Why school librarians matter: What years of research tells us
By Keith Curry Lance and Debra E. Kachel (Phi Delta Kappan, 2018)
When schools have high-quality library programs and librarians who share their expertise with the entire school community, student achievement gets a boost.
“Since 1992, a growing body of research known as the school library impact studies has consistently shown positive correlations between high-quality library programs and student achievement (Gretes, 2013; Scholastic, 2016). Data from more than 34 statewide studies suggest that students tend to earn better standardized test scores in schools that have strong library programs. Further, when administrators, teachers, and librarians themselves rated the importance and frequency of various library practices associated with student learning, their ratings correlated with student test scores, further substantiating claims of libraries’ benefits. In addition, newer studies, conducted over the last several years, show that strong school libraries are also linked to other important indicators of student success, including graduation rates and mastery of academic standards.”
School Library Impact Studies
A large body of Canadian and international research demonstrates the connection between school library programs and student success, and explores the specific factors that are associated with effective library programs.
The factors associated with better test scores include:
- School librarians teaching information literacy skills to students
- Library is staffed by qualified professionals
- School librarians plan collaboratively with teachers
- The library is consistently open and staffed
- School librarians provide in-service professional learning opportunities for teachers
- The library has a large and and current resource collection
- The library has a flexible schedule, responsive to learning needs
- School libraries are funded appropriately and consistently
Library Research Service: School Library Impact Studies. Accessed at: https://www.lrs.org/data-tools/school-libraries/impact-studies/
Canadian research confirms these findings. A study by Dr. Ken Haycock examined school library programs in British Columbia, where the government provides equitable funding of public schools while allowing individual school districts and schools to determine individual funding priorities. Haycock’s findings were consistent with the international research. Higher student standardized test scores were associated with a school library that is more accessible, better funded, professionally staffed, managed, stocked, integrated and used. Findings moreover pointed to higher student achievement in those schools where greater resources, from the same limited allocation were assigned to school libraries.
Haycock, K. (2011). Connecting British Columbia (Canada) school libraries and student achievement: A comparison of higher and lower performing schools with similar overall funding. School Libraries Worldwide 17(1).
More School Library Impact Studies
Exemplary School Libraries in Ontario. A Study by Queen’s University & People for Education. Ontario Library Association, 2009.
School Libraries and Student Achievement in Ontario. A Study by Queen’s University & People for Education. Ontario Library Association, 2006.
School Libraries and Reading. Research findings from People for Education. “Information literacy and reading for enjoyment are key elements of lifelong learning. The school library is a central hub for both teachers and students.”
Reading for Joy. People for Education, 2011.
International Research
Library Research Service: School Library Impact Studies. A comprehensive list of American and international research into school library efficacy.
School libraries in South Australia. 2019 Census. Dix, K., Felgate, R., & Ahmed, S.K., Carslake, T., & Sniedze-Gregory, S. (2020).Adelaide, Australia: Australian Council for Educational Research.
Census from 728 schools was achieved in administering a detailed survey of the state of school libraries in South Australia through a diligent approach taken by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER). Of note in the study is the use of comparative literacy achievement data demonstrating higher student literacy achievement in schools with qualified teacher-librarians. Extensive references include links to Canadian School Libraries Leading Learning standards and Excellent School Libraries: Learning for the Future poster.
Instructional Practices in the Library Learning Commons
Current research focuses on the efficacy of specific instructional practices. Several themes emerge.
- Collaborative planning is key to success.
- Schools benefit from the role of the librarian as a resource specialist, trained in the selection, evaluation, and integration of learning resources.
- Students tend to thrive academically where library programs provide ready access to free and subscription-based online resources alongside more traditional collections of books, periodicals, and audiovisual resources.
- School librarians are leaders in the integration of technology into learning.
- School librarians provide professional development to teachers and instruct students on information use and ethics.
- The benefits associated with good library programs are strongest for the most vulnerable and at-risk learners, including students of colour, low-income students, and students with disabilities.
Lance, K.C. & Kachel, D.E. (2018). Why school librarians matter: What years of research tell us. Phi Delta Kappan, 99(7).
The Canadian School Libraries Research Archive provides access to a growing body of Canadian scholarly and practitioner action research related to specific practices in the library learning commons.
“Learners have a right to expect good school libraries in every school in Canada, Our school libraries should reflect our common values of equity, diversity, and cultural identity as well as best approaches in the educational and library professions. They should be contextually relevant to student need and success. and built, cared for, measured, renewed and sustained on an ongoing basis by their learning communities. We should position school libraries to lead learning for the future.”
Canadian School Libraries (CSL), 2020. Leading Learning: Standards of Practice for School Library Learning Commons in Canada.