Factors Hampering the Provision of References and Information Services in Malawian School Libraries

Provision of reference and information services are recognized as critical in promoting reading culture and development of literacy skills for students. In recent years, the Malawi Government has registered a high rate of students accessing primary and secondary education. This development led to inadequate of library space and materials to cater to students. As a result, provision of quality reference and information services remains a big challenge to most school libraries in Malawi. Therefore, the objective of this paper is an attempt to discuss the various factors that hamper the provision of reference and information services in school libraries. It also examines the role of reference and information services to pupils and students. The paper is based on a literature review and author’s own experience. The papers concludes by presenting the way forward on how the provision of reference and information services can be improved in school libraries, hence building the requisite foundation of literacy for Malawian citizenry.