The Status of Primary School Libraries in Limuru Sub-County, Kiambu County

Abstract

School libraries contribute significantly to the improvement of students' academic performance by complementing the work of the classroom teacher. Their ultimate goal is ensuring that each student has equitable access to resources, irrespective of home opportunities or constraints. However, school libraries face a number of challenges and in most of the countries, the struggle of establishing and supporting school libraries continues. The study provides a comprehensive analysis on the status of school libraries in Limuru Sub County, Kiambu County.  The objectives of the study were to; establish the status of school libraries in Limuru Sub County, Kiambu County and evaluate the challenges affecting primary school libraries in Limuru Sub County, Kiambu County. The study employed mixed methods design which combines the qualitative and quantitative approaches within different phases of the research process. The target population consisted of all teachers in charge of libraries in the 40 primary schools in Limuru Sub-County. Printed questionnaires with both closed and open-ended questions as well as observation schedules were used for data collection. Collected data was processed, analyzed and presented in tables, charts and graphs. The qualitative data obtained from interviews was analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. From the study, it was noted that the schools had some form of libraries and the available resources were organized in a systematic way to ease retrieval. It was also noted that the presence of school libraries had a great impact on the learners as majority of the school’s indicated improvement in mean score, research skills, writing, reading and spoken language. However, the libraries faced various challenges especially lack of sufficient resources, trained personnel, availability of purpose-built school libraries and lack of government policies on to guide on school libraries. The study recommended that St. Paul’s University library train teacher librarians in Limuru Sub County on library skills as part of Corporate Social Responsibility, and that key stakeholders should continue supporting the school libraries with locally published materials that seemed to be more relevant to pupils. In conclusion, the stakeholders concerned with education in primary schools must play their roles to facilitate the establishment and running of school libraries within Limuru Sub-County.