The motivation you can get from seeing others doing something you want or feel you should do is different. It’s like seeing several students reading. It tends to remind you to do the same, which brings in the need for the school library.
Other than a quiet place like a school library, some people cannot read anywhere else.
But if you’re the type to say, “I do not like going to the school library because I am always sleeping whenever I go to read,” how are you supposed to manage all those handbooks waiting for you?
You can get a wide range of benefits from your school library. The constant power supply is one of those perks; this article will show you some other benefits.
Table of Contents
What is a School Library?
A school library gives students and staff access to various academic coursework and research materials. It is a structure within the school dedicated to reading and personal study through various materials, like books, published papers, journals, magazines, flyers, spate, calligraphies, microform, sound recording, and audio-visual accoutrements.
Aside from a school library, there are other types of libraries, including public libraries (federal government or state government-owned libraries) that are open to all, private libraries, research libraries, children’s libraries, and special libraries.
Roles of a School Library
A school library performs a wide range of roles, both for students and all members of staff in an institution. They include:
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Develop and improve educational programs
School libraries improve educational programs when students are provided with different types of informational resources: physical and digital textbooks, references, and periodicals. This part extends to the librarian’s guidance and training for the student’s forthcoming academic systems (e.g., master’s and doctorate degrees).
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Make learning more meaningful for students
Not everyone can grasp all that was taught in class at once. So, reviewing and revising bring about more understanding. This means that no matter how much knowledge a student gains in class, much more understanding comes from personal and individual effort on the subject matter. The process of learning involves connecting new concepts with old knowledge and ideas. The school library provides an avenue for further study.
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Reduce educational costs
A school library provides free access to materials like textbooks, journals, and audio-visuals that cost a lot of money. When students can’t afford these materials, the school library provides.
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Stimulate and enhance reading habits
Reading culture is dying among students, breeding ignorance and resulting in a fall in the standard of many things. A conducive environment with the information needed by the student has a role to play in nullifying the fall in academic standards, which affects development. Constant usage of a school library facilitates making reading a habit and trains the student’s ability to read to be informed.
Read Also: Best And Worst Brain Foods for Better Study and Assimilation
Challenges Encountered by Students When Using the School Library
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Insufficient user education
One of the biggest challenges I encountered during my high school days using public libraries was a lack of awareness of certain things, like the procedure to borrow books and the different types of information I could have access to other than just picking books to read.
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Lack of computer knowledge
A great advantage of computers in a library is that they provide computer-based information. The number of academic writing, publications, articles, and research grows daily in different fields, which requires a computer for the library to keep records. Some library users lacking computer literacy may find it difficult to retrieve information using the computer.
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Ways to Make the Most of the School Library
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Borrowing books and material
Most people think first (or only) of lending when considering public library services, but school libraries also have lending services. You do not have to show up to determine if your library has what you want on the shelf. You can always look up your school library website (Yes, most school library has an online website).
You can reserve books, audiobooks, CDs, and DVDs through your school library website. Although, not all schools have the luxury of these materials.
To borrow from your school library, you must have a valid library card, and they are not transferable, so you have to get one.
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Online library resources
You do not have to show up to find out if your library has what you want on the shelf. You can borrow books, audiobooks, CDs, and DVDs through your school library website. Every library system hosts a website where you can search and reserve books and often view calendars of events.
To access our online resources (electronic resources), search “your school’s name” + “e-library” on google; depending on the school, you might be required to use a library card ID to log in to access the available resources.
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Have your library pals
Make friends at the library—like minds you can always rub together. Someone who won’t make you lax, even when you feel like doing so. Also, when you need a break, you have someone you can chat with without getting carried away from your purpose in the library.
Read Also: Networking for Students in University: The Ultimate Guide
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Specialised resources for academic research
Academic resources play an important role in higher education institutions and relate to any materials and services that assist students’ learning activities in higher education institutions.
The primary goal of your school library is to offer you access to information and resources and assist your studying and research activities. Others include collection development, as the primary purpose of any library is to acquire, organise, and give access to a diverse variety of information resources such as books, journals, databases, and online resources to help students accomplish their academic goals.
Libraries give access to vast collections of preserved documents and teach users through information literacy education programs.
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Have interactions with the librarians
Talk to the librarians, be polite with them, and ask questions when needed. The librarian can be your guide to being able to access some useful materials, especially when you need their help to locate the resources and services within the library.
Read Also: Balancing Your Academic and Personal Life As A NigerianÂ
Building Good Study Habits for Nigerian Students
The main reason why you are willing to make the most of your school library is to have a better study life, So we want to share tips on how to go about that:
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Getting a Serene to Study
Yes, the school library. Some studies suggest that changing where you study on a regular basis might help you recall knowledge, so it’s not always the school library; look for a quiet place with few distractions—somewhere you’ll be able to focus and won’t be disturbed by loud noises or people who continually demand your attention.Â
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Run from distractions
Choosing an appropriate study location might be the first step in staying focused on your studies, but minimise distractions by turning off your data using the “Do not disturb” mode on your phone. Avoiding anything that requires your attention other than your book.
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Have breaks
Don’t be the 7-hour straight student; it leads to burning out. Your consistent efforts in the study are more important than a once-in-a-while concentrated effort; trust me, that is coming from an experienced student.
You are not a robot; you are human, so take breaks. To do this Pomodoro technique is one of the best ways to do that. The pomodoro technique is a time management technique that consists of 25 minutes of study separated by 5-minute breaks. After four consecutive work sessions, longer rests of 15 to 30 minutes are taken.Â
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Set study goals for each session
These can be time-based, like the Pomodoro technique, or content-based, like how much you need to study. Â
Don’t be too hard on yourself if you didn’t get as much done as you had hoped; studying sometimes takes longer than intended. Continue to take well-timed breaks and plan another study session.
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Reward Yourself
Telling yourself that you’ll get a little reward if you finish the part you intended to get through or a larger reward if you have an effective day of studying might help motivate you to complete your task.Â
Small prizes can be a candy bar, a hot beverage like coffee, a fast game of your choice, or a short episode of your favourite TV show. Be careful not to abandon your studies after receiving your award.
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Study with a group
Members of your study group can assist you in working through tough difficulties, providing encouragement, holding you responsible for study goals, providing alternative viewpoints, and making studying more fun.
Conclusion
Using a library, especially for the first time, can be boring and not interesting at all. But I’m telling you, with constant usage and having the spirit of never giving up, you get used to it, you enjoy being there, and you get to realize that, as a student, the school library is one of your best refuges for lone and quality time in the school environment.
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Edited by Emmanuel Odebiyi
About Author
- She is a passionate writer and orator who believes in writing to make right. She writes blog posts, articles, and poetry. Her interests are majorly in personal development, education, and health.
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