Research on the Positive Impact of Librarians
More than 34 state-level studies have found that when their schools have strong library programs staffed by licensed school librarians, students score higher on reading and achievement tests. This trend holds true regardless of other factors, such as class size, per-pupil funding, and student socioeconomic conditions. For example, a study in Pennsylvania reported that significantly fewer students scored “below basic” in reading when they had access to a strong library program. Another study found that the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) fourth grade reading scores for low-income, Black and Latino students improved in states that added licensed librarians, while ELL reading scores dropped in states that lost them (Lance and Hofshire, 2018).
Positive Impact
- School Library Impact Studies: a Review of Findings and Guide to Sources
- Roles of the School Librarian: Empowering Student Learning and Success
- School Libraries Work!
- Why school librarians matter: What years of research tell us
- International Research
Recent Trends
- Changing Times: School Librarian Staffing
- Poverty & Reading: The Sad and Troubling Loss of School Libraries and Real Librarians
- U.S. Public Schools Have Lost Nearly 20% of Their Librarians Since 2000
- Research Study Details Growth, Staffing, Resources Trends in School Library/Media Centers (NEA)
- Requirements for School Librarians: A State-by State Summary
Advocacy
- AASL Position Statements on Effective School Library Programs
- Lacking Research Skills, Students Struggle. School Librarians can Help Solve the College Readiness Gap