The goal of the Principal Project, funded by ILILE, was to collect and disseminate resources to help administrators to better understand the role of the certified library media specialist and the importance of a strong library media program. Administrative support is vital to developing and maintaining a quality school library program. These resources offer ideas and suggestions for working closely with your school administrator to ensure that your program has a positive impact on teaching and learning.
Research for this project was coordinated by Ann E. Tepe
Why is the Library Program So Important?
Improving student achievement is a goal of every administrator. Recent research provides evidence that effective school libraries and school librarians can raise student test scores and improve skills.
The value of quality school libraries
School libraries touch every student and serve every teacher in the school. An effective school library is a valuable asset.
Student Achievement - Resource Guides for School Library Media Program Development
List of resources from AASL (American Association of School Librarians) including links to additional state studies, articles and other useful material on how school libraries impact student learning. 2006.
Online Resource
The Importance of the School Library
Streaming video presentation by Dr. Gary Hartzell, Professor, College of Education University of Nebraska, Omaha, discussing the role of school libraries in continuous school improvement. 2003. (18 min.)
Online Resource
Student Achievement and the School Library Media Program
Report summarizing research, literature and related materials about positive impact of school library program on student achievement by School Library Systems Association of New York State. Revised 2006.
PDF Full Text
Why Should Principals Support School Libraries?
Article discussing how administrators can support effective school library programs by Gary Hartzell, Professor, Educational Administration and Supervision University of Nebraska, Omaha.
ERIC Clearinghouse on Information and Technology, Syracuse, NY. 2002.
Online Resource
10 Reasons to Hug Your School Librarian
Brief article highlighting ways school librarians support and partner with classroom teachers by Joyce Valenza, school librarian at Springfield High School, Erdenheim, PA. Classroom Connect. May, 2004.
PDF Full Text
Strong Libraries Support Student Achievement
Brief look at the Colorado Study research and what it means to school library programs. Reprinted in Education World. 2005.
Online Resource
Research on school libraries
A clear, concise look at the research on school libraries.
Student Learning through Ohio School Libraries
The Ohio Research Study completed in 2004 surveyed over 13,000 students and faculty in effective school libraries in Ohio. The study has been presented around the world by the researcher, Dr. Ross Todd, and has been replicated in a number of states and other countries.
Online Resource
Other selected state studies:
Powerful Libraries Make Powerful Learners (2005)Student Learning Through Wisconsin School Library Media Centers (2006)
Powerful Libraries Make Powerful Learners (2005)
Student Learning Through Wisconsin School Library Media Centers (2006)
**Perhaps use Dynamic Agent of Learning model**
School Libraries Work!
Excellent booklet summarizing research on school libraries by Scholastic. Available online and in print. Revised 2006.
PDF Full Text
CISSL - Center For International Scholarship In School Libraries
Stay abreast of research on school libraries conducted by renowned researchers. CISSL is located at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey.
Online Resource
Library Research Service (LRS)
LRS generates library statistics and research on major library issues for library and education professionals and the public.
Online Resource
School Libraries Make a Difference to Student Achievement
A linked list of the best research around the world on how school libraries impact student achievement from IASL, the International Association of School Librarianship.
Online Resource
