The Role of School Libraries in Preserving Oral Traditions and Indigenous Cultures in selected school in Ibadan, Oyo state

Oral traditions and indigenous knowledge are important cultural resources that preserve community history, values, language, and identity across generations. However, globalization and the dominance of western educational materials have contributed to the gradual decline of these traditions among younger generations. School libraries, as centers of learning and information access, can play a significant role in preserving and promoting indigenous knowledge within educational environments. This study examines the roles and strategies used by school libraries in selected primary and secondary schools in Ibadan, Oyo State, to collect, preserve, and promote oral traditions. It also investigates library activities designed to engage students’ interest in indigenous cultural heritage and identifies challenges faced in acquiring and managing indigenous materials. The study highlights issues such as limited funding, inadequate resources, and low awareness of indigenous knowledge integration.