Challenges Facing Students in Using School Libraries in West ‘A’ District Unguja, Zanzibar

The purpose of this research was to assess the challenges facing students when using the school library in Zanzibar. The study was conducted in Zanzibar West “A” District, Unguja. It involved three public secondary schools. This study used a qualitative method and employing a descriptive case study design. The objective of the study was to assess the challenges students face when using the school library. Data was collected through interviews, focus group discussions, and observations from 48 respondents selected from schools in the West “A” District in Zanzibar. The findings of the study revealed the usage of school libraries was low due to the various challenges facing students in using school libraries in Zanzibar, including shortage of resources, insufficient reading space, shortage of facilities in reading rooms, limited designated time for library usage, poor customer service from librarians, limited library hours, and shortage of librarians. The study recommends that schools be supported in establishing well-equipped, furnished, and resource-rich libraries to encourage students to enjoy visiting and utilizing these spaces for reading books and accessing informational materials.