Project – Impact of poor funding in libraries on the academic performance of public secondary school

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background to the Study

Libraries play a vital role in the academic development of students by providing access to information resources, research tools, and a conducive learning environment. According to Issa, Amusan, and Daura (2009), school libraries serve as a cornerstone for developing reading culture and supporting curriculum-based learning. However, in many public secondary schools, especially in developing countries, libraries are poorly funded, inadequately staffed, and lack essential educational materials. These deficiencies have led to significant challenges in academic performance among students.

Poor funding is directly linked to the quality and quantity of library resources available to students. Inadequate funding results in outdated textbooks, lack of digital learning tools, and insufficient seating and reading spaces. A study by Edewor, Osuchukwu, and Edewor (2016) revealed that many public school libraries in Nigeria operate without current reading materials and functional ICT facilities, significantly limiting students’ access to diverse and up-to-date information. Without access to quality learning resources, students struggle with comprehension, research skills, and academic achievement.

In addition to resources, poor funding affects the hiring and training of professional librarians who are instrumental in guiding students in information literacy. Aina (2004) emphasized the importance of skilled library personnel in helping students locate, evaluate, and use information effectively. However, in underfunded schools, libraries are often managed by untrained staff or left unattended. This lack of guidance hampers students’ ability to navigate information systems and independently acquire knowledge, which negatively impacts their academic performance.

Empirical evidence also supports the claim that the presence of well-funded libraries correlates with higher academic performance. Lance and Kachel (2018) demonstrated through multiple studies in the United States that students in schools with well-resourced libraries consistently perform better on standardized tests. Although the context differs, the underlying principle—that adequate library resources enhance academic outcomes—holds true across geographical boundaries. This underscores the need for investment in school libraries as a tool for improving education.

Conversely, where libraries are neglected, schools witness reduced academic engagement among students. According to Ogunniyi and Adebanjo (2018), many students in Nigerian public secondary schools lack motivation to study due to poor access to learning resources in school libraries. This contributes to declining literacy levels, poor exam performance, and an increasing rate of academic underachievement. The absence of a supportive learning environment in the form of a well-equipped library further alienates students from independent learning.

• Statement of the Problem

In many public secondary schools, particularly in developing countries, libraries are underfunded, poorly maintained, and often neglected in educational planning and budgeting. This chronic underfunding results in outdated books, inadequate learning materials, lack of internet access, and insufficient facilities that hinder the ability of students to study effectively. Despite being a critical component of the learning process, libraries are rarely prioritized in government and institutional funding allocations.

The absence of adequate library resources affects students’ ability to conduct research, develop reading habits, and engage in independent learning. In schools where libraries are non-functional or poorly equipped, students lack access to supplementary academic materials that are essential for deepening their understanding of classroom content. This deficiency is especially detrimental in environments where students cannot afford personal textbooks or have limited access to digital learning tools at home.

Furthermore, poor funding leads to the lack of qualified library personnel who can guide students in effective information retrieval and usage. Many school libraries are either unmanned or operated by untrained staff, which significantly reduces their educational value. Without professional librarians to support and mentor students in research skills, the full potential of the library as a learning hub remains unrealized.

These conditions contribute to a decline in academic performance, as students are less prepared for examinations, lack essential study skills, and are often disengaged from academic pursuits. Numerous studies have indicated a strong correlation between well-resourced libraries and improved student outcomes, yet this evidence has not translated into meaningful policy or investment changes in many public school systems. This disconnect between knowledge and action has left students in underfunded schools at a systemic disadvantage.

Given the significant role that libraries play in supporting academic excellence, the persistent neglect and poor funding of school libraries present a serious threat to educational quality and equity. It is imperative to examine the extent to which this underfunding impacts student academic performance and to advocate for strategic investment in library development as a means of enhancing public education outcomes.

• Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to examines impact of poor funding in libraries on the academic performance of public secondary school in Andoni local government area in Rivers State. The specific objectives are:

1. To assess the current level of funding allocated to libraries in public secondary schools.
2. To examine the availability of resources and materials in libraries due to poor funding.
3. To analyze the correlation between library funding and academic performance of students in public secondary schools.
4. To identify the challenges faced by students and teachers in accessing library resources due to poor funding.

• Research Questions

The research questions are buttressed below:

1. What is the current level of funding allocated to libraries in public secondary schools?
2. How does poor funding affect the availability of resources and materials in libraries?
3. Is there a correlation between library funding and the academic performance of students in public secondary schools?
4. What are the challenges faced by students and teachers in accessing library resources due to poor funding?

1.5. Research Hypothesis

The hypothetical statement of the problem is buttressed below:

Ho: Library funding has no impact on academic performance of students in public secondary schools.

H1: Library funding has impact on academic performance of students in public secondary schools.

1.6. Significance of the Study

This study is significant because it sheds light on a critical yet often overlooked factor affecting students’ academic performance—library funding. In many parts of Nigeria, especially in rural and riverine communities like Andoni Local Government Area in Rivers State, the state of school libraries is alarming. By investigating how poor funding affects library facilities and, in turn, the academic performance of students, this study aims to highlight an essential gap in the educational system that requires immediate policy and practical attention.

The findings from this research will be particularly useful to educational policymakers in Rivers State. By providing evidence-based insights into how inadequate funding limits library resources, staffing, and functionality, the study can guide the state government and local education authorities in developing strategic interventions. This could include budget reallocation, infrastructure development, and the recruitment of qualified librarians—all of which are critical to improving student performance and educational quality.

In addition, the study will benefit school administrators and teachers within the Andoni Local Government Area. Understanding the importance of a well-funded library may influence school heads to advocate more strongly for better library facilities, seek external funding opportunities, or creatively use available resources to improve library access. Teachers, too, can adjust their teaching strategies to encourage students to utilize whatever library materials are available and support independent learning.

For parents and community leaders, this study serves as a wake-up call. Many rural communities are unaware of the role they can play in supporting school development, including libraries. By presenting clear evidence of the connection between library quality and academic performance, the study may inspire local stakeholders to get involved in library improvement projects through community donations, fundraising, or voluntary services.

This research also holds significance for students, who are the primary beneficiaries of educational resources. By identifying the direct impacts of poor library services on learning outcomes, the study emphasizes the need for equitable access to learning tools. In the long run, this can help empower students to demand better academic environments and advocate for their own educational rights.

Finally, the study contributes to the body of academic literature on education in Nigeria, particularly in underserved areas like Andoni. There is a noticeable scarcity of localized studies examining the effects of infrastructural deficiencies on education in rural communities. This study fills part of that gap and can serve as a reference point for future researchers, NGOs, and education-focused development agencies seeking to intervene in similar settings.

1.7. Scope of the Study

The study examines the impact of poor funding in libraries on the academic performance of public secondary school in Andoni local government area in Rivers State

1.8. Operational Definition of Terms

1. Impact: Impactrefers to the measurable effect or influence that one factor has on another. In this study, it describes how poor funding of libraries affects students’ academic performance in public secondary schools.
2. Poor Funding: Poor fundingrefers to the inadequate financial support provided for educational resources, including infrastructure, staff, books, and digital tools. It results in insufficient facilities, outdated materials, and overall low-quality service delivery in school libraries.
3. Libraries: Librariesare organized collections of books, journals, digital resources, and other learning materials intended to support reading, research, and academic development. In schools, libraries are key educational tools that promote independent learning and academic success.
4. Academic Performance: Academic performancerefers to the level of achievement a student demonstrates in their studies, often measured through grades, test scores, and overall learning outcomes. It is influenced by access to learning resources, teaching quality, and study environments.
5. Public Secondary School: Public secondary schoolsare government-funded educational institutions that provide education to students typically between the ages of 12 and 18. They are part of the formal education system and are expected to offer free or affordable education to the general population.

Project – Impact of poor funding in libraries on the academic performance of public secondary school