Because Student Learning is the Bottom Line

“Because student learning is the bottom line” sounds like the mantra of every administrator today. What may surprise people is that the phrase was used in 1998 as the subtitle to information Power, a national plan for implementing quality library media center programs, published by the American Association of School Librarians. Stereotypes from long ago would lead people to believe that school librarians in previous generations focused on keeping the location quiet and materials in place. The subtitle makes it clear that today’s library media specialists care about student achievement.

Administrators make financial and program decisions based on how they affect student achievement. Today, data drives education. What does data say about today’s library media centers? Several studies make it clear that a well-stocked, appropriately staffed library media center makes a difference for students.

Keith Curry Lance and his colleagues created studies in Alaska, Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Texas to find out what library features affected student achievement. Consistently, the research shows that a school library media center staffed by professional library media specialists with clerical support provides students with the opportunity to be successful. See specific results at <http://www.lrs.org/impact.asp>.

Several studies make it clear that

a well-stocked appropriately

staffed library media center makes a

difference for students.

Ohio conducted a study that asked students how school libraries helped them learn. The results appeared in School Library Journal, 2-1-04. “13,000 Kids Can’t Be Wrong” makes it clear that students who had well-stocked, appropriately staffed library media centers believed that they were helpful to their academic achievement.

Scholastic Book Company recently published School Libraries Work! This document includes information about a variety of studies, some of which have already been mentioned. It also includes a resolution segment from the International Reading Association that supports the need for credentialed library media specialists in schools. An online copy can be read at <http:/www.scholastic.com/librarians/printables/slp_rfp_804.pdf>.

The Power of Reading by reading expert Stephen Krashen speaks to the importance of school library media centers and students having access to literature. Library media specialists know age-appropriate books and help connect students to the perfect book to meet their needs. Krashen believes that access to books plays an important part in children becoming successful readers.

A Hoosier perspective about library media centers can be found through the research published by the Indiana University Center for Evaluation & Education Policy that investigated how the School Library Printed Materials Grant impacted Indiana students. Trend Analysis of Indiana K-12 Library Services Since the School Library Printed Materials Grant shows that loss of those dollars resulted in fewer books purchased and therefore circulation decreased. Students’ academic needs continue, regardless of state funding.

What does all of this research mean to Indiana schools in this time of tight dollars? A well-stocked, appropriately staffed library media center makes a difference for students. All students deserve a certified library media specialist, supported by clerical staff. The library media specialist works on school curriculum development, serves on school improvement committees, and co-plans and co-teaches with classroom teachers. Students and staff visit the facility anytime to meet their needs. Budgets provide adequate print and electronic materials for students and staff. A Planning Guide for Information Power: Building Partnerships for Learning provides information on how to get an exemplary program in place.

Library media centers are not museums of materials. They provide access to the world, but students and staff need assistance from certified library media specialists on the educational journey. Hoosier students will face a global market as adults, so they must be carefully prepared for that time. Data shows the importance of library media centers and staff in impacting student achievement. It must be utilized, “Because student learning is the bottom line.”

References

American Association of School Librarians. Information Power: Because Student Achievement Is the Bottom Line. Chicago: American Library Association, 1999.

American Association of School Librarians. Information Power: Building Partnerships for Learning. Chicago: American Library Association, 1998.

American Association of School Librarians. A Planning Guide for Information Power: Building Partnerships for Learning. Chicago: American Library Association, 1999.

Library Research Service. “School Library Impact Studies.” November 14, 2004, <http://www.lrs.org/impact.asp>.

Plucker, Jonathan, et al. Trend Analysis of Indiana K-12 Library Services Since the School Library Printed Materials Grant. Bloomington, IN: Center for Evaluation & Education Policy, 2004.

Scholastic Research Foundation Paper. School Libraries Work! New York: Scholastic, 2004.

Whelan, Debra Lau. “13,000 Kids Can’t Be Wrong.” School Library Journal, February 1, 2004: 50 (2).