The Impact of School Library Services on Students’ Academic Performance in the Technology Stream

Abstract

The existing research literature reveals the contribution and need for a library as a learning resource and the school library plays a significant role in inculcating students’ library habits. Based on this, there is a need to assess school library use and service contribution to the latest technology stream of secondary education. This paper engages in a case study to evaluate the contribution of school library services to academic performance under the technology stream and to analyze the use of library resources for academic purposes. The study findings that, modern electronic information services in school libraries have not been adequately improved. However, the good quality of traditional library services and the high level of student satisfaction have been identified as potential factors in school library service. Although students' reading habits and academic priorities remain at a good level, further awareness programs should be implemented to enhance their borrowing skills. However, the bivariate correlation analysis result indicated the positive relationship between the subject that mostly read at the library and the subject that obtained the best results in the G.C.E. (A/L) examination. The Pearson correlation coefficient (R) value was 0.563 significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed) thus, indicating a positive association. The R-Square result indicated that can be predicted the school library usage had a 31.7% impact on the academic performance of the technology stream. As a learning resource, the school library makes a significant contribution to the academic performance of students in the technology stream. Therefore, there is a need to improve new technology and digital information sources at the school libraries in Sri Lanka by establishing a networked collaboration service islandwide.