Impact of academic libraries and students performance in Rwandan higher learning institutions

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of academic libraries and student performance in Rwandan higher learning institutions. Despite the importance of school library, its operation in terms of compliance to academic achievement of students’ cannot be overemphasized. Hence the assessment of the student characteristics is determined so as to know the composition of the students to the school library patronage. Specifically, this study found out the standard of school library facilities in higher learning institutions in Rwanda; determined the influence of school library facilities to the academic performance of higher learning institutions in Rwanda; and to examine the level of student academic performance at higher learning institutions in Rwanda. A descriptive research design was used with both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The target population was 955 students’ respondents from 32 higher learning institution in Rwanda. A sample size of 134 respondents participated in the study. Systematic random sampling technique was adopted in this research. Teaching staff were chosen with purposive sampling technique. A questionnaire survey, interview guide and observation were used to collect data. Reliability and validity of research instruments. Findings discovered lack of library facilities in many higher learning institutions creates a diverse impact on student’s performances. The researcher found out that the availability of library services and their utilization enhance the level of academic performance. It was revealed that in Rwanda, there is a lack of reading culture, and students were unmotivated for reading, and they did not afford enough time for enhancing their skills and performance in Rwanda. The relationships were all positive and significant therefore each of these elements significantly increases academic performance of the students when they are improved. The researcher suggested that there is a need to develop cultural practices of reading in order to enhance the utilization of library facilities, there is a need of cooperation between school principals and librarians to obtain adequate books and well-equipped libraries while parents are recommended to provide rooms which provide conducive reading environment within their families.