The challenges of not having a library at secondary school in Sibasa Circuit and the management thereof: a case study of Vhembe District

Abstract

This study investigated the challenges of not having a library at Secondary school in Sibasa Circuit and the management thereof: a case study of Vhembe District. Libraries are social institutions created to safeguard knowledge, preserve the cultural heritage and provide information for education and research purposes to different users. For the school library to function effectively and efficiently, adequate resources are essential. Educators and learners should have access to collections, facilities and equipment to retrieve information for the teaching and learning process. In addition, funds and qualified staff are needed to purchase facilities and equipment and to ensure that the collection is well-stocked, current and up-to-date.

The study uses quantitative technique for data collection and analysis. Quantitative techniques were mostly used in that they provide the researcher with an understanding of experiences and challenges of not having a library at Secondary school in rural areas and the management thereof: a case study of Vhembe District. Random and purposive samplings were used for the selection of sample for the study. Both primary and secondary data were used for analysis in this study. Secondary data were obtained from government publications, research publications, and reports.

Findings of the research project indicated that the Lack of current reading materials in most of the school Libraries in the study area is a major problem, constraining students from using school libraries. For example, in the school libraries surveyed, there were a lot of reading materials which are not current and relevant.

This study recommends that the government with collaboration with other stakeholders should build new school libraries in different secondary school in the country and equipped them with all necessary library facilities