Public Library Services on the Promotion of Literacy Level of Users in Kenneth Dike ECentral Library, Awka.

This study investigated public library services on the literacy level of users in Kenneth Dike ECentral Library, Awka. Five research questions were used for the study. The research method adopted was the survey method and population consisted of 2543 registered users of Kenneth Dike public library. A sample size of 345 users was used. Mean was used for data analysis. Questionnaires and observation checklist were used for data collection. The study found that the available public library services that can promote the literacy level of users are consultancy services, exhibition and displays, book reservation services which have high mean score above 2.50. The extent of use of the available public library services by users to promote their literacy level are reprographic services, library instruction (user education), and inter-library loan which have high mean score above 2.50. The roles of public library in promoting literacy level of users in Kenneth Dike E-central Library in Awka are teaching of literacy skills, promotion of independent learning, education on lifelong learning, organizing library week, story-talk hour, creative activities or creative writing, book exhibition and book talk which have high mean score above 2.50. The challenges that hinder public library in providing effective services towards promoting literacy level are inadequate financial support, insufficient library materials, and poor library infrastructure which have high mean score above 2.50. The solutions to the challenges that hinder public library in providing effective services towards promoting literacy level of users are adequate financial support, sufficient library materials, and low cost of library materials which have high mean score. This study concludes that the impacts of public library services on promoting literacy level are high as they have the tendency of improving the reading culture of users. The study went on to recommend that sufficient and relevant library materials which include electronic resources be made available for users of public libraries as this will go a long way to enhance each user's literacy level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]