The Role of School Libraries in Supporting Inquiry-Based Methods for Teaching Science in Nigerian Schools: Challenges and Possibilities

Abstract Using a constructivist lens, this study investigated the role of school libraries in supporting an inquiry-based approach for teaching and learning science subjects in senior secondary schools in Ekiti State, Nigeria, the challenges faced and possibilities presented. The significance of this study is based on the importance Nigeria has assigned to science education as a means to achieving national development. A mixed-methods approach was chosen for the study. The population of the study included school librarians, principals, and science teachers in public senior secondary schools as well as staff in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology concerned with supporting and managing resources for science teaching and learning. Data was collected using questionnaires, interviews, and observation. Quantitative data collected through the questionnaires were analyzed using the SPSS, while qualitative data were transcribed and thematically analyzed. The findings revealed the library resource most frequently available in school libraries for supporting science curriculum implementation is a textbook. Most of the staff in charge of the library had no librarianship qualification. Teacher-centred approaches predominated amongst teachers. The study emphasizes how school libraries are underrated as support for the curriculum. It proffers some far reaching recommendations to position school libraries for better performance.