Background of the Study
School libraries serve as pivotal environments that support the educational aspirations of students by providing access to diverse learning resources and fostering independent study habits. Academic self-efficacy, which refers to a student's belief in their capability to achieve academic tasks, is significantly influenced by the accessibility and utilization of such library resources. In the 21st-century educational context, libraries have evolved beyond book repositories to becoming active learning hubs that offer technological tools, digital platforms, and personalized support through trained librarians. The influence of this transition on students' confidence in their academic capabilities is increasingly attracting scholarly interest (Aminu & Garba, 2024). In Gwagwalada Area Council, school libraries vary in structure and resource availability, with some institutions investing in modernized library systems while others remain rudimentary. This discrepancy has created a natural setting to examine how differing levels of library functionality affect students’ academic self-efficacy. Empirical studies have shown that students who frequently utilize library resources report higher levels of academic confidence and motivation (Usman & Egbe, 2023). Furthermore, the presence of a responsive library environment provides opportunities for personalized learning, fosters critical thinking, and encourages student autonomy—factors that contribute to positive self-efficacy. This study, therefore, aims to investigate how the presence and usage of school libraries correlate with academic self-efficacy among secondary school students in Gwagwalada Area Council. Understanding this relationship is essential for educational stakeholders aiming to enhance student outcomes through resource-based learning environments.
Statement of the Problem
Despite the widely acknowledged importance of school libraries in promoting academic success, many schools in Gwagwalada Area Council either lack functional libraries or underutilize the ones available. The link between these libraries and students’ academic self-efficacy remains unclear, especially in contexts where library facilities are under-resourced or poorly maintained. Students in such environments may face limited exposure to independent learning strategies, which in turn may affect their confidence in managing academic tasks. Without empirical data to establish this relationship, policymakers and educators may continue to overlook the library’s potential role in shaping students’ academic mindsets. There is, therefore, a critical need to investigate how library use influences students' beliefs in their academic abilities.
Objectives of the Study
To examine the availability and utilization of school libraries in Gwagwalada Area Council.
To assess students’ levels of academic self-efficacy in relation to their library usage.
To identify strategies used by school libraries to promote academic self-confidence among students.
Research Questions
What is the level of availability and use of school libraries in Gwagwalada Area Council?
How does the use of school library resources relate to students’ academic self-efficacy?
What strategies are employed by school libraries to enhance students' academic self-confidence?
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it provides insight into the role school libraries play in developing students’ academic self-efficacy. Educational administrators, policymakers, and school librarians can use the findings to enhance library services to better support student learning and confidence. The study will also serve as a valuable reference for future researchers interested in the intersection of library resource utilization and psychological factors affecting student performance.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study is limited to assessing the impact of school libraries on students’ academic self-efficacy in Gwagwalada Area Council, FCT-Abuja.
Definitions of Terms
Academic Self-Efficacy: The belief in one’s capability to organize and execute academic tasks effectively.
School Library: A resource center located within a school that supports learning through books, digital resources, and research materials.
Library Utilization: The degree to which students use library resources for academic purposes.
Background of the Study
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Chapter One: Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
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