Library Management in Improving Students’ Reading Interest at SMP Jarinabi

Abstrak

This study aims to analyze library management in improving students’ reading interest at SMP Jarinabi, Tanjung Jabung Timur Regency, Jambi Province. This research employed a descriptive qualitative approach with a field research design. Data were collected through observation, semi-structured interviews, and documentation study. The informants consisted of the school principal, the head of the library, a teacher, and student representatives from Grades VII, VIII, and IX. The data were analyzed using an interactive model consisting of data condensation, data display, and conclusion drawing, while data credibility was strengthened through source and technique triangulation. The findings show that library management at SMP Jarinabi has been implemented through planning, organizing, implementation, supervision, and evaluation, although it remains simple and conventional. The library has supported students’ reading interest through textbook procurement, borrowing services, morning literacy activities, classroom reading corners, reading competitions, and a relaxing reading corner. Students’ reading interest has begun to develop, especially in completing assignments, finding references, and reviewing classroom materials. However, this interest is not yet evenly distributed and remains largely instrumental rather than autonomous. The main obstacles include limited non-textbook collections, the absence of full-time professional library staff, limited library space, manual administration, and restricted service hours due to the dense schedule of the integrated Islamic boarding school environment. This study concludes that improving students’ reading interest requires more strategic library management through collection development, staff training, better space organization, flexible reading access, and consistent literacy programs