School Libraries Impact Studies

Library Research Service

School Libraries & Student Achievement (2013)

This 1-page infographic presents highlights from all of LRS’s school library impact studies. Two versions of the infographic are available: – One is optimized for online viewing – And, the second is optimized for printing If you view the infographic PDF file in Firefox PDF viewer, it may not render properly. For best viewing and printing, click on the “open in different viewer” button in the top right corner of your browser, and select the option to open the file with Adobe Reader. The PDF file is optimized for printing on legal size paper. Infographic

The Impact of School Libraries on Student Achievement: Exploring the School Library Impact Studies (2010)

Jamie Helgren, LRS Research Fellow, and Keith Curry Lance, consultant at RSL Research and former Director of the Library Research Service, discuss the impact of school libraries on student achievement in this seven part video series, produced by Sean Lamborne, LRS Research Fellow, in November 2010. View the videos below, or on Vimeo at http://vimeo.com/album/1480129.

Colorado

Change in school librarian staffing linked with change in CSAP reading performance, 2005 to 2011 (2012)

This report examines the change in CSAP reading scores of Colorado students, from 2005 to 2011, as influenced by changes in school library staffing levels.

Endorsed librarian positions in Colorado public schools trending downward (2010)

This document reports on the decline in endorsed librarian positions from the 2007-2008 school year to the 2008-2009 school year in schools of all grade levels. Also, the document addresses the number of librarians employed at elementary schools compared with schools of other grade levels.

Increased library staff links to higher CSAP scores (2010)

Based on school library data from 2007-2008 and 2008 CSAP reading scores, this document outlines the correlation between increased library staff and higher standardized test scores.

School librarians continue to help students achieve standards: The third Colorado study (2010)

For a more detailed look at the data mentioned in the Fast Facts report above, titled School librarians continue to help students achieve standards: The third Colorado study, review this Closer Look report.

How school librarians help kids achieve standards: The second Colorado study (2000)

This brochure offers statistics on the correlation between school libraries and student achievement, lists several impact studies, and contains a flowchart depicting the influential factors of school libraries on student achievement.

How school librarians help kids achieve standards: The second Colorado study (2000)

More than 200 Colorado elementary and middle schools participated in a 2000 impact study, summarized here in this executive report. The study concluded that student test scores increased with, among other things, increases in the hourly staffing of library media specialists, increases in the number print volumes per student, and increases in the amount of library-media expenditures per student.

How school librarians help kids achieve standards: The second Colorado study (2000)

This 12-slide PowerPoint presentation concisely states the results of Colorado’s 2001 impact study, which was conducted on more than 200 elementary and middle schools. One of the slides contains a simple acronym (“SMART”), with each letter representing a simple suggestion on how schools can cooperate with their libraries for student success.

Back to the top

National

Linking librarians, inquiry learning, and information literacy

This article analyzes inquiry-based learning, a key teaching approach that emerged from the most recent Colorado School Library Survey. Inquiry-based approaches to teaching and learning are well-integrated into curriculum standards in science, social studies, math, and language arts. However, many teachers find those approaches challenging to implement, especially when it comes to supporting students as they conduct their own research. In this part of the inquiry process, school librarians often prove to be indispensable partners.

Strong school libraries build strong students (2013)

This resource compiles key points and quotations from numerous other sources that address the link between student achievement and school libraries.

Libraries tell our story (2012)

This multi-paragraph blog post addresses how struggling school libraries—with barren shelves and/or no librarians—provide tangible evidence of the budget crises within public schools. The blog post argues that students are shortchanged when they do not have access to fully-operational school libraries and the expertise provided by school librarians.

School librarian staffing levels and student achievement as represented in 2006-2009 Kansas Annual Yearly Progress data (2012)

This article discusses a three-year study performed on Kansas public schools to determine the effect of library media specialist staffing levels on student proficiency. The study found that schools with higher and more stable staffing levels generally had higher proficiency rates.

Full-time school librarians linked to higher student reading scores (2012)

This document summarizes findings by the Library Research Service on the impact of school librarians on Colorado students’ CSAP (Colorado Student Assessment Program) scores from 2005 to 2011. In schools with at least one full-time equivalent endorsed librarian, students averaged “significantly higher” CSAP reading scores.

Want better reading scores? Hire a full-time librarian (2012)

This article briefly addresses findings by the Library Research Service that 45 percent of students in grades three through ten increased their CSAP test scores over the course of a year, compared with just 29 percent of students who did not have a school librarian at their school. The resource also asserts that library aides and volunteers cannot substitute for school librarians, since they likely do not possess the time or the requisite skills for the role.

Connecting British Columbia (Canada) school libraries and student achievement: A comparison of higher and lower performing schools with similar overall funding (2011)

This article, resulting from a study conducted in British Columbia, asserts that higher standardized test scores correlated with school libraries that were “more accessible, better funded, professionally staffed, managed, stocked, integrated, and used.”

School library research summarized: A graduate class project (2013)

This paper serves as a comprehensive index of the most important impact studies conducted in the United States up to 2013. The paper contains a bibliography for the studies, and also discusses separately the following attributes of school libraries, their effects, and which studies addressed them: staffing, collaboration, instruction, scheduling, access, summer reading programs, technology, collections, budgets, and professional development.

Informational brief: Impact of school libraries on student achievement (2011)

Similar to other reports, this document summarizes well-known impact studies, which examined the relationships between student achievement and things like student access and teacher-librarian collaboration.

Library staffing benefits Latino student achievement (2010)

This article asks and answers questions regarding the level of service and number of resources available to Latino students in California of varying grade levels, as well as the impact of these services and resources on their academic performance.

Reading workshops are most effective with a teacher-librarian (2010)

This article explains how students benefit from school librarians/teacher-librarians through reading workshops, which improve students’ attitudes toward reading, as well as their motivation to read.

The impact of New York’s school libraries on student achievement and motivation: Phase I (2009)

This document contains the results of the first phase of a three-part impact study conducted in New York, which examined the influence of school libraries on technology use, the relationship between principals and school libraries, and the level of service to students with disabilities.

The impact of New York’s school libraries on student achievement and motivation: Phase II–in-depth study (2009)

This document discusses the findings of the second phase of a three-part impact study conducted on more than 1,600 students, teachers, and library media specialists in 47 schools. During this part of the study, participants answered an in-depth survey, which produced these findings: students perceived more emphasis on finding sources rather than evaluating and using them; 69 percent of students used their school library, and mostly to do research; and students perceived that the collection and the quiet atmosphere of their school library were its two most important attributes.

School libraries, now more than ever: A position paper of the Center for International Scholarship in School Libraries (2009)

This position paper summarizes the research conducted on the impact of school libraries on student achievement. The paper emphasizes the importance of inquiry, reading, and information literacy in young people, at school and at home.

The power of the media specialist to improve academic achievement and strengthen at-risk students (2008)

This book addresses the student achievement gap in schools and the types of students who are most vulnerable to failing, and presents ideas for helping students succeed. Chief among these is the development of a strong school library media program.

Quality libraries produce quality learners (2008)

This article presents the findings of a study conducted to determine the perceptions teachers have about libraries.

The impact of school library services on student achievement and the implications for advocacy: A review of the literature (2008)

This article examines existing literature on the impact made by school libraries on student achievement, as well as the effect of this literature on school-library advocacy. The article asserts that despite the amount of literature on the positive effects of school libraries, little, if any, development has been made in this area of librarianship.

School Libraries Work! (2008)

This article “brings together position statements from a variety of organizations and findings from nearly two decades of empirical studies that cite the measurable impact school libraries and library media specialists have on student achievement.”

School reform and the school library media specialist (2007)

This book addresses how school libraries facilitate positive changes in their schools using reform initiatives. Also, the book makes recommendations on how school libraries should serve their students, especially in developing 21st century literacy skills.

Facts at a glance… Student achievement and the school library media program (2006)

This document includes listings of important milestones in the history of school libraries, school library impact studies that were conducted from 1999 to 2001, common findings, and information literacy standards and goals for students.

Students at New York Life Revitalizing High School Libraries sites talk about why their library media centers “rock!” (2006)

This document reports on the benefits received by students at four high schools that received supplemental funding from the Public Education Network to update their library media spaces. A survey conducted in the schools found that more students read for fun than previously, students read more on their own time, they conducted deeper inquiry into subject areas, and their reading and language skills improved.

Student learning through Wisconsin school libraries: Key study findings (2006)

This report highlights the key findings of Wisconsin’s 2005 impact study, which found, among other things, that higher test scores correlated with higher staffing levels, larger and more current collections, greater amounts of technology resources, longer hours of operation, and more time spent on instructionally-related student and teacher activities.

Observations of school library impact at two rural Ugandan schools (2005)

This article discusses the effect of a one-room library on students’ achievement in a remote village in Uganda. Among other things, the students claimed that the library helped them complete their assignments on time, helped them work more efficiently, took the stress out of learning, and helped them think more about their surrounding world.

Student learning through Ohio school libraries, introduction: Partner-leaders in action (2005)

This document provides an overview of how Ohio’s 2004 impact study was conducted, including how schools were selected to participate in the study.

Student learning through Ohio school libraries, part 1: How effective school libraries help students (2005)

This document addresses Ohio’s study of 39 effective school libraries, located in schools of various grade levels, in terms of how they help students learn. The study concluded that effective school libraries are both informational and transformational—that is, they lead students to use, create, and disseminate knowledge.

Heart of the school (2005)

This document addresses the improvement in student achievement in a Delaware school district after the passing of a referendum that allowed a steady source of income for school library media programs. Before the referendum, the students’ scores placed them in the middle statewide; after the referendum, they were among the top performers.

College success: High school librarians make the difference (2004)

This journal article discusses the findings of a study on the academic success of students in college. The study focused on students from three different California high schools—only one of which had a library media program—and found that the students who came from the high school with a library had much higher levels of achievement.

Locking up a world of ideas: Closing libraries puts schools’ core at risk (2004)

This article reflects on the West Contra Costa Unified School District’s decision to, among other things, cut all high school sports and close down all libraries, especially in the wake of numerous studies proving the value of school libraries. The author mentions donations from various parties, but argues that donations to buy books are not enough—there needs to be long-term commitment to ensuring the employment of school librarians.

Your school library media program and No Child Left Behind (2004)

This document discusses how school library media programs aid in achieving the goals of the No Child Left Behind Act, which include ensuring that all students are literate (both traditionally, and technologically) by 2013 and ensuring that all students pass state tests.

Student success and library media programs: A systems approach to research and best practice (2003)

This book examines precisely what factors—school-related and student-related—influence student achievement. Also, the resource presents a thorough literature review of past research on the topic of school library media programs and their impact on student achievement.

The impact of Michigan school librarians on academic achievement: Kids who have libraries succeed (2003)

This brochure presents the key findings of Michigan’s 2002 statewide school-library survey, which asserts the value of school libraries in increasing students’ test scores in reading. Also, the brochure includes anecdotes from two librarians about the positive impacts of their libraries.

How school librarians leave no child behind: The impact of school library media programs on academic achievement of U.S. public school students (2002)

In this article, Keith Curry Lance, former director of LRS, lists the impact studies he led between 2000 and 2002, and discusses common findings from the studies. The studies found the following school-library factors important in determining students’ test scores: library media program development, staff activities, usage, and technology.

Why should principals support school libraries? (2002)

This document summarizes research performed on the impact of school libraries on student achievement and explains why the support of principals is crucial in ensuring that students benefit from their school libraries to the fullest extent. The author asserts that principals determine the level of collaboration between teachers and school librarians, how school librarians are embedded into the curriculum, and whether librarians are appointed to leadership positions where they may address issues pertinent to school libraries.

Proof of power: Quality library media programs affect academic achievement (2001)

In this article from 2001, Keith Curry Lance, former director of LRS, addresses the amount of research conducted on the impact of school libraries on student achievement, and summarizes the common findings.

Proof of power: Recent research on the impact of school library media programs on the academic achievement of U.S. public school students (2001)

In this article from 2001, Keith Curry Lance, former director of LRS, addresses the amount of research conducted on the impact of school libraries on student achievement, and summarizes the common findings.

Strong libraries improve student achievement (2000)

This article criticizes the decision made by site-based management teams at Michigan elementary schools to cut school librarian positions and cites an impact study conducted by the Library Research Service, as well as a report authored by the National Center for Education Statistics.

Strong media centers boost students’ test scores, study says (2000)

This document discusses the findings of the Library Research Service from its impact study conducted in 2000. The study found that students’ CSAP (standardized test) scores were 18 percent higher in elementary schools with strong library media programs, and in secondary schools, they were 10 to 15 percent higher.

The impact of school library media centers on academic achievement (1994)

This report summarizes the Colorado’s 1994 impact study, which found the following: 1.) There is a relationship between library media program expenditures and student test performance; 2.) A library media program’s total number of staff, as well as the size and variety of its collection, are intervening factors that affect student success; and 3.) Library media specialists who play an instructional role also affect student achievement.

Exemplary school libraries in Ontario (2009)

This 54-page report discusses the results of Ontario’s 2009 study that identified the attributes of exemplary school libraries. The study looked at 8 schools and more than 300 students, and found that the best school libraries are allocated adequate funding and regard their teacher-librarians as key teaching staff members.

School libraries and student achievement in Ontario (2006)

This report contains all content pertinent to Ontario’s 2006 impact study, School libraries and student achievement in Ontario, completed by People for Education and Queen’s University. The study examined the relationship between student test scores in grades 3 and 6, and their school libraries’ staffing, hours of operation, collections, and fundraisers.

Back to the top

Alaska

Information empowered: The school librarian as an agent of academic achievement in Alaska schools (Rev. ed.) (2000)

This extensive report contains all content pertinent to the 1999 study conducted on students in 211 elementary and secondary schools in Alaska that examined the correlation between school librarians and student test scores. Although substantially the same as the report published in 1999, this report corrects errors and clarifies ambiguities.

Want higher test scores? A school librarian can make the difference! (1999)

This brochure highlights the results of a 1999 study conducted on students in 211 elementary and secondary schools in Alaska that examined the correlation between school librarians and student test scores. The brochure is formatted with bullet points, and includes suggestions for school librarians on how to make a positive impact.

Information empowered: The school librarian as an agent of academic achievement in Alaska schools (1999)

This document summarizes the results of, and provides the methodologies for, a 1999 study conducted on students in 211 elementary and secondary schools in Alaska that examined the correlation between school librarians and student test scores.

Back to the top

California

California school libraries: A parent guide for promoting equity, opportunity, and achievement (2008)

This undated brochure highlights findings from Doug Achterman’s dissertation, Haves, Halves, and Have-Nots: School Libraries and Student Achievement in California, and Scholastic’s School Libraries Work! Additionally, the brochure provides advice on how to determine a school library’s strength and how parents can support their school libraries.

Haves, halves, and have-nots: School libraries and student achievement in California (2008)

This 239-page dissertation examines the relationship between California’s school library media programs and student achievement in elementary and secondary schools. The document concludes that there is a correlation between student achievement and school-librarian staffing levels at every grade level, with the strongest correlation at the high-school level.

Back to the top

Florida

Making the grade: The status of school library media centers in the Sunshine State and how they contribute to student achievement (2003)

This report discusses the status of school library media centers in Florida for grades K-12 and the relationship between school library media centers and student achievement. The report concludes that, among other things, student achievement is positively impacted when: students use the school library media center; and the school library media center is led by a professionally-trained, full-time certified library media specialist. Also, the report provides recommendations on how school library media centers can be more successful.

Washington study further ties quality library programs to student success (2015)

This School Library Journal article summarizes and reviews results from the Washington study, above. Quotes from the study’s author, Washington Library Media Association president, and other school library research leaders provide context and background to the study and its place in the larger research landscape.

Back to the top

Wisconsin

Student learning through Wisconsin school library media centers: Case study report (2006)

This 65-page report contains the results of a case study conducted on five Wisconsin schools of various grade levels. The five schools were selected from a pool of more than 1,000, and were examined in depth, regarding the following characteristics: organization; collection; participation in committees; principal support; technology access, use, and integration; collaboration and teaching; impact; usage; promotion; collaboration with the public library; and strengths.

Student learning through Wisconsin school library media centers: Library media specialist survey report (2006)

This extensive report contains all content pertinent to Wisconsin’s 2005 impact study, which surveyed all school library programs within the state regarding the following: staffing, volunteers, budget, hours of operation, staff activities, policies, resources, and usage. Among other findings, the study concluded that reading and language arts skills were most advanced in the schools with the most library media specialists.

Student learning through Wisconsin school library media centers: Teacher and student survey report (2006)

This 93-page report addresses the 2005 survey responses of teachers and students in 75 schools of varying grade levels to questions about their perceptions of their school library media programs.

Back to the top