Project – The contribution of parent teachers’ association in library school

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background to the Study

The Parent Teachers’ Association (PTA) plays a significant role in the development of school libraries in Nigeria. The PTA’s involvement in school libraries is crucial as it helps to bridge the gap between the school and the community, fostering a conducive learning environment for students. According to a study by Oyewusi and Oyeboade (2009), the PTA’s contribution to school libraries in Nigeria includes providing funds for the purchase of books and other library materials, as well as supporting the maintenance and improvement of library facilities.

The PTA’s financial contributions have been instrumental in enhancing the quality of library services in Nigerian schools. A study by Aina (2004) found that the PTA’s financial support has enabled many schools to acquire relevant and up-to-date books, periodicals, and other learning materials. This has significantly improved the quality of education in these schools, as students now have access to a wider range of learning resources.

In addition to financial support, the PTA also contributes to the development of school libraries in Nigeria through advocacy and awareness-raising. According to a study by Ogunniyi and Adetimirin (2015), the PTA plays a crucial role in promoting the importance of libraries among parents, teachers, and students. This has led to increased usage of libraries and a greater appreciation of their role in education.

The PTA’s involvement in the management of school libraries is another significant contribution. A study by Oyewusi and Oyeboade (2009) found that the PTA often participates in decision-making processes related to the operation and management of school libraries. This includes decisions about the selection and purchase of library materials, the hiring and training of library staff, and the implementation of library policies and programs.

However, despite these contributions, there are still challenges that need to be addressed. According to a study by Aina (2004), many PTAs in Nigeria lack the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively support the development of school libraries. This often results in inadequate funding, poor selection of library materials, and ineffective library management.

The PTA plays a crucial role in the development of school libraries in Nigeria. However, there is a need for more training and capacity building for PTAs to enable them to effectively support the development of school libraries. Future research should focus on identifying effective strategies for enhancing the PTA’s capacity to support school libraries in Nigeria.

• Statement of the Problem

The problem of underdevelopment and underutilization of school libraries in Nigeria is a pressing issue that has been identified by numerous studies (Aina, 2004; Oyewusi & Oyeboade, 2009). Despite the recognized importance of libraries in the educational process, many schools in Nigeria lack well-equipped and well-managed libraries. This problem is particularly acute in rural areas, where schools often lack the resources to establish and maintain libraries (Aina, 2004).

The Parent Teachers’ Association (PTA) has been identified as a potential resource for addressing this problem. The PTA, as a body of parents and teachers, has a vested interest in the educational success of students and could potentially contribute to the development and management of school libraries. However, the extent and nature of the PTA’s involvement in school libraries in Nigeria is not well understood (Oyewusi & Oyeboade, 2009).

This lack of understanding is problematic because it hinders the development of effective strategies for leveraging the PTA’s potential contributions to school libraries. Without a clear understanding of the PTA’s role, it is difficult to develop policies and programs that effectively engage the PTA in library development and management. This gap in knowledge also makes it difficult to assess the effectiveness of the PTA’s contributions to school libraries (Aina, 2004).

Furthermore, the lack of research on the PTA’s role in school libraries in Nigeria reflects a broader neglect of the role of community involvement in education in the Nigerian context. Despite the recognized importance of community involvement in education, there is a dearth of research on this topic in Nigeria (Oyewusi & Oyeboade, 2009). This neglect is problematic because it hinders the development of effective strategies for engaging the community in the educational process.

The problem of underdevelopment and underutilization of school libraries in Nigeria is a pressing issue that requires urgent attention. The PTA, as a potential resource for addressing this problem, needs to be better understood and effectively engaged. This requires a concerted research effort to understand the PTA’s role in school libraries in Nigeria and to develop effective strategies for leveraging this role.

• Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to examine the contribution of parent teachers’ association in library school. The specific objectives are:

1. To examine the role of the Parent Teachers’ Association (PTA) in the development and management of school libraries in Nigeria.
2. To assess the level of PTA involvement in the provision of library resources and facilities in Nigerian schools.
3. To investigate the impact of PTA contributions on the quality of library services provided to students.
4. To identify the challenges faced by the PTA in supporting school libraries and propose possible solutions.

• Research Questions

The research questions are buttressed below:

1. What role does the Parent Teachers’ Association (PTA) play in the development and management of school libraries in Nigeria?
2. How involved is the PTA in the provision of library resources and facilities in Nigerian schools?
3. What is the impact of PTA contributions on the quality of library services provided to students in Nigeria?
4. What challenges does the PTA face in supporting school libraries in Nigeria and what possible solutions can be proposed?

1.5. Research Hypothesis

The hypothetical statement of the study is buttressed below:

Ho: Parent Teachers’ Association (PTA) has no significant impact in the development and management of school libraries in Nigeria

H1: Parent Teachers’ Association (PTA) has significant impact in the development and management of school libraries in Nigeria

1.6. Significance of the Study

The significance of this study lies in its potential to shed light on the role of the Parent Teachers’ Association (PTA) in the development and management of school libraries in Nigeria. The PTA, as a body of parents and teachers, is uniquely positioned to understand the needs of students and to advocate for resources that can enhance their learning experiences. By examining the PTA’s contributions to school libraries, this study can provide valuable insights into how this association can be leveraged to improve library services and resources.

Secondly, this study is significant because it can help to identify the challenges faced by the PTA in supporting school libraries. These challenges may include lack of funds, lack of awareness about the importance of libraries, or lack of training in library management. By identifying these challenges, the study can propose possible solutions and strategies for overcoming them. This can contribute to the improvement of library services and resources, and ultimately, to the enhancement of students’ learning experiences.

Thirdly, the study is significant because it can contribute to the body of knowledge on the role of parent-teacher associations in education. While there is a considerable amount of research on the role of PTAs in school governance and decision-making, there is limited research on their role in library development. This study can fill this gap in the literature and provide a foundation for further research in this area.

Fourthly, the study is significant because it can inform policy-making in education. The findings of this study can provide evidence-based recommendations for how PTAs can be more effectively involved in library development. This can inform the development of policies and strategies that promote the active involvement of PTAs in school libraries.

Fifthly, the study is significant because it can inspire other schools and PTAs to invest in library development. By highlighting the positive impact of PTA contributions to school libraries, the study can motivate other schools and PTAs to take similar actions. This can lead to the improvement of library services and resources in more schools, benefiting more students.

Lastly, the study is significant because it can contribute to the improvement of education quality in Nigeria. Libraries are crucial for promoting literacy, encouraging independent learning, and providing resources for academic research. By improving library services and resources through PTA contributions, the study can contribute to the enhancement of education quality in Nigeria.

1.7. Scope of the Study

The study examines the contribution of parent teachers’ association in library school. The study is limited to 5 selected Secondary Schools in Agege, Lagos.

1.8. Operational Definition of Terms

The Parent Teachers’ Association (PTA) is an organization consisting of parents and teachers that is intended to facilitate parental participation in a school. The PTA’s primary role is to build strong working relationships among parents, teachers and schools, in support of students. This can include recruiting and coordinating volunteers, providing special recognition in awards ceremonies, organizing school events, or hiring support staff for the school.

A library is a curated collection of sources of information and similar resources, selected by experts and made accessible to a defined community for reference or borrowing. It provides physical or digital access to material and may be a physical location or a virtual space, or both. Libraries range in size from a few shelves of books to several million items.

A school is an educational institution designed to provide learning spaces and learning environments for the teaching of students under the direction of teachers. Most countries have systems of formal education, which is commonly compulsory. In these systems, students progress through a series of schools: primary school for young children, followed by secondary school for teenagers, and then perhaps to university where they might undertake tertiary education.

Project – The contribution of parent teachers’ association in library school