Support Wisconsin School Libraries
Strong school library media programs keep us all in a better state! Studies across the nation prove that quality school libraries are critical to student achievement. The Research Foundation at Scholastic Library Publishing has compiled a summary of these major research findings in, “School Libraries Work!” The 2006 edition cites research from 16 states, as well as statements from the U.S. National Commission on Libraries and Information Science, the American Library Association, the International Reading Association, and other sources. Among the major conclusions:
- Quality school library media programs lead to better student achievement.
There is a strong connection between student achievement and quality school
library media programs (indicated by the presence of qualified school library
media specialists), regardless of other socio-economic and educational factors.
- School library media specialists have diverse roles as teachers, instructional
partners, and program administrators. Their collaboration with teachers
and administrators results in students getting better grades and higher
scores on standardized tests than students in schools without good library
programs.
- School library media centers offer students access to a range of print and electronic resources to help them become skilled information and technology users. In the school library, students also develop a love of reading and ideas.