Utilizing School Library to Improve Basic Literacy Skills for Islamic Primary School Students

Abstract

This study aims to describe the use of the school library in facilitating the
development of the student’s reading culture, the student’s writing skills, and the students’
speaking skills at MIT AL–ISLAH Integrated Islamic Primary School in Gorontalo City. This
research uses a qualitative approach with the type of case study research. Data collection
techniques were done through observation, interviews, and document studies. The main
informant of this research data was the school principal, while the supporting informants
were the teacher in charge of the library and the students. The process of data analysis using
data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion. The examination of data validity using data
credibility through triangulation of sources and methods. The results showed that developing
the reading culture of students through the school’s library was conducted by instilling a
reading culture from an early age, not only reading books but also reading the Holy Quran
and schedule distribution in the library as well. The use of libraries in developing writing
skills was conducted by poetry writing programs, rewriting content read, making stories,
reading, writing, arithmetic programs, and mentoring methods in terms of learning. The use
of libraries in developing speaking skills was conducted by providing an expression corner
to practice speaking, having an outdoor space in the library, and participating in several
programs made by the library