Abstract:
It has revealed that the school libraries played an important role in student learning
activities especially in difficult area. This study was conducted to analyse the impact of
school libraries on learning activities of students in the Paddipalai Educational Division,
Batticaloa West. A structured questionnaire was distributed among the respondents for
data collection. The response rate was 97.5%. According to the study, 52.6% were female
and the highest percentage (33%) of them was in the age group of 13 – 14 years compared
to other age group. The students visit the school libraries frequently (50.8 %) is slightly
higher than the occasionally visit (42.5 %). Study individually is the main reason for
using the library which is 86%, followed by respondents visited the library for preparing
term examination and completing continuous assessments. Textbooks, past and model
papers for general examination are the most frequently used library materials. To enhance
independent learning, develop skill for reading and taking notes, create a new idea for a
particular topic in various subjects, and access relevant materials for understanding the
subject are the major role of the school library in Paddipalai educational division. During
the period of reading months school libraries organized different types of competition for
students to enhance their library visit and usage. The majority of the respondents felt lack
in availability of updated text books and past papers, availability of computer and internet
facilities, inadequate photocopy services, lack of library hours in school time table, and
less library organization and shelfing arrangements are the challenges faced by them for
using library in their learning activities. The finding of the study revealed that, the school
library plays positive roles on student learning activities in the Paddipalai educational
division. By upgrading the library resources and services in school the government
authority needs to allocate more funds for improving the library collection and acquiring
new technology and to appoint a teacher librarian in each school library for handling
library functions.
Key words: Learning Activities; Library Resources; Library Services; School Libraries;
Teacher Librarian
