Research article · 2026
A SURVEY OF RECREATIONAL AND EXTENSION SERVICES PROVISION TO CHILDREN BY PUBLIC LIBRARIES IN ABIA AND IMO STATES.
Abstract
Purpose: The main aim of the study is to access the extent recreational and extension services are provided to children in public libraries in Abia and Imo States. In addition, the study sought to identify the challenges affecting the provision of library services to children.
Design/Methodology/Approach: The study adopted survey research design. The population of the study comprised 98 library staff in public libraries in Abia and Imo States. Since the entire population was manageable, all 98 library staff was used in the study, using the census sampling technique. A questionnaire titled: Recreational and Extension Services to Children in Public Libraries (RESCPL) was used for data collection. The research questions were answered using the mean and standard deviation while one sample t-test was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance.
Findings: The findings revealed that: recreational and extension services are provided to a low extent and the major challenges affecting provision of library services for children in public libraries include: inadequate multimedia facilities, non-availability of mobile van, inadequate knowledge of library staff on child psychology, erratic power supply, and inadequate provision of facilities for children with special need.
Practical Implications: The low level of recreational and extension services implies that public library administrators and state governments need to redesign children’s library services to include regular storytelling, drama, craft activities, reading clubs, exhibitions, mobile library services, and community outreach programmes. This would enable public libraries to respond more effectively to children’s educational, recreational, and social needs and extend services to children who cannot easily visit the library.
Originality/Value: The value of this work is on the identification of the extent recreational and extension services are provided to children in Abia and Imo States by public libraries. Its originality lies in the fact that it has not been published elsewhere.
Keywords: Recreational Services; Extension Services; Children’s Library Services; Public Libraries; Library Provision; Children; Public Library Users
Keywords
Recreational Services; Extension Services; Children’s Library Services; Public Libraries; Library Provision; Children; Public Library Users
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