This study examined students’ perceptions of the importance of the academic library in supporting lifelong learning at Kano State Polytechnic, Nigeria. The study was motivated by the growing importance of lifelong learning in an environment characterized by rapid changes in knowledge, technology, employment requirements and information resources. A mixed-methods research design was adopted, combining a quantitative survey with qualitative focus group discussions. The population of the study comprised 12,305 students drawn from six schools and units of Kano State Polytechnic during the 2025/2026 academic session. A sample of 300 students was selected using stratified random sampling, of which 291 questionnaires were returned and found usable. In addition, 25 students were purposively selected to participate in focus group discussions. Data were collected using a structured five-point Likert-scale questionnaire titled Perceptions of Library Importance and Lifelong Learning Questionnaire (PLILLQ) and a focus group discussion guide. Quantitative data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations and Pearson Product Moment Correlation, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The findings indicated that students recognized the importance of the library for academic development, independent learning and continuous learning. The study also found significant positive relationships between perceived library importance and lifelong-learning engagement (r = .50, p < .001), resource accessibility and lifelong-learning engagement (r = .43, p < .001), and information-literacy support and lifelong-learning engagement (r = .33, p < .001). Qualitative findings indicated that the library supports independent learning, information-literacy development and access to digital information, although challenges relating to resource availability, digital access, awareness and infrastructure remain. The study concludes that the academic library has an important role in supporting lifelong learning among polytechnic students. It recommends strengthening information-literacy programmes, expanding electronic resources, improving ICT infrastructure, increasing awareness of library services and promoting collaboration between librarians and lecturers.

Keywords: Academic library, lifelong learning, information literacy, library resources, polytechnic students, Kano State Polytechnic, independent learning.