Collection Development in School Library Media Resource Centres in Nigerian Private Primary Schools: A Case Study of Minna Metropolis in Niger State

Abstract

This study examined the extent to which collection development in private primary schools in Minna metropolis in Niger State was undertaken. The descriptive survey search method was used for the study covering 28 prominent private primary schools in the state. The target population of the study was 909 made up of headmasters/mistresses, Parents Teachers Associations’ Chairmen, representative of teachers and pupils. Sample size of 182 of the population was selected for the study and thus represent 20% of the entire population based on proportionate sampling method. Questionnaire and personal observation were the instruments used for the study. One fifty nine 159 (87%) out of the 182 copies of questionnaire administered were returned and found usable. Descriptive statistics was used in analyzing data gathered using tables with frequencies and percentages. The findings revealed that majority of the schools in Minna Metropolis in Niger State did not have school library media resource centers, while frequency of collection development was neither quarterly, biannually nor annually. Majority of the respondents indicated that information resources were neither in print nor non-printed format. Majority of the schools were unaware of the collection development policy. Findings further showed that few school library media resource centers have their information resources in printed format. High cost of Information resources and lack of funds were the major factors hindering collection development in private primary schools under study. Consequently, it was recommended that the funding of libraries should be a top priority and government should declare a state of emergency on revitalization of SLMRCs so that private school will comply with the recommendation in National Policy on Education.