Research
School Library Impact Studies: A Review of Findings and Guide to Sources (Revised on Aug. 12, 2013). This summary report of findings on the correlation between school libraries and student achievement makes a compelling argument for libraries and licensed librarians in every school. The report’s executive summary states:
- Universal findings from more than 60 impact studies conducted in 22 states conclude that schools with a well‐equipped library, staffed by a full‐time, certified librarian and appropriate support staff contribute significantly to gains in student learning.
- Staffing of school libraries with full‐time, certified librarians is also significant in impacting student achievement.
- At successful schools, in addition to providing access to books, librarians play a key role in teaching.
- As leaders and instructional partners who collaborate with teachers, especially in the early grades, librarians develop in their students a lifelong love of reading [and] build critical- thinking skills and digital literacy that prepare students for the 21st century workplace.