Research Supporting School Libraries and Teacher Librarians
Why School Librarians Matter
"When schools have high-quality library programs and librarians who share their expertise with the entire school community, student achievement gets a boost."
- Keith Curry Lance and Debra E. Kachel
Why School Librarians Are the Literacy Leaders We Need
"I’ve taught in four public schools in New York City, and only ONE had a true functioning library with a certified librarian in it. Let me tell you, that one school library was small, but game changing, thanks to the wonderful work of the librarian, Leslie Gallager, and the wise choice to fund it by school leaders at Brooklyn Prospect."
Certified Teacher-Librarians, Library Quality and Student Achievement in Washington State Public Schools, 2015
Summary:
This article presents the findings of the Washington State School Library Impact Study, which examines the relationship between certified teacher-librarians (CTLs), library quality, and student achievement in public schools in Washington State.
Key takeaways:
1. Schools with certified teacher-librarians and quality library facilities have students who perform better on standardized tests and are more likely to graduate, even after controlling for school size and student income level.
2. The presence of a certified teacher-librarian on staff has a high relationship to a school’s five-year graduation rate.
3. Quality public school libraries staffed by full-time CTLs are unequally distributed across the state, disproportionately affecting students facing poverty and other risk factors known to adversely impact student achievement.
Summary created with the help of generative ai (Claude2)
Figure 9. High School Performance Indicators: High Schools with and without a certified teacher librarian on staff. Page 20
Article: Linking Librarians, Inquiry Learning, and Information Literacy, KAPPAN, 2020
"In short, inquiry helps students develop self-directed lifelong learning skills that will contribute to their readiness for, and success in, college, career, and life." Keith Curry Lance and Leslie K. Maniotes, 2020
Ten Ways Teacher Librarians Improve Literacy in Schools, The Conversation, 2019 (Australia)
"Librarians are qualified to help struggling readers enjoy and improve at reading. Peter Rae/AAP" 2019 Article in The Conversation.
Roles of the School Librarian
Summary:
This article explores the various roles of school librarians in empowering student learning and success, focusing on their roles as teachers, leaders, instructional partners, information specialists, and program administrators. It delves into the impact of school libraries on student achievement, the evolving roles of school librarians, and how administrators can support their professional development.
Key takeaways:
1. School librarians play a crucial role in developing students’ reading and comprehension skills through literacy instruction, collaboration with educators, and access to a wide range of materials.
2. They provide leadership in technology integration, curriculum development, and instructional design, contributing to the successful implementation of innovative learning and supporting teachers and administrators.
3. School librarians also act as instructional partners, collaborating with teachers to integrate technology and implement cross-disciplinary curriculum materials, ultimately boosting student learning in the classroom.
Summary created with the help of generative ai (Claude2)
School Libraries Work A Compendium of Research Supporting the Effectiveness of School Libraries, Scholastic, 2016
Summary:
The article "SCHOOL LIBRARIES WORK! A Compendium of Research Supporting the Effectiveness of School Libraries" presents research supporting the critical role of school libraries and certified school librarians in raising student achievement. It highlights the importance of information literacy, the impact of school libraries on student learning, and the necessity of strong administrative support for library media programs.
Key takeaways:
1. School librarians play a crucial role in developing library programs that raise student achievement and are essential in teaching and facilitating information literacy.
2. Well-funded school libraries, staffed by certified school librarians, are transforming into learning centers that equip students with the necessary skills for success.
3. Research shows that quality library programs support English Language Arts (ELA) achievement and foster 21st-century skills, and the effectiveness of library media programs depends on administrative support.
