Research - the value of school libraries in learning

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Last updated 06-Sep-2007

Australian research

• Student learning through Australian school libraries Part 1: A statistical analysis of student perceptions
  [PDF 1.29 MB]
  Lyn Hay, Charles Sturt University 2005
  This article is the first part of an extensive report into the relationship between student learning and school libraries in Australia.

• Student learning through Australian school libraries Part 2: What students define and value as school library support
  [PDF 594 KB]
  Lyn Hay, Charles Sturt University 2006
  This article is the second part of an extensive report into the relationship between student learning and school libraries in Australia.
• Impact of School Libraries on Student Achievement: A Review of the Research [PDF 1.85 MB]
  Michele Lonsdale, ACER 2003
  This Australian review focuses on studies conducted since 1990, which show that school libraries can have a positive impact on student achievement—whether such achievement is measured in terms of reading scores, literacy or learning more generally.
  Read it in html format on the ASLA website.
  
  
• Mapping Literacy Achievement:
  Results of the 1996 National School English Literacy Survey [PDF 3.66 MB]
  This 1997 Australian report notes Library use as a significant variable on achievements in literacy:
  Extensive use of the school library was associated with a difference of as many as 27 points to students' literacy achievements when compared with non-use of the library.   Section 4: p. 207

International research

• School Libraries and Student achievement in Ontario [PDF]
  The Ontario Library Association, April 2006
  A study showing a link between school libraries and students’ reading achievement.
  
  
• School Libraries Work! [PDF]
  Scholastic Research Foundation Paper, 2006
  Brings together findings from nearly a decade of empirical studies that cite the measurable impact school libraries and professional library staff have on student achievement.
  
  
• Student Learning through Ohio School Libraries
  Ross J. Todd and Carol C. Kuhlthau, 2003 (CISSL)
  Nearly 100 percent of Ohio students who took part in a recent research study indicated that the school library, its services and school librarians have helped them with their learning.
  
  
• Why Should Principals Support School Libraries?
  Gary Hartzell, 2002
  This ERIC Digest suggests that it is in the best interest on both the principal and their school's students to support school libraries because quality library programs can enhance student achievement.
  
  
• Proof of the Power
  Keith Curry Lance, 2001
  This ERIC Digest surveys recent research on the impact of School Library Media Programs on the academic achievement of U.S. Public School students.
  
  
• School Library Impact Studies
  Library Research Service, Denver, Colorado
  US State Studies on the impact of school librarians on student achievement, 1993 - 2006.
  
  
• School Library Resources on the Internet: School Libraries Make a Difference
  International Association of School Librarianship [IASL]
  A regularly updated page containing links to research reports and other documents showing that school libraries make a positive difference to student achievement.