The Student’s Reading Habits And Role Of Academic Library Resources In Imo State University

ABSTRACT

The study focused on the students reading habits and role of academic library resources is IMO State University. Five research questions guided the study. The study adopted survey research design. The population of the study is two thousand (2000) student of Imo State university for 2022/2023 academic session. The sample for the study was 170 students of the above named institution. Simple Random Sampling Technique was adopted for the study because the entire population was large for the study. This is because the population is large and the researcher deems it manageable. Rating scale was the instrument used for data collection. Mean score was used to analyze data for the study. The findings of the study revealed that required reading, studying, leisure reading, online reading and academic research are the reading habits of the students, it was also revealed that the influences of reading habits for  academic achievement of students in the library studied are Improved language skills, enhanced critical thinking, expanded knowledge base, improved writing skills, research skills development, time management and discipline, external factors, improved concentration and focus and broadened perspective and empathy, the findings  also reveals that print books, e-books, periodicals, online databases, audiovisual materials, digital collections and reference materials  are the library resources in the library studied, the strategies to improve the reading habits and academic library resource use of students in the library studied are promote reading culture, provide access to a variety of reading materials library orientation and training personalized reading recommendations reading challenges and incentives, and the challenges that prevent students from developing good reading habits in the library studied are lack of time, digital distractions, lack of interest, limited access to reading materials, reading skills and comprehension  difficulties and peer pressure and social stigma. Based on the findings, the researcher recommended among others that the Library management should create book clubs and reading groups.  Students should Join a book club or reading group to discuss books with others and gain new perspectives. This can also help hold students accountable and provide a sense of community around reading.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

The researcher organized this chapter under the following subheadings: Background to the study, statement of the problem, scope of the study, purpose of the study, significance of the study and research questions.

Background to the Study

An academic library is a specialized library that is an integral part of an educational institution, such as a university or college. Its primary purpose is to support the teaching, learning, and research activities of students, faculty, and staff within the academic community. Academic libraries offer a wide range of resources, services, and facilities tailored to the needs of the academic community. These libraries play a vital role in facilitating access to information, promoting scholarly inquiry, and fostering academic success. They are known for their extensive collections of books, journals, databases, and other scholarly materials, which are carefully curated to support various disciplines and academic programs. Academic libraries also provide study spaces, computer labs, and access to digital resources, enabling students and researchers to engage in independent study, collaborative work, and exploration of academic topics (Bates 2018).

Librarians in academic libraries are highly knowledgeable professionals who assist users in navigating the library’s resources, conducting research, and developing information literacy skills. Overall, academic libraries serve as vibrant hubs of intellectual activity, providing essential support and resources for the academic community’s pursuit of knowledge and scholarly excellence.

Many people view academic library in different forms; to Singh and satija (2016)  opined that an academic library as a library that is attached to a higher education institution and serves two complementary purposes: to support the curriculum and the research of the university faculty and students.  Also osuala (2015) stated that an academic library is a designated place, physical or digital, set aside to house scholarly research materials and materials supporting the academic, university, or college community and curriculum.

An academic library are part of a college or university that is publicly or privately funded and whose primary role is to provide resources to enrich and support the school’s curricula and the research needs of students and faculty.

These organized buildings store things like books, newspapers, videos, and music are kept for people to read, use, or borrow.

These academic libraries satisfy the students curiousity and play a significant role in encouraging students reading habits.

Developing good reading habits is essential for students as it not only enhances their academic performance but also enriches their overall personal development. students reading habits refer to the regular practice of reading for pleasure, information, or academic purposes. It involves setting aside dedicated time for reading and engaging with a variety of reading materials. According to uche (2017) stated that students reading habits cultivates positive reading habits that offers numerous benefits including, Knowledge and Information,  academic success, language and communication skills, imagination and creativity, stress reduction and relaxation. To develop good reading habits, students can set aside dedicated time for reading each day, choose books that align with their interests, join book clubs or reading groups, and explore a variety of genres and authors. Building a reading routine and making it a regular part of their lives can significantly enhance students reading habits and contribute to their personal and academic growth.

Reading habits are the patterns and practices that individuals adopt when engaging with various types of texts for different purposes (Omaba 2019). Reading habits can influence one’s academic performance, personal development, and lifelong learning. Academic library resources are the materials and services that support the teaching, learning, and research activities of students and faculty in higher education institutions. Academic library resources can include books, journals, databases, e-books, e-journals, multimedia, reference services, information literacy instruction, and more. Academic library resources can enhance students’ reading habits by providing access to diverse and relevant information sources, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills, and promoting a culture of reading and learning.

Academic libraries play a significant role in encouraging students’ reading habits. According kassin (2018) listed the following as the roles academic libraries play in encouraging students reading habits, Access to Diverse Collection, Required Course Readings, Reading for Research, Study Spaces and Atmosphere,  Library Programs and Initiatives,  Information Literacy Skills.

Academic libraries provide students with access to a diverse collection of books and resources, support research activities, offer quiet study spaces, organize reading-related programs, and promote information literacy. All of these factors contribute to the cultivation of students reading habits and foster a love for reading in an academic context.

Statement of the Problem

Reading is a vital skill for academic success and lifelong learning. However, many students in higher education institutions, such as Imo State University (IMSU), have poor reading habits and low reading culture. This may affect their academic performance, personal development, and career prospects. One of the factors that may influence students’ reading habits could be the availability and utilization of academic library resources. Academic library resources are the materials and services that support the teaching, learning, and research activities of students and faculty in higher education institutions. Academic library resources can enhance students’ reading habits by providing access to diverse and relevant information sources, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills, and promoting a culture of reading and learning.

However, there are also some challenges and barriers like  lack of awareness, limited access, technological barriers, language barriers, time constraints,  information overload and lack of guidance that  hinders students from using academic library resources effectively and efficiently. Therefore, it is important to examine the students reading habits and role of academic library resources in Imo State University, Owerri.

Scope of the Study

This study focused on Students reading habits and role of academic library resources is imo state university, Owerri. The study covered reading habits of the students, influences of reading habits for academic achievement of the students, academic library resources available and utilized, strategies to improve the reading habits and academic library resource, challenges and barriers that prevent students from developing good reading habits.

Purpose of the Study

The general purpose of the study is to examine the Students reading habits and role of academic library resources is Imo State University, Owerri. Specifically the study sought to:

1. to ascertain the reading habits of the students in Imo State University
2. to identify the influences of reading habits for academic achievement of the students
3. to ascertain  the academic library resources available for the students
4. to determined the possible strategies to improve the reading habits of  students
5. to identify the challenges that prevent students from developing good reading habits

Significant of the Study

The findings of this study will be beneficial to the following: the library staff, the librarian, the library managers, the library users and future researchers:

The findings of this study will be useful to the library staff and librarian because it will increase usage of library resources by students which will result be in a higher demand for library services, leading to job security and professional growth opportunities for the library staff. The librarian will have the satisfaction of seeing students actively engaging with the library resources and developing a love for reading and research. The librarian can also use students’ reading habits as feedback to improve the library’s collection and services, ensuring that they meet the needs of the users.

The findings of this study will be useful to the library managers because it will increase usage of library resources which will demonstrate the effectiveness of the library’s management and strategic planning. Positive feedback from students regarding the library’s resources and services will enhance the reputation of the library and the university as a whole. There will be higher usage of library resources which may also lead to increased funding and support for the library, allowing for further improvements and expansion.

The findings of this study will be useful to the library users, students will have access to a wide range of academic resources, including books, journals, databases, and other materials, which will support their learning and research activities. Regular reading habits will improve students’ information literacy skills, critical thinking abilities, and overall academic performance. The library will provide a quiet and conducive environment for studying, allowing students to focus and concentrate on their academic work.

The findings of this study will be useful to the future researchers, students who develop good reading habits during their time at the university will be better prepared for future research endeavors. Access to academic library resources will expose students to current research trends, scholarly articles, and other relevant materials, enabling them to stay updated in their respective fields.

Research Questions

The following research questions were posed to guide the study:

1. What are the reading habits of the students in Imo State University?
2. What are the influences of reading habits for academic achievement of the students?
3. What are the academic library resources available for students?
4. What are the possible strategies to improve the reading habits of students?
5. What are the challenges and barriers that prevent students from developing good reading habits?
   

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   Pages:  75

   Category: Project

   Format:  Word & PDF               

   Chapters: 1-5                                          

   Source: Imsuinfo                            

   Material contains Table of Content, Abstract and References.