Availability and Utilisation of Library Resources for Academic Research by Secondary School Students in Osun State

This study assesses the availability and utilisation of library resources for academic research by secondary school students in Osun State, South West Nigeria. The school library is a critical resource hub for developing research skills and independent learning among secondary school students, yet many Nigerian public schools operate with inadequate, outdated, or non-functional library facilities. The study adopts a descriptive survey design, targeting 300 Senior Secondary School students and school librarians from schools in Osogbo, Ile-Ife, and Iwo local government areas. Data were collected using a library resources availability checklist and a student library utilisation questionnaire, both validated by library science and educational measurement experts. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were employed. The study is grounded in the Information Seeking Behaviour Model and constructivist learning theory. It examines the range of available print and digital resources, the frequency of student library visits, and barriers to effective utilisation, including limited opening hours, poor cataloguing, and absence of internet connectivity. Findings are anticipated to reveal that library resources are inadequate in most sampled schools and that student utilisation rates are correspondingly low. Recommendations are directed at the Osun State Secondary Education Management Board, school principals, and the Nigeria Library Association on minimum library resource standards, digital resource investment, and integration of information literacy into school curricula. Keywords: library resources, academic research, secondary students, Osun State, information literacy