Research about the influence of effective School Library programs
In the face of restrictions in library budgets, Dr Ken Haycock, a professor at U.B.C., argues in Canada’s School Libraries: The Case for Reform and Re-investment (2003) for supporting teacher-librarians and library programmes. Dr Haycock cites research from the 1960’s through the 1990’s which all indicate the positive effects of the effective teacher-librarian and library programme on student achievement. The now famous ‘Colorado Studies’ conducted on 221 public schools during 1988-89 indicate that academic achievement is higher:
· where libraries are better funded
· where teacher-librarians participate in the instructional process
· where school libraries have better collections
· where all students have access to current materials for independent reading.
Dr. Haycock is so convinced of the pivotal role of the library programme that he has written many articles, conducted research and been a guest speaker internationally. He recommends funding for research and data collection, for specialist teacher-librarians. He writes that the Ministry of Education must have a coordinated approach to funding and management with recognition of the importance of school libraries, qualified teacher-librarians aware of best practices and quality resource collections.
Colorado Studies
Keith Curry Lance, director of the Library Research Service, highlights the major findings of the original "Colorado study." An effective library programme, together with access to networked computers, flexible library hours and collaboration among teachers and teacher-librarians has been linked to increasing CSAP reading test scores (as much as 15 to 18% higher at the intermediate level). Lance’s work can be viewed at http://www.lrs.org/documents/lmcstudies/CO/execsumm.pdf.
School Libraries Work
The library programme, environment and teacher-librarian have a positive impact on student achievement. This statement is the result of a review of empirical studies citing measurable impacts of school libraries and teacher-librarians. It indicates that a ‘best practices’ mix of programme, place and professional play a major role in developing student skills. The full article can be viewed at http://scholastic.com/librarians/printables/slp_rfp_804.pdf
This positive influence is dependent on the teacher-librarian’s ability to:
· teach information skills
· promote reading advocacy by matching students and books
· manage information
· organize and maintain a collection of valuable resources
· collaborate with teachers to meet the information needs of students
· assist teachers and students to search out their information needs, critically evaluate the materials they locate, and use technological means to synthesize their findings into new knowledge
· facilitate booktalking
· provide resources and activities to promote student achievement
· collaborate with teachers to provide resources and activities for course, unit, and lesson outcomes
· provide resources and activities for students that are meaningful now and in the future
· provide intellectual and physical access to information in print and media resources
· provide intellectual and physical access to information technologies, either local or Web-based
· maintain a supportive and nurturing environment in the library and network environment, to increase student satisfaction and achievement
· provide leadership in the school for achieving school Mission, Objectives and Strategies
Woolls, Blanche. (2004)
Dr. Haycock cites the American Association of School Librarians as saying that library programmes and teacher-librarians who demonstrate enthusiasm for reading, books and knowledge encourage students to become life-long readers and learners.
The following links explain the important role of library programs in student literacy.
From Now On - an educational technology magazine has an article on Power Reading.
This article identifies the six principle skills for enhancing reading comprehension and suggests ways in which the teacher-librarian can assume a leadership role for teaching them.
Sue Spence has created a site which explains the importance of the Teacher Librarian in student literacy achievement.
| 
