2026-11-10T10:29:04Zhttps://repository.slads.sc.tz/api/oaioai:repository.slads.sc.tz:cmsk9899i001fg4c5vg1u007z2026-11-10T09:59:35Zdepartment:LIMtype:dissertationAN ASSESSMENT OF CHILDREN READING HABIT ON TANZANIA PUBLIC LIBRARY: A CASE STUDY OF BAGAMOYO PUBLIC LIBRARY.Shedrack AllyChildren's Reading HabitsPublic LibrariesReading CultureParental InvolvementBagamoyo Public LibraryTanzaniaThis study assessed children’s reading habits in Tanzania public libraries, with a case study
of Bagamoyo Public Library. Specifically, the study sought to examine the frequency of
children’s library visits, identify factors influencing their reading engagement, evaluate the
effectiveness of existing library services, and explore challenges hindering the promotion of
a sustainable reading culture.
A descriptive survey research design and mixed-methods approaches were employed. The
study involved a sample of 25 respondents, comprising 20 children selected through simple
random sampling and 5 teachers and library staff selected through purposive sampling. Data
were collected using questionnaires and interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using
frequencies and percentages with the aid of Microsoft Excel, while qualitative data were
analyzed through thematic analysis.
The findings revealed that most children visited the library infrequently, with only a small
group attending daily. Parental involvement and access to resources were identified as the
strongest factors influencing reading habits, while digital distractions and peer influence
played lesser roles. School partnerships and story hours were found to be the most effective
library services, whereas limited book availability and low parental involvement emerged as
the main challenges.
The study concludes that children’s reading habits in Bagamoyo Public Library are shaped
primarily by parental support and resource availability. It recommends strengthening
parental involvement, improving resource provision, enhancing library programs, and
expanding school partnerships and outreach strategies to foster a sustainable reading culture
among children.School of Library, Archives and Documentation Studies (SLADS)2026TextDissertationapplication/pdfhttps://repository.slads.sc.tz/records/cmsk9899i001fg4c5vg1u007zenAll rights reservedhttps://repository.slads.sc.tz/api/records/cmsk9899i001fg4c5vg1u007z/file