International Journal of Academic Library and Information Science
 

International Journal of Academic Library and Information Science

Vol. 3(2), pp. 65–71, February. 

ISSN: 2360-7858

DOI: 10.14662/IJALIS2015.010

Full Length Research

The Role of Picture Books in Promoting Reading Culture among Nigerian Children: Implication for Libraries and Development of Leadership Qualities

ILOGHO, JULIE ENAMEN

Centre for Learning Resources, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria.

EMAIL: Julieilogho2000@yahoo.com

Accepted 22 February 2015

The study examined the role of picture books in cultivation of reading culture among Nigerian children and the implications for developing leadership qualities. Reading has been recognized as one of the most valuable legacy that can be handed down to children. This study placed emphasis on early introduction of children to reading using picture books. It viewed picture books as powerful, and compelling tools which have inviting influence on children, thus, making them want to read more than they would ordinarily do. The study further posited that picture books can assist children develop socially, personally, intellectually, culturally and aesthetically. Factors militating against the use of picture books for the promotion of reading culture in Nigeria were identified as poor implementation of government policies, high cost of publishing, ignorance on the part of parents about the value of picture books, lack of enabling environment for publishers to publish quality picture books, lack of available libraries in Nigeria’s nursery and primary schools among others. Recommendations include: that the Government should lead the reading promotion and awareness campaign, that government should reduce or remove import duties on printed materials, professional librarians should advocate for libraries and lead a campaign against nursery and primary schools that do not have libraries. Lastly, picture books should be used to teach children acceptable values of our society, while at the same time teaching against unacceptable or unwanted values in the society.

Keywords: Picture books, Reading culture, Libraries, Reading promotion, Leadership qualities.
 

Cite This Article As: ILOGHO JE (2015). The Role of Picture Books in Promoting Reading Culture among Nigerian Children: Implication for Libraries and Development of Leadership Qualities. Inter. J. Acad. Lib. Info. Sci. 3(2): 65-71.

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