School Library Month: Why it Still Has a Place

To mark the inaugural School Library Month in 1985, U.S. Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan said to school librarians everywhere, “I want to thank you for what you do. I hope you know how important your work is. You change lives for the better.”

Ever since then, schools have taken the month of April to recognize the service and resources that school libraries and librarians provide.

But in 30 years, a lot has evolved where education and libraries are concerned. During a time when Common Core is dominating the education conversation and technology is changing the very definition of libraries, the question is being asked: Has the role of school librarians diminished?

As with most other educational and civic entities, the best school libraries have developed an innate ability to adapt to changes in both education and technology. In fact, studies over the years have shown that not only are libraries still important fixtures in U.S. schools; they’re often closely tied to higher rates of student success.

This infographic from the Library Research Service draws correlations between quality school libraries and student achievement. It found:

• On average, students who attend schools with trained and specialized librarians score better on the reading portion of standardized tests
• Those scores go up even when student poverty levels are high and teaching staff is low
• Larger book and media collections, longer library hours and close collaboration between teachers and librarians can lead to even higher test scores

Another study by the New Jersey Association of School Librarians (NJASL) reiterated those findings, and added that librarians also contribute to students’:

• Critical reading skills
• Ethical values in relation to research and the use of technology
• Interest in reading

The New Jersey study concluded that just as the Common Core Standards seek to make U.S. students more competitive in the global economy, libraries must do the same.

“In today’s high-tech, information-driven world, we have significant opportunities for schools across the country to make great strides in preparing students for a fast-paced, global economy that requires independent learning skills,” said Pat Massey, former NJASL president.

Evidence besides sheer numbers can clue us in to the importance of school libraries and librarians.

Their role is a popular topic among parents and school districts collaborating online. Solidifying their future is a priority for engaged community members in Cedar Rapids. Rethinking library designs, features and services was the subject of a lively debate among Lincoln Public Schools parents.

Finally, look no further than the students themselves. These essays, written by students on the subject of “A World Without Libraries,” show the importance of marking School Library Month from a child’s perspective.

“The world without libraries,” one student wrote, “is like a cone without ice cream.”

Originally published on 4/3/14 at http://mindmixer.com/2014/04/school-library-month-why-it-still-has-a-place/