The role of teachers in fostering students' independent learning through school library use: the case studies of selected high schools in Zanzibar

This study examines the role of teachers in fostering students’ independent learning through school library use by looking at the availability of school library materials; the patterns of school library use by students and teachers; the cooperation between teachers and library staff in the formation of habits of library use among students and the different ways used by high school teachers in fostering high school students to become independent learners. The study was conducted in Zanzibar Urban West Region and it involved three public high schools namely: Ben Bella, Hamamni and Lumumba Secondary Schools and two private high schools namely: Hermann Gmeiner School and Sunni Madressa School. The total of sixty arts and science high school students, thirty arts and science teachers and five library staff were given questionnaire. Interviews were conducted on twelve students, twelve teachers, five library staff, five heads of schools, the Director of the public library and the Director of secondary schools. Also, observation method was used in all schools. Therefore, a total number of 102 respondents were involved in this study. Primary data was collected through a survey method using the structured standardized questionnaire, face-to-face interviews and observations. Secondary data was collected through documentary evidence by consulting a variety of written sources. The major findings revealed that school libraries were confronted with limited library stock which contains outdated and few current materials, inadequate library funds, lack of library education and library habit among students and teachers, inefficient and untrained library staff, lack of integration of information, curricula and classroom learning and lack of cooperation between teaching and library staff plus lack of commitment between MoEVT and heads of schools. The study recommended that special attention should be given to the development of basic and modern school library facilities. ZLS should draft and distribute documents to all schools outlining the value of school libraries to the educational progress. MoEVT should assess the current curricula and recommend pre and in-service training for library and teaching staff. Secondary schools should establish interactive library sessions to students.