School library

{{short description|Library within a school}}{{mi|{{Globalize|article|North America|date=December 2010}} {{Cleanup rewrite|date=September 2024}}}} {{Distinguish|library school}} [[File:Tasued students using the library resources.jpg|alt=Students studying in cubicles with bookshelves behind them|thumb|Students in the Tai Solarin University of Education library, Nigeria]] {{LibraryandInformation-TopicSidebar}}

A '''school library''', or '''school media center''', is a library within a school where students, staff, and sometimes parents can borrow a variety of print and digital resources. The goal of a school library or media center is to ensure that all members of the school community have equitable access to materials for information gathering.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/aasl/aaslproftools/learningstandards/AASL_LearningStandards.pdf |title=AASL Standards for the 21st Century Learner |publisher=American Association of School Librarians |page=2 |access-date=August 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081008233118/http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/aasl/aaslproftools/learningstandards/AASL_LearningStandards.pdf |archive-date=October 8, 2008}}</ref><ref name=":0">Morris, B. (2013). ''Administering the school library media center''. Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited. (p.32).</ref>

School libraries are distinct from public libraries because they serve the school's curriculum and are centered around providing school-related materials.<ref name=":0" />

==History== Library services for schools started in the 1800s, often in the form of public or state library book wagons.<ref>Wiegand, Wayne A. ''American Public School Librarianship: A History.'' Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 2021</ref><ref name="fifty">{{cite web |url=http://dorrstreet.org/502-spring-2018/NCES%202005%20fifty%20years%20of%20supporting%20311.pdf |title=Fifty Years of Supporting Children's Learning: A History of Libraries and Federal Legislation From 1953to 2000 |last1=Michie |first1=Joan S |last2=Holton |first2=Barbara |date=March 2005 |publisher=U.S. Department of Education |access-date=August 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220726140834/http://dorrstreet.org/502-spring-2018/NCES%202005%20fifty%20years%20of%20supporting%20311.pdf |archive-date=July 26, 2022}}</ref> To promote libraries and library education, the American Library Association (ALA) was created in 1876 by a group of librarians led by Melvil Dewey. In the early stages of development, school libraries were primarily made up of small collections, with the school librarian primarily serving a clerical role.

In 1920, library and education communities began publishing the ''Certain Report'',<ref>Charles C. Certain Committee. (1986). ''Standard library organization and equipment for secondary schools of different sizes''. In Melvil M. Bowie (Comp.), ''Historic Documents of school libraries'' (pp.34-51). Littleton, CO: Hi Willow Research and Publishing. (Original work published 1920, Chicago: American Library Association)</ref> which featured the first broad evaluation of school libraries. By the mid-1940s, 40% of schools indicated the presence of classroom collections. Around 18% of public schools reported having centralized libraries Schools in cities reported 48%, and rural schools reported 12%.<ref name="fifty" />

Following the passage of the National Defense Education Act in 1958, funding and development for U.S. libraries increased throughout the 1960s.<ref>Michie, Joan S., et al. "Fifty Years of Supporting Children's Learning: A History of Public School Libraries and Federal Legislation from 1953 to 2000. NCES 2005-311." (March 1, 2005): ERIC, EBSCOhost (accessed March 1, 2018).</ref> During this time, the ''Knapp School Libraries Project''<ref>{{cite journal |last=Boardman |first=Edna |date=September–October 1994 |title=The Knapp School Libraries Project: The Best $1,130,000 Ever Spent on School Libraries. |journal=Book Report |volume=13 |issue=2 |pages=17–19 |issn=0731-4388 |id=ERIC # EJ489785 }}</ref> established model school library media centers across the country, and hundreds of new school libraries were expanded and renovated.

In recent history, school libraries have been defined by two major guiding documents; ''Information Power'' (1988)<ref>American Association of School Librarians & Association for Educational Communications and Technology. (1988). ''Information power: Guidelines for school library media programs''. Chicago: American Library Association.</ref> and ''Information Power II'' (1998).<ref>American Association of School Librarians & Association for Educational Communications and Technology. (1998). ''Information power: Building partnerships for learning''. Chicago: American Library Association.</ref>

In 1999, the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions published the [https://www.ifla.org/publications/iflaunesco-school-library-manifesto-1999 UNESCO School library Manifesto], which states: "The school library provides information and ideas that are fundamental to functioning successfully in today's information and knowledge-based society. The school library equips students with life-long learning skills and develops the imagination, enabling them to live as responsible citizens" (para. 1).

==Functions== thumb|Inside a school library. <blockquote> ''School library media centers in the 21st century can, and should be, hubs for increased student achievement and positive focused school reform''.<br>—Kathleen D. Smith <ref>Smith, K. (2002). "Building Student Learning Through School Libraries." Statement delivered at the ''White House Conference on School Libraries'', available from: {{cite web |url=http://www.imls.gov/news/events/whitehouse_3.shtm |title=IMLS - News & Events - Conferences |access-date=2008-12-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080916210713/http://imls.gov/news/events/whitehouse_3.shtm |archive-date=2008-09-16 }}</ref></blockquote>

The school library media center program involves the collaboration of school library media specialists, teachers, and administrators to provide opportunities for the social, cultural, and educational growth of students. The school library provides a range of learning opportunities for both large and small groups as well as individuals, with a focus on intellectual content, information literacy, and the learner.<ref name=":1" /> School libraries are similar to public libraries in that they contain books, films, recorded sound, periodicals, realia, and digital media. These items are not only for the education, enjoyment, and entertainment of all members of the school community but also to enhance and expand the school's curriculum.

School libraries host special events such as author visits and book clubs and provide space for tutoring and testing. Activities that are part of the school library media program can take place in the school library media center, in the classroom, through the school, and via the school library's online resources.<ref name=":1" /> In addition to classroom visits with collaborating teachers, the school library serves as a learning space for students to do independent work and use equipment and research materials.

A school library is also a resource center for students to safely access the internet for schoolwork and social interaction. In her 2010 article "'Tag! You're It!': Playing on the Digital Playground", Dianne de Las Casas discussed how today's youth is much more comfortable with technology than ever before and believed that "We need to advocate for regulations and laws that support education of young people rather than simply limiting their access to the Web."<ref>De las Casas, D. (2010). "Tag! you're it!": playing on the digital playground. Knowledge Quest, 39(1), 80-82.</ref>

Across more than 60 studies conducted in the U.S. and Canada, researchers have demonstrated the positive impact that school libraries have on student achievement. Researchers found that students with access to a well-supported school library media program with a qualified school library media specialist scored higher on reading assessments, regardless of their socioeconomic status.{{Citation needed|date=January 2026}} In addition, a 2004 study conducted in Ohio found that 99.4% of students surveyed believed that their school librarians and school library media programs helped them succeed in school.<ref>Todd, R., Kuhlthau, C., & OELMA. (2014). ''Student Learning through Ohio School Libraries : The Ohio Research Study''. Available online at: {{cite web |title=OELMA Student Learning |url=http://www.oelma.org/studentlearning/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040829171616/http://www.oelma.org/studentlearning/ |archive-date=2004-08-29 |access-date=2008-12-06}}</ref> Similar conclusions were compiled in a 2003 report by Michele Lonsdale in Australia.<ref>Lonsdale, M. (2003). ''Impact of school libraries on student achievement: A review of the research''. Camberwell, Victoria, Australia: Australian Council for Educational Research. Available online at http://www.asla.org.au/site/DefaultSite/filesystem/documents/research.pdf</ref>

In Australia, school libraries have played a major role in the success of Reading Challenge programs initiated and funded by various State Governments. The Premier's Reading Challenge in South Australia, launched in 2003 by Premier Mike Rann (2002–11), has one of the highest participation rates in the world for reading challenges. It has been embraced by more than 95% of public, private, and religious schools.<ref>Center for National Policy, Washington DC, What States Can Do, May 2, 2012</ref>

==Staffing== {{More citations needed|date=January 2026}} [[File:A_public_middle_school_teacher_helps_a_student_in_a_school_media_center_in_North_Carolina_05.jpg|thumb|A public middle school librarian helps a student use a computer in a school media center in North Carolina]] In many schools, libraries are staffed by librarians, teacher-librarians, student volunteers, or school library media specialists or media coordinators who hold a specific library science degree. In some jurisdictions, school librarians are required to have specific certification and/or a teaching certificate.<ref name=":1">Morris, 2004; Thomas, M. J. & Perritt, P.H. (2003, December 1). A Higher standard: Many states have recently revised their certification requirements for school librarians. ''School Library Journal''. Available online at http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA339562.html?industryid=47056</ref>

thumb|right|The school librarian supplies children with educational books (Russia, 1959)

School librarians collaborate with classroom teachers to create independent learners by fostering students' research, information literacy, technology, and critical thinking skills. School librarians may read to children, assist them in selecting books, and assist with schoolwork. Many school librarians also teach technology skills, such as keyboarding and Microsoft and Google applications. Some school librarians see classes on a flexible schedule, which allows classroom teachers to schedule library time as needed for the classroom learning experience.

School librarians integrate resources in a variety of formats: periodical databases, websites, digital video segments, podcasts, blog and wiki content, digital images, and virtual classrooms. School librarians are often responsible for audio-visual equipment and are sometimes in charge of school computers and computer networks.

Using the curriculum and student interests, school librarians identify and obtain library materials that promote independent reading and lifelong learning. Materials in the library collection can be located using an Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC). These catalogs are often web-based, allowing student access both at school and from home.

Many school librarians also perform clerical duties, such as circulating and cataloging materials, facilitating interlibrary loans, shelving materials, and performing inventory. thumb|270x270px|Students, from Robbinsdale Middle School (RMS) (Minnesota 2019) use an OPAC terminal to search for books, eBooks, and databases. thumb|School librarian with card files (Minnesota, 1974) Photo for historical perspective. Most school libraries use a computer based electronic catalog for holdings and search functions and no longer use card catalogs.|alt=

===Notable school librarians=== *Laura Bush – Austin Independent School District *Graham Gardner – Abingdon School *Grant Lyons – Keystone School *Laura Amy Schlitz – Park School of Baltimore

==Notes and references== {{Reflist}}

==External links== {{Commons category|School libraries}} *[http://www.unesco.org/webworld/libraries/manifestos/school_manifesto.html Unesco School Library Manifesto] *[https://web.archive.org/web/20080331062614/http://www.ala.org/ala/aasl/aaslindex.cfm American Association of School Librarians] *[http://www.slj.com/ School Library Journal] *[http://www.schoollibrarymedia.com/ School Library Media Activities Monthly] *[http://www.sldirectory.com/ Resources for School Libraries] *[http://www.virtuallrc.com/ Virtual Learning Resources Center] *[http://hubinfo.wordpress.com/ The Hub: Campaign for Quality School Libraries] *[http://www.asla.org.au/ Australian School Library Association] *[http://www.bibliotecasescolares.net/ Directory of portuguese online school libraries catalogs] *[http://suomenkoulukirjastoyhdistys.fi Suomen koulukirjastoyhdistys] *Siu-Runyan, Yvonne. "[http://www.ncte.org/library/NCTEFiles/Resources/Journals/CC/0211-sep2011/CC0211Presidents.pdf Public and School Libraries in Decline: When We Need Them]." ([https://web.archive.org/web/20140910204115/http://www.ncte.org/library/NCTEFiles/Resources/Journals/CC/0211-sep2011/CC0211Presidents.pdf Archive]). National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE).

{{DEFAULTSORT:School Library}} Category:Academic libraries Library Category:Libraries by type Category:Types of library Category:Educational environment