. It is necessary to have library in our post primary schools because it is the central organ of an academic institution which determines the excellence of the institution in teaching and learning. School libraries are found in elementary post primary and higher schools and house the materials and services that students and teachers requires to carry out their academic activities. Their holdings consist of printed an audio-visual materials that support and extent the curricula and that attempt to make reading attractive to students.
According to encyclopedia Americana, they offer reference and inter-library loans in terms of size, 54.6% of school libraries have fewer than 2000 books, while 3% have more than 10000% books. In the early 1990s there were approximately 3500 school libraries in Mexico, representing a 24% increase in just two years. School libraries have also extended their missions and the level of their services in recent years.
Furthermore, from the above one can see that the school library has a remarkable role in academic excellent of students because the process of teaching and learning cannot be effectively done without incorporating the library of secondary education system. It is therefore an instrument of education excellence. In this regard Ishola (2002) says ?That whose function is to broaden the education of students by introducing them to spheres of knowledge outside the narrow confines of their school curriculum?
The school library can serve as follows:-
i. Resource center: Offers a wide variety of materials that information is not only stored in print form but also in non-print.
ii. Teaching Agency: Teacher students various skills which when acquired enhances their academic performance and discourage leaving by rote.
iii. Services Agency: Offer various services users to aid them make maximum utilization of the library resources.
iv. Recreation Agency: Guides students in their research work involving using the library by providing minor reference assistance to them.
v. Educational Agency: This is the overall development of an individual, growth, progressive reconstruction of experience and a life long process. The educational roles of the school library are:-
a) Inculcation of permanent literacy
b) Promotion of early child education
c) Enhancement of secondary education
d) Development of reading habits.
The school libraries thus has challenged the functions of parents, teachers, classroom and the various institutions that were formerly the exclusion, sources of knowledge and information.
The characteristic of the school library:
1. User: They are made up of the pupils, students and teachers. Some are more intelligent than others or some are eager to read while others are backward. The libraries should give more attention to the less intelligent once in order for them to meet up.
2. Contents: It contains materials that are book and non-book materials also contains materials based on the syllables and subjects taught at school chosen on basis of its individual merit considering the special needs and problem of the institution and the medium that most effectively conveys the desired content so that its objective will be met.
3. Location: It is part of the school community. They are to achieve the objectives of the school that set it up the library as a complement.
4. Functions: It is an integrating factor in the work of the school. The work of the school library is directed towards the definite education aims of the school.
A large percentage of pupil and students in nursery, primary and secondary schools are ignorant of the fact that personal intelligence and more knowledge of a subject does not automatically establish firm knowledge of a subject and excellence in school, the school library is an invaluable and for achieving academic excellence. Also teachers, parents and libraries are today concerned about the poor reading habits of our students, poor performance at school and fall in our educational standard. This cry has invariably elicited very passionate question in the minds of those who love and care of all round development of these students. The libraries are yearning collectively on how to combat this problem knowing the adverse effect of this ailment first in the lives of the pupils and students, secondly in the progress of a country like ours.
The relationship between school libraries and reading habits and that between school libraries and academic excellence has been a subject of theoretical interest and practical importance amongst librarians. However, this relationship has been established through effective reading and general success in academic pursuit. In the primary schools, the library laid the foundation for reading habits by importing reading skills at the formation stage of the pupils education. In the secondary schools they form the foundation for independent learning at present school and at successive stages of the students life by establishing firmly the reading habits acquired in the primary school. Also the school library communicates information from several information carries, for better understanding and broadcasting of knowledge and there produce profound effects on the various categories of the students populace who acquire the skill of utilizing and assimilating information from the library, thus become more successful than others by virtue of information and knowledge they possess via the library collections.
It was in view of this that Morgan (2003) asserts that in the hands of a cultured teacher the school library may serve as a link to bind together the home and school, and to arouse the interest of parents in what and how their children are reading, by referring them to the library.
Teachers can suggest to pupils valuable books suitable for their age, attainment, tastes and necessities. Seldom does a day pass when the vigilant teacher has not an opportunity, either in a class or in private conversation, to drop into the prepared soil of pupils mind a hint of some valuable books to read in the library.
In conclusion ?there is no better intellectual and moral influence than that which comes from reading a good book aloud in the family circle? Morgan (2003) concludes that:-
Learning with tear is now a thing of the past like wise learning from single textbook. As every good and resourceful teacher knows one of the crimes or worst sins a teacher can commit against his students is to feed them with wrong and outdated information, also for the purpose of education to be fully achieved, students and teachers need to consult several source for better understanding and clarity. Also, nothing could be as dangerous as ignorance and an ill-informed student as they fall prey to rumours and false propaganda. The library selects, acquires and store in a classified arrangement on shelves the best and up-to-date sources of information that keeps staff and students abreast of new developments in knowledge and understanding of the subject matter, encourage practical work and develop the powers of analytical appraisal and of critical thinking.
Learning can be one of the most exciting experience in life, while reading is identified as the single most important determinant of a childs success at school and in modern society as well. Learning also in modern life depends largely upon ones ability to interpret the printed messages accurately and fully, while reading is an educational task, essential for ones excellence in all academic pursuits. He who has other reasons for learning and reading besides interest in the subject has everything going for him, his interest broadens and cheap source of information during childhood education. Thus ideas absorbed from reading and learning through then remains with the students for the rest of their lives and produces profound effects and influences on their academics. Also the school library in no small measure plays a great part on the attitudes, behaviors, aspiration academic pursuits embarked upon by students and in determining the kind of people they can be Good readers who have mastered the tasks of reading agree that early exposure to a wide range of printed materials is a highly relevant factor in reading. The handicap most secondary schools students face in reading development is lack of good reading materials. The school libraries are indispensable in the area of provision and proper use of books, this have made them the forum on which the educational activities of our secondary school revolves. It behaves on students numerous information sources to exploit so as to enhance their academic performance and to excel. This way, it lays foundation for a brighter future. Knowledge acquired from the information embedded, in the library and resources is like a fortune rightly acquired. For it is ?the heart of the institution and the apex on which the intellectual life of the school and student rest?.
1.2 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF SECONDARY SCHOOL LIBRARIES IN OWERRI TOWN
The development of secondary school libraries in Owerri town could not be treated in isolation from that of school libraries in general in Owerri which commenced in the early 1950?s.
This historical development of secondary schools library started in government secondary school, Owerri now government college, Owerri which was established in 1952 and modern school, Owerri now Girls Secondary School, Owerri established in 1955.
Libraries in secondary school are established in government trade centre, which serves the educational (Technical) needs of those students in the technical education sector.
Moreover, due to the type of materials the library stock, it could not serve the general interest of the students in Owerri town. For this reason another library was established in the modern school, Owerri which now serve various categories of students. Despite the type of materials that the library stocked it contributed immensely to the educational development of the town. This was the state affairs until another library was established in the government secondary school which before then serve as a book depot for schools in the then Eastern region, as it was from there that books meant for primary and secondary in the eastern region sent by the then Colonia government were deposited for the various number of volumes of books meant for their school. However, it must be noted that the central library at Enugu was also providing library service known as ?library on wheels? to schools in Owerri town (secondary school) before the war, (Nigeria civil war). This factor led to the promotion of the establishment of libraries in secondary schools in Owerri town which were though largely organized and were left to the part-time of teachers. The libraries then in some of these schools were either location in one classroom or found to be in the principals office.
In 1955 the Government College, Holy Ghost College, Girls Secondary School Owerri were founded. The Government Technical College, Owerri was founded in 1952, Federal Government Girls College, 1973 and Bishop Lasbrey Girls Secondary School, 1952 become secondary school in 1986.
In 1957 a library was established in the government college with the aid of the books deposited in the institution. Then a teacher librarian was trained by the administrators who were white men at Enugu. It has the largest volume of books amongst all the schools in Owerri town which strives till today. The library building had a statue of students clutching a book in a round-about in front of the library to indicates the building. The person in charge of the library holds a degree in library science education.
The Government Technical College Library was established in 1956 for students in the technical and trade sector of education. Its resources is limited to the type of courses offered in the college. This is an N.C.E graduate in technical in education but with librarianship. With background knowledge of librarianship acquired through attending seminars, workshops, conferences and long period of the classroom complex which is located in a large hall. It has volume of books ranging between 1000 to 1500.
In 1973, the Federal government Girls Secondary School Owerri was established and in 1974 was founded. The library caters for the interest needs of students in the secondary section and those in higher school section (lower and upper sixth students) this accounts for its large number of volumes of 3,500. The library is manned by a professional librarian with a bachelor of library science degree. Since 1973 the school has achieved its inception. The library is allocated an entire building and has links with the academic feats.
After the conversion of Bishop Lasbery Girls Secondary School Irette to a secondary school then the library was established in 1986, which is located in one classroom and manned by a teacher librarian. The library has volumes of books ranging between 800 to 1000.
1.3 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
This study is the investigation of the extent to which school libraries contribute to academic excellence. Also school libraries has effect on the pupils, students and teachers and their indispensable contributions to the teaching and learning programs of the schools is yet to be fully understood. As a result of this problem, what this research study tries to portray is the mechanism by which the school libraries comes about it.
1.4 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
The library is a central focus because in every academic institution. The learners and educators achieve this objective through the library which serves as the vehicle of communication or transmission of scholarly knowledge for educational excellence.
School libraries are very indispensable for effective teaching and learning process. The main aim of this study is the town in relation to their academic performance.
1. To know the impact of school library and program on its various patrons
2. To find out the impact of reading culture and library skills acquisition on students performance.
3. To know the extent to which library collections impact knowledge.
4. To examine the service of the school library.
1.5 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The scope of this study is limited to schools in Owerri town. This covers three boys and three girls secondary school. These six secondary school represent all the geographical area in Owerri town.
1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
This study is significant because it will benefit the following:-
1. School libraries should be able to perceive and teach the students on how to use the library as data banks of information and knowledge for self directed learning and research.
2. Teachers will know that in order for a student to cope academically and other wise he/she has to become self reliant in obtaining and utilizing information.
3. Parents guardians are to be acquainted with vital role of the school library and its overall impact on the academic pursuits of their children.
4. The school principals should also include the habit of using the library in the life of the students.
5. The state government will also recognize the importance of libraries in the secondary education from this research.
1.7 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
1) Has any impact of such library on its patron?
2) Does reading culture and skills acquired impact on the performance of the students?
3) To what extent do the collections imparts knowledge on the users?
4) What are the services provided by the school library? |
