ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF PUBLIC LIBRARY SERVICES ON THE LITERACY LEVEL OF NIGERIANS(A CASE STUDY OF ABIA STATE PUBLIC LIBRARY UMUAHIA)

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ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF PUBLIC LIBRARY SERVICES ON THE LITERACY LEVEL OF NIGERIANS(A CASE STUDY OF ABIA STATE PUBLIC LIBRARY UMUAHIA)

Abstract

Public libraries serve as essential institutions for promoting literacy and knowledge acquisition within communities. This study aims to assess the impact of public library services on the literacy level of Nigerians, with a specific focus on the Abia State Public Library in Umuahia. Recognizing the crucial role of literacy in individual and societal development, this research investigates the extent to which public library services contribute to enhancing literacy skills among library patrons.

The methodology employs a mixed-methods approach, combining surveys, interviews, and literacy assessments. Data is collected from library users, examining their perceptions of library services, frequency of library utilization, and the correlation between library engagement and literacy proficiency. Literacy assessments will be conducted to gauge the actual impact of library services on participants’ reading and comprehension abilities.

The findings of this research are expected to shed light on the effectiveness of public library services in promoting literacy, identifying key strengths, challenges, and areas for improvement. By focusing on the Abia State Public Library in Umuahia as a case study, the study provides insights that are contextually relevant to the Nigerian setting. The outcomes may inform policies, strategies, and resource allocation aimed at maximizing the contribution of public libraries to the enhancement of literacy levels in Nigeria. The research underscores the pivotal role of public libraries in advancing education and literacy, thereby contributing to the overall development of individuals and communities.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Public libraries have long been recognized as essential institutions for fostering literacy and providing access to information. In Nigeria, where literacy is a critical component of socio-economic development, public libraries play a pivotal role in promoting a culture of reading and knowledge acquisition. The Abia State Public Library in Umuahia stands as a representative case study, offering insights into the broader impact of public library services on the literacy levels of Nigerians.

The Chambers Universal Learners Dictionary define a library as a building or room containing a collection of books or some other collection, for example, gramophone records.

Shair (1963) also defines a library as an organization of one or more trained people who use carefully selected or organized books, periodicals and other similar materials as a means of giving to those who may appropriately use it to the fullest extent of their need or desires the information, enrichment or delight which is to be heard from the written word.

The library can be defined as an institution that is mostly concerned with the methods, skills, and system for acquisition, storage, preservation and dissemination of recorded and non-recorded materials. The library is generally grouped into six (6) which are national, academic, school, private, special and public libraries.

The public library is a library which carters for the informational needs of everybody in the society. It is not restricted to anybody or a particular group of people. The implication of the word ‘PUBLIC’ is that the library is expected to serve everybody in the community in which it is situated; hence it is also called “The People’s University”.

According to Gates (1976), the public library can be defined as a library authorized by state law, supported from general public funds or special taxes voted for the purpose and administered for the benefits of the citizens of the country, town, city or region which maintains it on the basis of equal access to all. Ikokoh (2003) defines public library as a library provided wholly or partly from public funds and the use of which is not restricted to any class or person in the community, but is freely available to all.

The public library primarily exists to serve the entire members of its locality referred to as the general public. Nuhu (1994) observed that the public library has the same universal objective of serving the general public towards the educational upliftment and awareness of rural and urban persons, to enhance and develop their potentialities. The public library has the traditional role of acquiring books and audio-visual materials, and making them available to patrons regardless to citizenship, age, educational level, economic and social status or any qualification or condition. It must therefore be a depository of a variety of books and other informative materials and provide needed services for the members of the immediate community it serves. The public library has proved to be of the best means of providing books and non-books materials and making them available and accessible for its diverse users.

Public libraries are now acknowledged to be an indispensable part of community wide range of reading materials for all ages and centres for community information services. The public library that provides services to the general public, is also responsible for serving special categories of the public, such as children, members of the armed forces, hospital, patients, prisoners, workers and employees. In other words, it is a library established by the state to provide wide service and supervised by either a ministry or a library board.

The public library first started in the early 19^th Century in Europe and America. In England for instance, industrial cities like Manchester, Russia and Detroit in the United States had public libraries so as to meet the informational needs of the industries. Boman (1989) in addition said that the growth of education and printing encouraged the use of books. For that reasons, the first public library Act in England was promulgated in 1850. It empowered that any town council with a population of 10, 000 (later 5, 000) people was entitled to one public library.

Emmanuel (2006) asserts that public libraries in Nigeria were modeled after the Bristish. They started about fifty years before independence with the establishment of libraries in Lagos. The Modern public library movement in Nigeria can be said to have started from the foundation in 1910 and 1920 with the Tom Jones Library in Lagos. He further added that the Tom Jones Library had acquired the character of a public subscription library in which the public can subscribe to membership and get books for a particular period of time. The Lagos Library which was established in 1932 was also on public subscription.

Baba (2007) also added that the Lagos book club established its rules of operation at a general meeting on 3^rd June, 1932 with Sir Allan Burns, the Chief Secretary of Nigeria being largely responsible for the establishment of the Lagos book club. He was also one of the foundation members of that library. He prepared a forward to the rule that will guide the use of the library at that time. He further said that the genesis of the present day public library services in Nigeria, is traceable to reading rooms which were established by British Colonial administration between 1938-1945. The functions of the reading rooms were merely to disseminate information that were tailored to solicit the support of the British inhabitant. The reading rooms were very instrumental in propagating the British Interest during the Second World War. These reading rooms were spread in many crannies of Nigerian and acted as catalyst of the colonial masters.

After the collapse of the reading rooms, it was decided that each region should have its own independent library services. This was one of the resolutions of the Ibadan seminar on the development of public library in Africa which was held in 1953. This seminar was organized jointly by the Nigerian Government and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The resolution further recommended that the regional libraries be run by library boards beginning with Eastern Nigeria.

The importance of literacy in empowering individuals and communities cannot be overstated. Literate societies are better equipped to navigate the complexities of the modern world, make informed decisions, and contribute meaningfully to economic and social progress. Public libraries, as community hubs for learning, have the potential to significantly influence literacy levels by providing access to diverse reading materials, educational programs, and information resources.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Despite the recognized importance of public libraries, there is a need to critically assess their impact on literacy levels, particularly in the Nigerian context. The Abia State Public Library, like many others, faces challenges related to resource allocation, technological advancements, and evolving user needs. Understanding the specific contributions of this public library to literacy enhancement is essential for addressing these challenges and optimizing the services provided to the community.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objectives of this study are as follows:

To assess the availability and accessibility of literacy resources in the Abia State Public Library.

To examine the utilization patterns of library services by the community, focusing on literacy-related programs and materials.

To evaluate the perceived impact of public library services on the literacy levels of library patrons.

To identify challenges faced by the Abia State Public Library in promoting literacy and providing effective services.

1.4 Research Questions

What is the current status of literacy resources in the Abia State Public Library?

How do patrons utilize library services, particularly those related to literacy enhancement?

What are the perceived impacts of public library services on the literacy levels of community members?

What challenges does the Abia State Public Library encounter in promoting literacy?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study holds significance for several stakeholders, including policymakers, library administrators, educators, and the community at large. Understanding the impact of public library services on literacy levels is crucial for informed decision-making, resource allocation, and the development of effective strategies to enhance literacy in Nigeria.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The study focuses specifically on the Abia State Public Library in Umuahia, considering its unique characteristics and the local context. The research will encompass an analysis of available literacy resources, library utilization patterns, and the perceived impact of services on the literacy levels of library patrons.

1.7 Structure of the Thesis

The thesis will be organized into several chapters. Chapter 2 will provide a comprehensive review of the literature related to public libraries, literacy promotion, and the impact of library services on community development. Chapter 3 will outline the research methodology, detailing the data collection techniques and tools. Subsequent chapters will present and analyze research findings, discuss implications, and provide recommendations for optimizing the impact of public library services on literacy in Nigeria.

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