Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

School library

A school library is a dedicated facility administered by the school that houses an organized, circulating collection of printed materials, digital resources, and multimedia to support the instructional objectives of the curriculum while fostering independent learning among students from kindergarten through grade 12.^[1]^[2] These libraries serve as central hubs for acquiring knowledge and skills, bridging access to diverse materials that promote reading proficiency and critical inquiry essential for academic success.^[3]^[4] School libraries originated in colonial America with simple collections managed by teachers at their desks, progressing to designated spaces by the mid-18th century and gaining legislative support through state laws in the 19th century that enabled taxpayer funding for collections.^[5]^[6] By the 20th century, professional standards emerged, including the training of school librarians starting around 1900, transforming these spaces into integral components of educational infrastructure.^[7] Empirical research across multiple jurisdictions indicates that school libraries with certified staffing and adequate resources positively influence student outcomes, including higher test scores in reading and mathematics, as access to librarians and collections facilitates skill development and reverses trends in low literacy rates.^[8]^[9]^[10] In modern contexts, these libraries increasingly incorporate digital media and technology to enhance creativity and multimedia literacy, adapting to evolving pedagogical needs despite persistent funding limitations.^[11] A notable defining characteristic involves ongoing debates over content curation, where parental and community challenges frequently target materials deemed to contain explicit sexual descriptions or racially charged narratives unsuitable for minors, leading to removals or restrictions in collections.^[12]^[13] Such controversies underscore tensions between unrestricted access advocacy—often amplified by library associations—and demands for age-appropriate selections grounded in empirical concerns over developmental impacts, with data showing a majority of formal challenges originating from organized groups rather than individual parents.^[14]^[15]

History

Origins and early development

In England, the earliest documented mandate for school libraries appeared in 1578, when ordinances for Shrewsbury School required provisions for "a library and a gallerie" to support educational resources.^[5] These early directives reflected a focus on equipping institutions with scholarly materials for intellectual and moral instruction, though implementation remained limited and tied to elite grammar schools.^[16] Colonial America saw informal precursors to school libraries emerge in the early 1700s, with teachers maintaining small collections of books—often Bibles, chapbooks, and basic theological works—in desks or one-room schoolhouses to aid moral and religious education.^[17] By 1740, Benjamin Franklin emphasized the value of dedicated school libraries in his educational proposals, arguing they would promote knowledge dissemination and self-improvement among youth.^[6] The first designated school library space in America followed in 1774 at Philadelphia's Penn Charter School, marking a shift toward structured access to texts for character development and civic preparation.^[6] The 19th century brought legislative momentum, beginning with New York's 1835 law authorizing school districts to allocate tax revenues for library books, the first such measure in the U.S.^[5] This enabled broader establishment of collections emphasizing classical literature, history, and ethical works to instill republican virtues and personal discipline, rather than leisure reading.^[18] From 1835 to 1896, states progressively enacted similar statutes, culminating in laws across 19 states by 1876 that supported tax-funded school libraries, driven by Enlightenment-era convictions in education's role for societal improvement and moral formation.^[17]^[6]

20th-century expansion

In the aftermath of World War I, efforts to professionalize school librarianship gained momentum through organizations affiliated with the American Library Association (ALA), including the publication of the School Library Yearbooks from 1927 to 1932 by the ALA School Libraries Committee, which documented progress in library organization, instruction in library use, and directories of librarians.^[19] These yearbooks, alongside early standards like the 1920 "Certain Standards" adopted by ALA, emphasized the integration of libraries into school curricula and the need for dedicated spaces and trained personnel, laying groundwork for broader adoption amid rising enrollment and educational reforms.^[20] By the 1940s and 1950s, regional accreditation bodies, such as the Northwest Association in 1935 and various state departments by 1962, began enforcing minimum standards for collections (e.g., 1,000–5,000 books scaled to pupil numbers) and annual expenditures (e.g., $300 per school in 1954 dollars), contributing to the normalization of certified librarians in secondary schools.^[21] The mid-20th century marked a surge in federal support, beginning with the National Defense Education Act (NDEA) of 1958, enacted in response to the Soviet Sputnik launch, which provided initial grants and loans for acquiring science, mathematics, and foreign language materials, including library resources, thereby enhancing technical collections in thousands of schools.^[22] This was amplified by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965, particularly Title II, which allocated $100 million annually for library resources, textbooks, and instructional materials, funding 11,680 new school libraries and 193,600 expansion or renovation projects between 1965 and 1968 alone, with states like Ohio establishing 658 new elementary libraries in that period.^[21] By the late 1950s, the proportion of U.S. public schools with dedicated libraries had risen to around 36–55% regionally (from earlier lows), with books per pupil increasing from about 2–5 in 1953–1954; certified staffing also became more standard, reaching 40% of schools with librarians by 1953–1954 under definitions requiring library science training.^[21]^[22] Cold War imperatives further drove resource prioritization toward science and technology, as NDEA funds targeted competitive global education needs, leading to specialized acquisitions like scientific periodicals and equipment-integrated libraries.^[23] The 1960 AASL Standards for School Library Programs, developed in collaboration with other groups, codified these shifts by mandating larger collections (e.g., 6,000–10,000 volumes for mid-sized schools) and professional staffing to support inquiry-based learning, influencing state policies and resulting in widespread renovations—over 193,000 projects by the late 1960s—that modernized facilities nationwide.^[21] By 1978, approximately 85% of public schools featured libraries, reflecting sustained infrastructure booms tied to enrollment growth, consolidation reducing districts from 128,000 in 1930 to 16,960 by 1972, and federal incentives.^[21]^[24]

Digital era and recent challenges

In the early 2000s, the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) promoted the evolution of school libraries into hybrid "media centers" that integrated print resources with digital technologies, including computers for accessing online databases and the internet, as outlined in joint guidelines with the Association for Educational Communications and Technology emphasizing partnerships for learning through technology infusion.^[22] This shift reflected broader adoption of networked computers in schools, with surveys indicating that by 2000, many school library media centers provided online catalogs and database access to support student research beyond traditional print materials.^[25] Post-2010, school libraries increasingly incorporated e-books and digital formats, with circulation and demand rising notably after 2014 amid growing availability of vendor platforms tailored for educational use, though usage remained lower than print due to factors like device access and student preferences.^[26] By 2016, approximately 69% of school libraries offered e-books and subscription databases as core resources, adapting to virtual access demands while maintaining physical spaces for collaborative tech integration.^[27] Emerging technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) gained traction for immersive learning experiences, with tools enabling virtual explorations in subjects like geography and STEM, often deployed in designated edtech zones to foster interactive engagement.^[28] Artificial intelligence (AI) tools began supporting personalized resource recommendations and adaptive learning aids in libraries by the mid-2020s, enhancing curation but requiring updated infrastructure.^[29] Recent developments from 2023 to 2025 included remodels of library spaces into flexible, multipurpose areas with modular furniture, charging stations, and zones for AR/VR and makerspaces to accommodate collaborative edtech activities, as seen in designs prioritizing open layouts for supervision and innovation.^[30] However, these adaptations faced countervailing pressures from budget constraints and reprioritization toward core academic instruction, exemplified by the Houston Independent School District's 2023 elimination of 28 librarian positions across targeted campuses, converting some libraries into disciplinary centers amid fiscal reforms.^[31] ^[32] Nationwide, school librarian staffing declined by approximately 20% over the prior decade-plus by 2025, driven by funding shortfalls and policy shifts de-emphasizing ancillary services in favor of direct instructional roles, straining hybrid model sustainability.^[33]

Purpose and Functions

Curriculum integration

School librarians collaborate with classroom teachers to align library resources with specific curriculum objectives, co-developing lesson plans that incorporate targeted materials for subject-area instruction. For instance, librarians may provide primary historical documents to support analysis in social studies classes or access to peer-reviewed scientific databases for evidence-based projects in biology or physics, thereby extending classroom learning beyond rote memorization.^[34]^[35] This integration fosters student engagement with authentic resources, as evidenced by action research studies showing improved instructional outcomes when librarians participate in curriculum mapping tied to state or national standards.^[35] In supplementing textbooks, school libraries emphasize provision of verifiable, curriculum-aligned content across formats such as digital archives, journals, and multimedia, which address gaps in standard texts by offering depth and currency without introducing non-factual elements. This approach prioritizes empirical data and primary evidence over interpretive or advocacy-driven materials, enabling teachers to enrich units—for example, by pairing textbook overviews with raw datasets for mathematics or environmental science applications.^[36]^[37] Such supplementation has been linked to enhanced student research skills, with librarians curating resources that directly reinforce lesson-specific competencies rather than diverging into unrelated topics.^[38] The role of school libraries in curriculum integration reflects a mid-20th-century evolution from passive book storage to proactive instructional support, gaining momentum as educational reforms emphasized standards-based teaching. By the 1950s, U.S. schools increasingly positioned librarians as qualified educators integral to curriculum delivery, a trend that intensified with the adoption of rigorous frameworks like the Common Core State Standards in 2010 across 45 states, where librarians contributed to inquiry-driven alignments by modeling evidence evaluation and resource selection.^[11]^[39]^[40] This partnership model, supported by professional guidelines, underscores libraries' function in bridging abstract standards to concrete, subject-specific applications, as demonstrated in collaborative implementations that boosted alignment with learning outcomes.^[41]

Literacy promotion

School libraries implement programs such as reading challenges and book talks to encourage voluntary recreational reading among students, with the objective of cultivating lifelong reading habits independent of curricular requirements.^[42]^[43] These initiatives provide access to diverse materials and facilitate peer discussions, potentially increasing reading frequency and motivation. For instance, the Dutch "Library at School" program, evaluated in primary schools, demonstrated positive effects on pupils' leisure book reading and attitudes toward reading after implementation.^[44] Similarly, enriched school library environments have been associated with improved reading motivation and frequency in experimental studies.^[45] Empirical evidence links recreational reading to cognitive gains, including enhanced vocabulary acquisition, comprehension, and inferential reasoning skills.^[46] Meta-analyses indicate that leisure reading contributes to broader knowledge and social-cognitive abilities, though effects vary by reading volume and material quality.^[47] Programs emphasizing high-quality literature, such as classics, align with these benefits by exposing students to advanced vocabulary and complex narratives, despite classics often seeing lower recreational checkout rates compared to contemporary titles.^[49] Such promotional efforts must not supplant foundational phonics instruction, which exhibits stronger causal impacts on early reading comprehension and vocabulary development according to longitudinal studies.^[50] Over-reliance on library-based voluntary reading risks underemphasizing systematic decoding skills, as recreational approaches alone show weaker or fading effects without decoding proficiency.^[51] Critics note gaps in direct evidence tying library programs to sustained literacy outcomes, suggesting home and classroom-based instruction yield more reliable causal benefits for skill acquisition.^[52]

Information literacy instruction

Information literacy instruction in school libraries equips students with skills to critically assess information sources, emphasizing verification of empirical evidence, identification of logical fallacies, and discernment of biases to foster independent reasoning amid abundant digital content. Unlike mere access to materials, this instruction prioritizes evaluating source reliability through structured protocols, such as the CRAAP test, which examines currency (timeliness of information), relevance (suitability to the query), authority (expertise of creators), accuracy (verifiability and evidence), and purpose (potential agendas influencing content).^[53] These methods, integrated into library lessons, help students avoid echo chambers by cross-verifying claims against primary data rather than accepting narrative-driven summaries. Empirical studies demonstrate that such targeted instruction enhances students' ability to select and process information effectively, with one analysis of library resource use showing significant gains in critical thinking scores among participants.^[54] Key components include direct teaching of fact-checking techniques, like lateral reading, where students investigate a source's context by searching independently in new browser tabs, replicating professional fact-checkers' approaches to uncover hidden biases or inaccuracies.^[55] This counters risks from algorithmically curated feeds that reinforce preconceptions, promoting instead a focus on causal evidence—such as reproducible data or controlled observations—over emotionally resonant stories. School librarians facilitate activities like dissecting articles for author credentials and institutional affiliations, alerting students to potential systemic biases in outlets like mainstream media or academic publications, where left-leaning perspectives may predominate and skew reporting on contentious issues.^[56] Collaborative strategies with classroom teachers further embed these skills, using tools like bias-detection checklists to evaluate objectivity, with research indicating improved source discernment when librarians co-design evaluations.^[57] In the 2020s, instruction has evolved to address artificial intelligence's proliferation, incorporating AI literacy modules that teach students to scrutinize machine-generated outputs for hallucinations, data biases, and lack of causal grounding. For instance, K-12 programs now include hands-on exercises to detect AI-fabricated content and interpret algorithmic decisions through empirical testing, as outlined in state-level toolkits emphasizing verification protocols. Guidance from library associations recommends school librarians lead sessions on AI's limitations, such as over-reliance on training data prone to historical distortions, urging students to prioritize human-verified evidence.^[58] This adaptation, driven by generative tools' rise post-2022, underscores causal realism by training learners to trace information origins and test claims against observable realities, reducing vulnerability to manipulated narratives.

Collections and Resources

Physical materials

Physical materials in school libraries primarily consist of print books, periodicals, and reference works, selected for their longevity and suitability for direct interaction such as underlining and marginal notation, which facilitate active learning without reliance on digital interfaces.^[59]^[60] Collections are typically scaled to student enrollment, with recommendations for elementary schools ranging from 15 to 20 volumes per pupil to ensure adequate access for curricular and recreational reading.^[61]^[62] Maintenance involves regular weeding, guided by circulation statistics, physical condition, and relevance to current needs, prioritizing high-usage items to optimize space and accessibility while discarding outdated or damaged holdings based on empirical data rather than attachment.^[63]^[64] This process employs methods like CREW, which incorporates usage reports to identify low-circulation materials for removal, ensuring the collection remains vibrant and efficient.^[65]^[61] The persistent value of physical formats stems from evidence indicating superior reading comprehension and retention among children compared to digital alternatives, particularly for younger students where screen-based reading diminishes understanding due to factors like distraction and reduced spatial mapping of content.^[66]^[67] Meta-analyses confirm print materials enhance deep processing, with long-term exposure potentially yielding six to eight times greater comprehension gains, alongside benefits like minimized eye strain from prolonged screen exposure.^[68]^[69] Physical books also endure without technological obsolescence, supporting annotation practices that reinforce memory through tactile engagement.^[68]^[70]

Digital and emerging formats

School libraries increasingly subscribe to online databases such as EBSCO's suites tailored for K-12 education, providing access to peer-reviewed articles, encyclopedias, and multimedia for research and curriculum support.^[71] These resources enable vetted, full-text content discovery, with usage analytics tools tracking sessions and searches to inform collection development.^[72] E-book and digital audiobook collections have expanded rapidly, with K-12 student checkouts reaching 19.4 million e-books in the 2022-2023 school year, a 20% increase from the prior year and 286% growth since 2019.^[73]^[74] Platforms like OverDrive's Sora facilitate simultaneous multi-user access, contrasting traditional print limitations, though licensing models often require perpetual or metered renewals at elevated costs—averaging $40 per e-book title versus retail pricing.^[75]^[76] Emerging technologies include AI-assisted search tools that analyze user patterns to recommend resources and streamline queries, enhancing efficiency in school library platforms without replacing human curation.^[77]^[78] Virtual reality (VR) simulations support experiential learning, such as immersive historical or scientific explorations, with evidence indicating improved student engagement and retention in subjects like geography and literature.^[79]^[80] Post-2010 hybrid models integrate physical and digital holdings, allowing seamless transitions between formats for diverse learner needs, though implementation varies by funding and infrastructure.^[81] Challenges persist, including the digital divide exacerbating inequities, where students without home broadband or devices face barriers despite school-provided access.^[82] High licensing fees strain budgets, often exceeding print equivalents and limiting scalability.^[75] Remote learning from 2020 to 2022 drove usage spikes, with e-book checkouts surging 155% and digital collections borrowed or assigned growing 139% amid school closures.^[83]^[84] Empirical studies show mixed retention outcomes: digital formats yield lower comprehension in narrative and complex texts compared to print, though differences diminish for straightforward informational reading, prompting libraries to prioritize hybrid access for optimal outcomes.^[69]^[85]^[86]

Curation standards

School library curation standards emphasize principled selection processes that prioritize factual accuracy, curricular relevance, and developmental suitability to support student learning without introducing unsubstantiated or agenda-driven materials. According to guidelines from the American Association of School Librarians (AASL), materials must meet criteria including intellectual content quality, alignment with educational objectives, and freedom from factual errors, ensuring resources contribute meaningfully to inquiry and critical thinking rather than promoting unverified claims.^[87] Age-appropriateness is evaluated based on students' cognitive and emotional maturity, with selections filtered to exclude content that could harm psychological development or exceed grade-level comprehension, as recommended in professional best practices for collection building.^[88] ^[89] Evidence-based decision-making informs curation through quantitative metrics like circulation statistics, which reveal usage patterns and identify underperforming or outdated items for weeding, thereby maintaining collection efficiency and relevance over time.^[90] Librarians analyze these data alongside qualitative reviews from reputable sources, such as peer-evaluated journals, to balance comprehensiveness—offering broad coverage of topics—with rigorous quality filters that reject materials lacking empirical support or relying on ideological assertions without causal evidence.^[91] Diverse viewpoints are incorporated only insofar as they demonstrate verifiable merit through factual accuracy and logical coherence, eschewing mandated quotas that prioritize representation over substance, as such approaches risk diluting educational value.^[92] Formal challenge processes safeguard curation by establishing transparent procedures that incorporate parental input while adhering to legal standards, such as avoiding viewpoint discrimination under the First Amendment.^[93] Upon receiving a challenge, typically via a written form detailing specific objections, a review committee—often comprising educators, administrators, and sometimes parents—assesses the material against established criteria, allowing it to remain in circulation pending resolution to prevent arbitrary removal.^[94] Decisions prioritize empirical evaluation and state laws on obscenity or harm to minors, overriding institutional preferences for unrestricted access when parental concerns highlight age-inappropriate elements, thereby aligning collections with community accountability rather than resistance from advocacy groups.^[95] ^[96]

Staffing

Qualifications and training

In the United States, school librarians, often titled school library media specialists, typically require a bachelor's degree in education or a related field, followed by a master's degree in library science (MLS) or library and information science (MLIS) from an American Library Association (ALA)-accredited program.^[97]^[98] Many states mandate additional teacher certification, which involves completing pedagogy coursework, student teaching, and passing exams such as the Praxis series for library media specialists to demonstrate competencies in areas like information literacy and curriculum integration.^[99] This pathway ensures librarians possess both subject expertise in library curation and instructional skills aligned with K-12 educational standards.^[100] State requirements vary, with some mandating a full teaching credential alongside the MLS, while others accept only the MLS for endorsement as a library media specialist without prior classroom teaching experience.^[100] For instance, states like New York and Maryland require at least 100 hours of field experience in school settings and supervised practica, emphasizing practical skills in collection development, digital resource management, and technology integration.^[101]^[102] Core competencies across jurisdictions include proficiency in selecting age-appropriate materials, teaching research skills, and adapting to emerging technologies like digital databases and AI-driven tools, reflecting the evolving role beyond traditional custodianship.^[103] Amid persistent staffing shortages, debates persist over the necessity of full certification, with critics arguing that stringent requirements exacerbate vacancies—over 30% of U.S. schools reported lacking a certified librarian in recent surveys—potentially addressed by alternative pathways like provisional endorsements.^[104]^[105] Proponents counter that certified staff correlate with superior student outcomes, including higher reading and math test scores; longitudinal studies, such as those analyzing matched student cohorts, show schools with full-time certified librarians achieving 5-10% gains in standardized assessments compared to those without.^[106]^[8] These findings underscore certification's value in fostering evidence-based practices, though causal attribution remains challenged by confounding factors like school demographics.^[107]

Daily roles and responsibilities

School librarians manage core operational functions, including cataloging new acquisitions, processing materials for circulation, and maintaining automated systems to ensure efficient access to resources. They oversee daily checkouts, returns, and shelving to keep collections organized and available, often handling thousands of transactions per school year in larger institutions. Program scheduling falls under their purview, coordinating open library hours, reading events, and resource reservations to align with school calendars while minimizing downtime.^[108]^[109]^[97] Instructional duties involve delivering lessons on research skills, such as database navigation and source evaluation, typically in collaboration with classroom teachers for targeted student groups. These sessions, which can occupy 3-4 hours daily in many schools, emphasize practical information literacy to support assignments without overlapping broader curriculum design. Beyond teaching, librarians provide one-on-one guidance during open periods, assisting students with locating materials or troubleshooting digital tools.^[110]^[111]^[112] In understaffed environments, exacerbated by a 20% national decline in school librarian positions since the early 2010s and ongoing cuts through 2025—such as the elimination of 10 full-time roles in Springfield Public Schools in January 2025—librarians multitask across supervision, basic technology maintenance like updating software or repairing devices, and ad hoc support for faculty resource needs. This often means splitting duties across multiple campuses or relying on aides for routine tasks, prioritizing high-impact activities amid budget pressures.^[33]^[113]^[114] Emerging responsibilities include data analysis of circulation and usage metrics to quantify library impact, such as correlating resource loans with student performance indicators to demonstrate return on investment (ROI) to administrators—evidenced in studies showing literacy gains tied to active library programs. This shift supports evidence-based justifications for funding, with tools like automated reports enabling librarians to track engagement and refine collections for efficiency.^[115]^[111]

Notable contributors

Mary Kingsbury became the first professionally trained school librarian in the United States in 1900, when she was appointed to manage the library at Erasmus Hall High School in Brooklyn, New York, following her training at Pratt Institute Library School.^[116] Her appointment professionalized the role, shifting school libraries from ad hoc collections to structured resources integrated with teaching, thereby expanding student access to organized materials amid growing public library influences.^[6] Kingsbury's background as a teacher in subjects including Latin and mathematics informed her emphasis on libraries supporting academic instruction, laying groundwork for librarians as educational partners rather than mere custodians.^[117] Frances Clarke Sayers (1897–1989) advanced school library practices through her advocacy for high-quality children's literature and storytelling techniques, influencing selection standards and programming in youth services that extended to school settings.^[118] As a lecturer and consultant, including to the Library of Congress where she helped establish its Children's Book Section, Sayers promoted critical evaluation of books to foster imagination and moral development, countering superficial trends in publishing.^[119] Her essays and speeches, compiled in works like Summoned by Books (1965), urged librarians to prioritize literary depth over mass appeal, though critics later noted such standards sometimes limited diverse materials in expanding collections.^[120] Early leaders in the American Association of School Librarians (AASL), formed as an independent division in 1951, further institutionalized standards for school libraries, with first president Laura K. Martin guiding initial efforts to unify practices amid post-war educational reforms.^[19] These contributors enhanced access and professionalism but faced critiques for promoting expansive models that strained budgets without uniform evidence of superior outcomes over simpler resource provisions.^[121]

Funding and Operations

Revenue sources

School library funding primarily derives from local school district budgets, which are predominantly supported by property taxes, ensuring direct accountability to taxpayers through elected school boards. In the United States, local sources account for approximately 44% of total public school revenues, with property taxes forming the core of these funds, which districts then allocate to library operations including staffing, materials, and facilities.^[122] This local emphasis underscores community control, as variations in property wealth lead to disparate per-pupil spending, prompting some states to implement equalization formulas.^[122] State aid supplements local revenues, often through formula-based grants targeted at library materials and programs. For instance, New York's Library Materials Aid provides up to $6.25 per pupil for approved expenses, integrated into broader school aid packages, while the state's total Library Operating Aid reached $106 million in the 2025-26 fiscal year.^[123]^[124] Similarly, federal programs under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), such as Title I for high-poverty schools, enable targeted library enhancements, though these constitute a minor portion of overall school funding at about 11% nationally.^[122]^[125] Federal contributions via the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Grants to States program support library services indirectly through state agencies, totaling around $270 million in fiscal year 2024, representing less than 0.005% of the overall U.S. federal budget.^[126] These funds face ongoing vulnerabilities, with 2025 proposals under the Trump administration threatening elimination of IMLS entirely, potentially disrupting supplemental resources for school libraries reliant on state pass-throughs.^[127]^[128] Private donations, parent-teacher associations, and occasional user fees serve as minor supplements, typically comprising under 5% of revenues, but require transparent reporting to maintain public trust in taxpayer-funded priorities.^[129] Calls for enhanced disclosure in district financials highlight the need to prioritize core educational functions over non-essential expenditures.^[130]

Budget constraints and efficiencies

In recent years, school library budgets have encountered significant fiscal pressures, including staff reductions driven by enrollment declines and broader district cost-cutting. In Houston Independent School District, the number of librarians fell from 45 to 23 across 274 campuses by May 2025, reflecting cuts initiated under a 2023 state takeover and New Education System reforms that eliminated positions in at least 28 schools to address operational shortfalls.^[131]^[132] Similar reductions occurred in Spring Branch ISD in 2024, where all librarian roles were eliminated as part of a $35 million budget slash affecting 260 positions overall.^[133] Digital resource licensing costs have compounded these constraints, with e-book and audiobook agreements often requiring renewals after limited checkouts, resulting in expenses up to 10 times higher than consumer retail prices.^[134] For instance, libraries typically pay around $40 per e-book title and $73 per audiobook, alongside per-use fees that can exceed $7.50, straining allocations for school collections amid rising demand for electronic formats.^[75]^[135] These hikes have fueled discussions on opportunity costs, as funds committed to library expansions may compete with investments in classroom staffing, especially where core academic outcomes have stagnated despite prior library enhancements. To mitigate pressures, districts have adopted efficiency strategies such as usage analytics to inform acquisitions, prioritizing materials with high circulation rates and demonstrated student engagement over low-ROI items.^[136] Tools like LibInsight aggregate circulation and access data, enabling evidence-based deaccessioning and budget reallocation toward high-impact resources.^[137] Shared resource models, including inter-district consortia for bulk digital licensing or physical interlibrary loans, further reduce per-unit costs by minimizing duplication; for example, collaborative purchasing has lowered e-resource expenses by 20-30% in participating networks.^[138] Empirical assessments reveal uneven returns on library investments, with some analyses showing modest gains—such as 0.02 standard deviations in reading scores tied to per-student capital outlays—insufficient to justify expansive models in resource-scarce environments.^[139] In response, districts like Houston have reoriented cut library positions toward certified instructional roles, prioritizing direct teaching amid flat achievement trends in reading and math proficiency.^[140]^[141]

Operational models

School library operational models vary primarily by scheduling approaches, which determine access patterns, instructional integration, and resource utilization. Traditional fixed scheduling assigns classes to the library on a predetermined weekly basis, typically for 30-60 minutes, where the librarian delivers structured lessons such as information literacy or storytelling, often treating the space as an extension of classroom instruction.^[142] This model prioritizes consistent teacher-librarian collaboration but limits spontaneous access, with fixed visits common in elementary schools despite advocacy for alternatives.^[143] In contrast, flexible scheduling allows teachers to schedule visits based on specific needs, enabling open access for individual students or small groups and fostering collaborative projects integrated into the curriculum.^[144] Studies indicate flexible models correlate with higher per-pupil circulation rates, suggesting increased engagement through targeted, on-demand use rather than universal fixed slots.^[145] Post-pandemic adaptations have popularized hybrid models combining fixed core instruction with flexible open hours, incorporating digital tools for remote reservations and virtual consultations to accommodate hybrid learning environments.^[146] Recent remodels, such as those in 2025 high school libraries, redesign spaces for collaborative zones alongside quiet areas to support these hybrids, enhancing operational efficiency by allowing simultaneous scheduled classes and independent student work.^[147] These shifts emphasize responsive scheduling over rigid industrial-era timetables, prioritizing student-driven needs.^[148] Scalability challenges differ by locale, with urban libraries better equipped for flexible or hybrid operations due to larger staffs and resources, while rural schools often rely on part-time librarians juggling multiple roles, constraining open-access implementation.^[149] ^[150] Tech-enabled self-service kiosks for checkouts and interactive directories address staffing gaps in under-resourced areas, streamlining operations and reducing wait times without full-time oversight.^[30] Empirical data favors integrated flexible models for broader usage metrics like circulation, yet causal analyses remain limited, with some evidence suggesting targeted fixed scheduling better ensures instructional depth over universal access, avoiding dilution of librarian expertise across ad-hoc demands.^[151]^[152]

Educational Impact

Evidence from achievement studies

Studies in Colorado from 2005 to 2011 analyzed changes in school librarian staffing and corresponding shifts in fourth-grade reading performance on the Colorado Student Assessment Program (CSAP). Schools that gained or maintained an endorsed school librarian averaged higher CSAP reading scores and greater increases over time compared to those that lost staffing or operated without certified librarians, even after accounting for school size, free/reduced lunch eligibility, and per-pupil spending.^[153]^[154] In New York, research spanning multiple phases has linked well-staffed school libraries, including those with certified teacher-librarians, to elevated student achievement on standardized tests in reading and other areas. For instance, schools with full-time certified librarians showed consistent associations with higher reading and writing scores, particularly among economically disadvantaged students, based on data from state assessments.^[10]^[155] Multi-state U.S. analyses, drawing from data across more than a dozen states, have repeatedly correlated higher school library staffing levels—such as full-time certified librarians—with gains in standardized test performance in reading and mathematics. These patterns hold in comparisons controlling for socioeconomic factors, with schools maintaining professional library programs exhibiting up to 18 percent higher scores on metrics like CSAP in supportive cases.^[8]^[156] Internationally, a 2024 Scottish Book Trust report on secondary school libraries documented correlations between library programs and improved pupil attainment, with 82 percent of secondary librarians reporting frequent or substantial boosts to literacy skills as measured by national benchmarks. Effect sizes in these U.S. and international studies are generally modest, reflecting small but positive associations in controlled comparisons.^[157]^[158]

Causal analysis and limitations

Many studies purporting to link school libraries to improved student achievement rely on correlational designs that struggle to establish causation, as they fail to adequately control for confounders such as overall school funding levels, teacher qualifications, and socioeconomic demographics of student populations, which independently drive academic outcomes.^[159]^[160] For instance, schools with robust library programs often coincide with higher per-pupil expenditures and more experienced educators, inflating apparent effects when these variables are not isolated through methods like instrumental variable analysis or randomized trials.^[161] Rigorous econometric models, including those adjusting for fixed effects and selection biases, have yielded null results in some cases, suggesting that any observed associations may reflect reverse causality—higher-achieving schools invest more in libraries—or spurious correlations rather than direct impacts.^[159] Selection bias further complicates inference, as data on library staffing and usage often derive from self-reported or voluntary samples skewed toward well-resourced districts, excluding underperforming schools where libraries might be absent or underutilized.^[162] Longitudinal analyses are hampered by data gaps, such as in the Houston Independent School District's 2023 elimination of librarians at 28 campuses and conversion of libraries into disciplinary centers, where full-year academic outcomes remain unavailable as of mid-2024 due to implementation timing and lack of pre-post tracking controls for concurrent interventions like state takeovers.^[163]^[164] From a causal realism perspective, school libraries represent one among numerous educational inputs, with evidence indicating diminishing marginal returns relative to core mechanisms like direct instructional time and phonics-based reading programs, as libraries' indirect effects—such as fostering voluntary reading—prove harder to disentangle from family literacy environments and classroom efficacy.^[161] Publication biases in the field exacerbate these limitations, with null or negative findings underrepresented due to the "file drawer effect," leading to overreliance on advocacy-driven correlational work from library associations rather than gold-standard experimental designs.^[159]^[162]

Comparative effectiveness

School libraries in the United States allocate approximately $11 to $12 per student annually for resources, a figure associated with modest correlations to improved test scores but limited by a predominance of observational data over randomized controlled trials establishing causality.^[165]^[166] Systematic reviews highlight challenges in isolating library effects amid confounding factors like school demographics and staffing quality, with calls for stronger experimental designs to confirm impacts beyond access facilitation.^[167] In comparison, systematic phonics instruction yields effect sizes of 0.38 to 0.53 standard deviations in decoding and word recognition, derived from meta-analyses of controlled studies emphasizing explicit, rule-based teaching over incidental exposure via library materials.^[168]^[169] High-dosage tutoring, often one-on-one or small-group, achieves average effects of 0.37 standard deviations in reading, equivalent to advancing students several months in learning trajectory, with scalability demonstrated in urban districts through frequent sessions focused on core skills.^[170]^[171] These interventions surpass library programs in evidenced gains per instructional hour, particularly for foundational literacy where direct feedback outperforms self-directed resource use. Access to online resources or home reading, while enhanced by libraries for underserved students, shows mixed superiority; electronic materials correlate with subject-specific gains like physics but yield medium overall effects (around 0.3) in broader achievement meta-analyses, often trailing personalized tutoring due to lacks in guided practice.^[172]^[173] High-achieving PISA nations such as Singapore and Shanghai-China prioritize teacher-led, structured curricula in literacy, attaining top reading scores through intensive classroom phonics and comprehension drills rather than library-centric models.^[174]^[175] Finland integrates school libraries into equitable access but credits sustained PISA reading proficiency (consistently above OECD averages) to delayed formal instruction, play-based early literacy, and high teacher autonomy over library dependence.^[176] Such systems underscore reallocative potential: library expenditures, though low, could shift to classroom phonics or tech-supported direct instruction for amplified returns, given libraries' supplementary role yields smaller, less causally robust benefits.^[177]

Controversies

Material selection disputes

Material selection disputes in school libraries have intensified since 2021, coinciding with heightened public awareness of content addressing sexuality, gender, and ideological themes.^[178]^[14] The American Library Association (ALA) documented 821 attempts to challenge or remove library materials in 2024, marking the third-highest number since tracking began in 1990, with many targeting school libraries for explicit sexual descriptions or LGBTQ+-related content.^[13] PEN America, an organization tracking such actions, reported 6,870 instances of book restrictions or removals in public schools during the 2024-2025 academic year across 23 states and 87 districts, affecting nearly 4,000 unique titles—a figure down from 10,046 the prior year but still elevated compared to pre-2021 levels.^[179] Florida accounted for 2,304 instances and Texas for 1,781, driven in part by state policies mandating reviews of materials for age-appropriateness.^[178] Challenges frequently target specific titles deemed to contain graphic sexual content unsuitable for minors. "Gender Queer: A Memoir" by Maia Kobabe ranked second on ALA's 2024 list of most-challenged books, with 38 challenges citing sexually explicit illustrations and LGBTQIA+ themes.^[13] Other recurrent targets include "All Boys Aren't Blue" by George M. Johnson, topping ALA's list for similar reasons involving depictions of sexual acts and identity exploration.^[180] PEN America's data similarly highlights sexuality-focused content as comprising over 60% of challenged themes in recent years, with ideological elements like critical race theory or gender fluidity also prominent.^[181] Data on initiators reveal that 72% of documented challenges in 2024 stemmed from organized groups or government entities, compared to 16% from individual parents, per ALA-affiliated analysis—suggesting coordinated campaigns amplified individual concerns post-2021 via social media and advocacy networks.^[182] Outcomes vary: while some books face permanent removal, many instances involve temporary withdrawals for review under district policies, such as Florida's requirement for formal objections and committee evaluations.^[178] PEN America broadly defines "bans" to encompass any content-based restriction, including relocations to age-restricted sections or purchase halts, a categorization disputed by state officials who describe these as standard curation processes rather than censorship.^[183] Empirical reviews in states like Texas have reinstated titles after assessments, indicating that not all challenges lead to outright exclusions.^[184] Both PEN America and ALA, as advocacy bodies opposing restrictions, may emphasize higher counts by including preliminary actions, whereas state records often report lower permanent removal figures.^[178]^[14]

Parental and community involvement

Parents possess constitutional rights to direct the education and upbringing of their children, including limiting access to certain materials in school libraries, as affirmed in precedents such as Pierce v. Society of Sisters (1925) and Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972), which underscore parental authority over educational content. In recent cases like Mahmoud v. Taylor (2023), courts have addressed parental demands for notification and opt-out options from school library activities involving potentially sensitive materials, reinforcing mechanisms for family oversight without mandating removal for all students.^[185] By 2025, at least 26 states had enacted laws governing school library curation policies, with several requiring formal review processes for challenged materials accessible primarily to parents and guardians, such as Connecticut's 2025 legislation mandating district policies for handling reconsideration requests exclusively from this group.^[186]^[187] Individual parent-initiated challenges to school library holdings remain infrequent, comprising only about 16% of recorded demands in 2024 according to library association data, though organized community efforts have surged, often through advocacy groups pushing for broader accountability.^[13] This shift has prompted the establishment or expansion of community advisory structures in some districts, where parent representatives contribute to material selection reviews, aiming to enhance transparency without supplanting professional librarians' roles.^[188] From 2023 onward, initiatives like New York's Public School Instructional Materials Review and Transparency Act have advanced online portals granting parents access to databases of library and instructional content, facilitating preemptive family vetting and reducing unmonitored exposure.^[189] Such involvement aligns library collections more closely with diverse family values, empirical studies indicate, by mitigating risks of children encountering explicit sexual depictions—found in select school library titles across states like North Carolina in 2024—that bypass parental consent and correlate with early desensitization to inappropriate themes.^[190]^[191] Proponents argue this oversight fosters child protection akin to federal standards under the Children's Internet Protection Act (2000, updated 2024), which filters harmful online content in schools, extending logically to print materials; critiques of potential overreach persist, yet data on unchecked explicit holdings underscore the causal need for familial input to safeguard developmental appropriateness.^[192]^[193] Research on parent engagement in education broadly shows gains in student social and academic outcomes when families influence resource alignment, suggesting analogous benefits for library curation without evidence of widespread suppression of core educational access.^[194]

Broader policy debates

Debates over school library policies center on balancing unrestricted access to materials with curation for age-appropriateness and ideological neutrality, pitting claims of censorship against defenses of child protection. Advocates for broad access, often aligned with progressive viewpoints, argue that restrictions suppress diverse perspectives and intellectual freedom, particularly on topics like race and identity, framing removals as ideologically driven suppression.^[195] In contrast, proponents of curation emphasize safeguarding students from explicit sexual content or materials promoting contested frameworks such as critical race theory (CRT) or diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, which critics contend embed activist ideologies unsuitable for minors.^[196] Parental surveys indicate substantial support for restrictions: 60% of U.S. parents favor age-based limits or parental permission for checkouts, with 57% viewing targeted removals as appropriate to shield children from certain topics.^[197] ^[188] These tensions have spurred state-level policy responses, including Florida's requirements under statutes like Section 1006.28 for district-level objections and reviews of materials deemed harmful, and Tennessee's Age-Appropriate Materials Act of 2022, which mandates catalog audits to exclude content involving nudity or sexual conduct.^[198] ^[199] Such laws reflect eroding public confidence in educational institutions, where trust in K-12 public schools has declined amid perceptions of overreach on cultural issues, with Pew data showing nearly half of teachers sensing widespread distrust from Americans.^[200] Removals under these policies—hundreds in districts across both states—target specific volumes without broad evidence of disrupting core literacy programs, as national reading proficiency trends predate recent reforms and correlate more with instructional factors than library holdings.^[201] ^[202] Empirical assessments reveal limited causal links between material restrictions and diminished student outcomes, with no peer-reviewed studies demonstrating net declines in reading engagement or proficiency from age-appropriate curation; instead, advocacy claims of harm often rely on anecdotal reports rather than controlled data.^[203] This aligns with first-principles prioritization of developmental suitability over unrestricted exposure, as excessive ideological or explicit content may divert from foundational skills without proven benefits.^[204] Looking ahead, artificial intelligence tools offer potential for depersonalized curation by scanning for explicitness or bias markers, reducing human subjectivity in selections, as piloted in systems like Destiny AI for library management.^[77] However, algorithmic risks persist, including perpetuation of training data biases or creation of filtered echo chambers absent rigorous human oversight and transparency protocols.^[205] ^[58]

References

[1]
What is a school library?
Jan 6, 2014 · A dedicated facility located in and administered by the school that provides at least the following: an organized, circulating collection of printed and/or ...
[2]
IASL Policy Statement on School Libraries
The school library is central to the fulfillment of the instructional goals and objectives of the school and promotes this through a planned program of ...
[3]
Purpose of the school library | Services to Schools
students, staff, families and whānau — gain new knowledge, skills, ...
[4]
School Libraries - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
School libraries are defined as environments that provide students with access to a variety of materials and aim to foster a love of reading and learning, ...
[5]
First School Library? | ALA - American Library Association
The first school libraries in America were in colonial times, with a teacher's desk holding books. In England, 1578 saw a school library ordinance.
[6]
History of School Libraries - ND State Library Blog
Mar 9, 2023 · Between 1835 and 1896, numerous states passed laws allowing school library collections to be supported through tax-payer money (First, n.d.).
[7]
A History and Future of School Librarianship - Book Riot
Apr 8, 2025 · The first professionally trained school librarian was Mary Kingsbury. Her career began in 1900 at a Brooklyn high school.
[8]
School Libraries Impact Studies - Library Research Service
Studies show increased library staff links to higher test scores, and full-time librarians are linked to higher reading scores. Increased staffing and ...
[9]
[PDF] impact of SCHOOL LIBRARIES on LEARNING
The aim of the report is to identify and critically evaluate the available evidence of the impact of school libraries on learning, including attainment,.
[10]
[PDF] The Impact of New York's School Libraries on Student Achievement ...
This study investigates the impact of NY school libraries on student achievement, exploring SLMS influence, technology use, and service to students with ...
[11]
The Value of School Libraries - University of West Alabama Online
Nov 18, 2020 · Librarians promote creativity and discovery in student learning by offering multimedia resources. With school libraries beginning to function as digital media ...
[12]
Book Bans in Schools and Libraries - Close Up Foundation
Jun 9, 2025 · Book bans, often citing racist or sexual content, have increased, with many targeting books about people of color or LGBTQ+ individuals, and ...
[13]
Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2024
Parents only accounted for 16% of demands to censor books, while 5% of challenges were brought by individual library users. The 120 titles most frequently ...State of America's Libraries · Banned · 1990-1999 · 2000-2009
[14]
Book Ban Data - American Library Association
Who demands book bans in schools and public libraries? 72% Pressure Groups and Government. "As the organized attempts to censor materials in libraries persist, ...Top Ten Most Challenged Books · Research · Reports record number
[15]
Book Challenge Resource Center - National Coalition Against ...
Jan 31, 2025 · We have also seen increasing reports of threats to the livelihoods and safety of librarians, teachers, school administrators and school board ...
[16]
Shrewsbury School Library Bindings - James Basil Oldham - Google ...
... and owes its existence to the provision contained in the Ordinances of 1578. This is a listing and descriptions of the books, bindings and comtents of the
[17]
History of the Library | Price Lab HIstory
Early school libraries began in colonial times, with a designated room in 1744. By 1876, 19 states had laws for them. Professional standards were developed in ...
[18]
[PDF] Library Collection Development in America Through the Ages, a ...
libraries of early 1700s colonial America contained "literature, history, science, and theology, whereas circulating libraries consisted mainly of popular ...
[19]
AASL History: 1914-1951 | American Association of School Librarians
During the early years of its existence in ALA, the School Libraries Section was loosely structured--it did not have a constitution and bylaws until 1922--and ...
[20]
[PDF] FEATURE - ERIC
The report, which became known as the Certain. Standards, was adopted by ALA and published in 1920. It made six recommendations concerning school libraries for ...
[21]
[PDF] Fifty Years of Supporting Children's Learning: A History of Public ...
The first set of school library standards appeared in a report, Standard Library Organization and. Equipment for Secondary Schools of Different Sizes, which ...
[22]
[PDF] America's Public School Libraries: 1953–2000
The 1964 amendments expanded the content areas in which support could be provided to include history, civics, geography, English, and reading. (U.S. Department ...
[23]
[PDF] The influence of the National Defense Education Act (NDEA ... - ERIC
materials have been introduced into thousands of schools. Many school libraries have increased their foreign language col- lections. 189. Page 148. Appendix ...
[24]
6. "The Golden Era of School Library Development," 1964-1969
Between 1930 and 1972, consolidation drastically decreased the number of US school districts from 128,000 to 16,960. Although high school enrollment tri-.
[25]
[PDF] Survey of Colorado School Library Media Centers 2000
... the Internet, or your catalog is available online, or perhaps all the computers in the school are networked and students can access databases from anywhere.<|separator|>
[26]
School and Library Spotlight: How Schools Buy and Use E-Books
Aug 28, 2015 · Participants noted that demand for e-books and circulation of e-books in school libraries rose a bit in 2014–2015. The portion of children ...Missing: rise | Show results with:rise
[27]
How Are School Libraries Adapting in a Digital Age? - Education Week
Apr 28, 2016 · School libraries have shifted in the last several years to provide more digital content such as databases and e-books—ALA's survey found 69 ...Missing: rise | Show results with:rise
[28]
From Job Exploration to Geography, AR and VR Lift Student Learning
Oct 25, 2023 · The immersive tech can enhance student learning by creating virtual spaces where students explore unfamiliar situations and build and apply knowledge through ...
[29]
How AI and AR/VR Are Transforming the Digital Classroom
Jul 31, 2025 · The digital classroom is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the convergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and immersive ...Missing: 2010 | Show results with:2010
[30]
5 Tech Trends Transforming School Libraries Into Media Centers
May 22, 2025 · 1. Charging is no longer optional · 2. AR and VR need flexible, open layouts · 3. Self-checkouts and digital signage are becoming the norm · 4.Missing: remodels | Show results with:remodels
[31]
Here's What Students Miss Out on When Their Schools Lack ...
Nov 9, 2023 · The Houston Independent school district last summer eliminated librarian positions at 28 schools for the 2023-24 school year, repurposing ...
[32]
ALA and AASL Respond to Houston Independent School District's ...
Aug 1, 2023 · ALA and AASL Respond to Houston Independent School District's Decision to Eliminate 28 School Libraries and Respective School Librarians in ...
[33]
Trump Admin. Funding Cuts Could Hit Efforts to Restore School ...
Apr 7, 2025 · The ranks of school librarians nationwide have dwindled over the last decade-plus by 20 percent —the equivalent of roughly 10,000 lost positions ...
[34]
7 Ways School Librarians Can Build Partnerships With ... - ISTE
Mar 21, 2023 · Collaborating with teachers to integrate information skills and technology into content areas can help students develop critical thinking and ...
[35]
[PDF] Strategies for Successful School Librarian and Teacher Collaboration
Three action research studies of school librarians who integrated instruction or curriculum through collaboration with teachers are examined to understand more.
[36]
[PDF] School libraries are an essential part of a complete school program.
Nov 30, 2024 · GOAL: The school library program provides student-centered, curriculum-relevant, and continuously updated information resources, reading ...
[37]
School librarians can fortify curricula across subject areas - K-12 Dive
May 18, 2022 · Supplementing what students get in the classroom, librarians can teach classes how to craft well-constructed research questions, understand the ...Missing: textbooks | Show results with:textbooks
[38]
10 Tips for Increasing Teacher and Librarian Collaboration in Schools
Aug 25, 2022 · Focus on content and how students learn content, link to curriculum standards, showcase the library's resources and technology, and emphasize ...
[39]
Common Core Thrusts Librarians Into Leadership Role
Sep 11, 2012 · Already equipped with inquiry-based skills, librarians are helping teachers acquire the instructional methods they need to adopt.
[40]
[PDF] Implementing the Common Core State Standards
School librarians must play an active role working collaboratively with the school leadership team to move the CCSS forward and make the necessary ...
[41]
[PDF] School Libraries and the Common Core Standards
This position paper examines how the instructional practices of school librarians align with key learning outcomes of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS): ...
[42]
Utilizing School Libraries to Build Lifelong Reading Skills - MiddleWeb
Nov 29, 2021 · Katie Durkin's 7th graders can visit the school library again, and she has 3 goals to help them build lifelong book-hunting skills.
[43]
Creating Lifelong Readers: A Supportive Classroom Culture
Mar 8, 2020 · Make students' reading lives visible. Readers love to talk about and share the books they are reading. Have students give book talks; Have ...
[44]
The Library at School: effects on reading attitude and reading ...
Jul 19, 2013 · This study gives a first glimpse at the effects of the program the Library at School on the reading attitude and leisure reading of primary ...
[45]
Enriched School Libraries - Thijs M. J. Nielen, Adriana G. Bus, 2015
Dec 18, 2015 · We tested effects of an enriched school library on reading motivation, reading frequency, and academic skills.
[46]
PROTOCOL: Recreational book reading for promoting cognitive ...
Deep reading not only enhances comprehension and enjoyment of a text, but also promotes inferential and deductive reasoning, analogical skills, critical ...
[47]
Full article: Reading for pleasure: scrutinising the evidence base
Compelling international evidence illustrates the potential of reading for pleasure for enhancing student reading achievement along with other learning and ...
[48]
Leisure Reading and Social Cognition: A Meta-Analysis
Oct 9, 2025 · This meta-analysis investigates the extent to which people's leisure reading may produce better social–cognitive abilities.Missing: recreational | Show results with:recreational
[49]
[PDF] Reviving Student Interest in Classic Literature: A Field
Librarians often keep classic books in school libraries because the books have educational merits, yet they are rarely checked out for recreational reading.Missing: prioritizing | Show results with:prioritizing
[50]
Causal Relationships Between Phonics, Reading Comprehension ...
Aug 6, 2025 · The findings indicate that phonics knowledge has a causal impact on both reading comprehension and vocabulary gains; reading comprehension has ...Missing: recreational | Show results with:recreational
[51]
New Research That Says About Phonics Instruction
May 6, 2023 · A meta-analysis that showed phonics instruction to have a much smaller effect size (.19) than many other approaches to reading instruction.Missing: recreational | Show results with:recreational
[52]
[PDF] Impact of school libraries on student achievement: a review of the ...
A significant gap in the research is the lack of specific evidence linking the role of school librarians to student acquisition of information literacy skills.
[53]
Teaching Students How to Identify Credible Sources - Edutopia
The CRAAP test (Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, Purpose) helps evaluate sources. Consider if the source is timely, relevant, qualified, accurate, and ...
[54]
Information literacy formation through the use of library resources
The study found that using library resources significantly improved students' information literacy, critical thinking, and information selection/processing ...
[55]
What Fact-Checkers Know About Media Literacy—and Students ...
May 26, 2022 · Professional fact-checkers use a strategy that's at odds with how we usually teach information literacy. Here's how to pass it on to your students.
[56]
Helping Students Identify Media Bias - Landmark School
Sep 24, 2024 · Find some tips and strategies for helping students identify media bias in the news.
[57]
[PDF] Strategies for Teaching Students Source Evaluation Skills - ERIC
Strategies include teaching fact-checking, lateral reading, "bias filters", information creation process, and faculty-librarian collaborations.
[58]
AI guidance for school librarians | ALA - American Library Association
Sep 19, 2025 · explore ways that AI can enhance productivity by streamlining administrative duties, managing library resources more efficiently, and ...
[59]
The benefits of printed books - Junior Library Guild
Aug 28, 2022 · One of the biggest and most basic benefits of print books is that they keep things simple. They can be read in any light, without having to worry about glare.
[60]
Preferences for printed books versus E−books among university ...
May 29, 2023 · Several literatures support studying from printed books, which is directly instrumental towards their grades, making notes while studying, ...Missing: durability | Show results with:durability
[61]
[PDF] CORVALLIS SCHOOL DISTRICT Weeding in School Libraries
Mar 8, 2023 · Recommendations for the number of books in elementary school libraries from the American Library Association (ALA)) are 15-20 books per student.
[62]
[PDF] South Carolina Standards for School Library Resource Collections
A minimum of 15 books per student that meet the. Exemplary age requirements, are current, aligned with the curriculum, reflect students' interests, and are age ...
[63]
Collection Maintenance and Weeding | ALA
Weeding and collection maintenance are based on the availability of newer, updated resources or the circulation statistics and use of materials.
[64]
Library Policies and Procedures: Weeding Policy
Sep 11, 2024 · Low or no usage may be a factor in weeding decisions. Library personnel may consult circulation statistics or other reports to determine viable ...
[65]
[PDF] CREW: A Weeding Manual for Modern Libraries
Gather usage statistics of your library's collection. Reports allow you to analyze and document areas of greatest usage and most need. This can be very ...
[66]
Do children learn more from printed books than screens? - EdSource
Dec 14, 2023 · A new meta-analysis of the link between leisure reading and comprehension confirms previous findings that printed material beats digital content.
[67]
Reading on Screens Worsens Comprehension for Younger ...
Jan 17, 2024 · The researchers found that reading on screens lowered reading comprehension skills among younger students, those in elementary and middle school grades.
[68]
The Case for Paper: Books vs. E-Readers | Psychology Today
Feb 2, 2024 · Research suggests that comprehension is six to eight times better with physical books than e-readers. Physical books help readers absorb and ...
[69]
Turning the Page: What Research Indicates About Print vs. Digital ...
Nov 4, 2024 · Results showed that readers comprehended and retained slightly less information when reading on digital screens compared to reading with printed ...
[70]
Printed books are proven to improve reader comprehension
Aug 13, 2024 · Reading from a printed book results in higher comprehension, retention and sensory involvement than reading from a digital device.
[71]
EBSCO's Ultimate Databases for Schools and Public Libraries
This suite of full-text databases offers a comprehensive collection of reliable, high-quality resources tailored to meet the needs of middle and high school ...
[72]
EBSCOadmin - Database Usage Report - EBSCO Connect
The Database Usage Report compiles database sessions, searches, and requests logged for all or selected databases in your EBSCOhost or EBSCO Discovery ...
[73]
Ebook, Digital Audiobook Use Up 286% in K-12 Schools Since 2019
Apr 3, 2024 · A total of 19.4 million ebooks were borrowed by K-12 students in the 2022-2023 school year, compared to 16.2 million the previous year. That represents a 20% ...
[74]
Student Ebook Usage Breaks Records - OverDrive
Apr 23, 2024 · Since 2019, total usage (based on digital book checkouts) has grown 286 percent as the number of schools using the Sora platform more than ...<|separator|>
[75]
The True Cost of eBooks and Audiobooks for Libraries - Spokane ...
Jan 14, 2025 · The average cost for an eBook is around $40, and for an audiobook, it's about $73, and we have to renew these licenses regularly.
[76]
School Library Ebook Business Models
Jun 10, 2014 · Leaving aside platform costs (if they are charged), an $84 single-user ebook only breaks even versus a $1 rental after almost three-and-a-half ...
[77]
AI in the School Library: Refinement, Not Replacement
Feb 13, 2025 · AI-powered platforms can analyze search patterns and reading histories to recommend relevant books and digital resources to students and staff.
[78]
AI in Library Research Platforms - Findings from EBSCO's Recent ...
Sep 4, 2024 · AI-driven tools are revolutionizing library research platforms, enhancing search capabilities, and connecting users with the right information ...
[79]
Ramblings: Using VR in the school library
Aug 16, 2022 · A fun way of bringing technology into the school library, connecting history and literature, health, geography or basically any subject and bringing it to life.
[80]
Virtual Reality in Education - Benefits, Uses, Examples ... - ManageXR
May 6, 2025 · VR offers a fully immersive, engaging, and memorable experience that improves students' information retention and engagement.
[81]
Hybrid synergy – the future of school libraries | - Judy O'Connell
Sep 4, 2010 · – How do Government schools implement a Hybrid Synergy model in their schools when many (probably the majority) don't have a Teacher ...
[82]
Consequences of the Digital Divide in Education
Jan 30, 2023 · The digital divide in education is growing as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, and the subsequent restrictions have significant effects.
[83]
[PDF] How the pandemic shifted digital learning and influenced ebook and ...
Ebook usage (measured as “checkouts”) increased by 155 percent while audiobook checkouts rose by 66 percent. In addition to checkouts from the school's ...
[84]
How the pandemic boosted ebook and audiobook use in schools ...
This includes the growth in digital books opened (+228 per cent), average hours student spent reading (+25 per cent), average hours spent reading per book (+21 ...
[85]
A Meta-Analysis of the Effect of Paper Versus Digital Reading on ...
Current evidence suggests little to no difference in students' comprehension when reading HPE texts on paper vs digitally.Missing: school | Show results with:school
[86]
Evidence increases for reading on paper instead of screens
Aug 12, 2019 · The studies showed that students of all ages, from elementary school to college, tend to absorb more when they're reading on paper than on screens.Missing: libraries | Show results with:libraries
[87]
National School Library Standards: Home
This two-page spread highlights district-wide applications of the National School Library Standards, including school librarian and school library evaluations.Standards Framework · School Librarians · Crosswalks · Materials
[88]
Top 10 Best Practices for Building a School Library Collection
Define criteria for selecting materials, including quality, relevance, age-appropriateness, accuracy, and diversity. Establish guidelines for regular review, ...
[89]
[PDF] IFLA School Library Guidelines (2nd revised edition)
A school library provides a collection of education materials appropriate to the grade levels of the school. A school library is managed by a school ...
[90]
Circulation statistics in the evaluation of collection development
Aug 9, 2025 · This article aims to describe how circulation statistics may be used to evaluate collection development policies.
[91]
Four Cool Tools for Collection Development | EBSCO
Aug 3, 2021 · A review of your library's circulation statistics will help with your evaluation. ... School libraries eBooks Flipster Collection development.
[92]
Selection Criteria | ALA - American Library Association
The criteria should be a blend of general, specific, and technical to enable library staff to select materials in all subject areas and formats.
[93]
Book Banning in Public Schools and Libraries | Practical Law The ...
Jan 1, 2025 · A discussion of the legal issues related to book banning in public schools and public libraries, including pertinent debates, state law ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[94]
3030 (KEC) - Controversial Issues and Reconsideration of Library ...
Parents can request reconsideration of materials, which are reviewed by a committee. The material remains in use until a decision is made. Parents can appeal ...
[95]
[PDF] LIBRARY MATERIALS AND PARENTAL RIGHTS
Parents can request restrictions on library materials for their children, based on their beliefs, by submitting a written request to the librarian and ...
[96]
How To Curate Age-Inappropriate Library Books Consistently With ...
Jul 21, 2023 · The school and school district must ensure that library materials are consistent with the curriculum and available only to children of ...Missing: accuracy relevance
[97]
Librarians and Library Media Specialists - Bureau of Labor Statistics
School librarians and library media specialists typically need a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field, along with a teaching certificate; ...
[98]
How To Become a School Librarian: A Career Guide (With FAQs)
Jul 26, 2025 · To become a school librarian, you typically need a bachelor's and master's degree in library science, a teacher's license, and librarian ...
[99]
Library Education & Licensing
ALA-accredited master's degrees or a master's with a school librarianship specialty from a CAEP-accredited program are appropriate. Some states require teacher ...Missing: United | Show results with:United
[100]
Requirements to Become a School Librarian By-State
In several states, school librarians need a Bachelor's degree in education and a Master's in library science.
[101]
General and Program Specific Requirements for Library Media ...
The program shall include at least 100 clock hours of field experiences in elementary and secondary schools and at least two college-supervised practica of at ...
[102]
Library Media Specialist - Maryland State Department of Education
A school library media practicum, 1 year of full-time teaching experience, or 1 year of full-time school library media-related experience; and. Three ...
[103]
How to Become a School Librarian: Your Guide | Book Riot
Jun 28, 2023 · Generally speaking, you will need to complete a master's degree in Library and Information Sciences (MLIS), with a concentration in school librarianship.Missing: qualifications United
[104]
Stopping the Staffing Slide at School Libraries - Publishers Weekly
Dec 8, 2023 · A recent study assesses school library staffing realities, shedding light on difficult decisions facing administrators.
[105]
A Quiet Problem Many NYC Schools Have No Librarian on Campus
May 5, 2023 · Under state law, secondary schools with more than 700 students are required to have a full-time, certified school librarian, with part-time ...
[106]
Impact of school librarians on elementary student achievement in ...
Findings include that students who attend schools with a full-time certified librarian score significantly higher on math and reading tests than do matched ...
[107]
Research on Impact of School Libraries
Research shows school libraries help reverse low reading scores, with students scoring higher in math and reading, and high-quality programs boost student ...
[108]
Learning about the Job | American Association of School Librarians
Today's school librarian works with both students and teachers to facilitate access to information in a wide variety of formats.
[109]
[PDF] 21st Century JOB DESCRIPTION SCHOOL LIBRARIAN (K-12)
They have the primary responsibility for the functions of the school library (i.e., evaluation and selection; ordering and processing; utilization of media; and ...
[110]
3 Key Roles of School Librarians - Edutopia
Librarians wear many hats, but their role can be broken into three key parts: literacy advocate, resource manager, and research specialist.
[111]
Articles and Studies Related to Library Value (Return on Investment)
Find a bibliography of resources covering Return on Investment on the Libraries Matter section of the ALA website.<|separator|>
[112]
School Librarians: What Do They Do All Day? - EveryLibrary Action
Oct 17, 2023 · School librarians in primary and secondary schools typically help students learn how to locate and check out books and use the library's resources for research.
[113]
Springfield school district's plan to cut library jobs raises concerns
Jan 15, 2025 · SPS librarians are upset about a plan to cut 10 library jobs next year, which includes scaling back full-time staffing at four high schools.<|separator|>
[114]
Instead of librarians, schools staff libraries with teachers, aides
Oct 7, 2025 · For more than a decade, districts have cut back on librarians and quietly closed school libraries as well.
[115]
Data-Driven Decisions = School Librarians - AASL Knowledge Quest |
Jul 3, 2024 · Numerous studies find that students achieve improved outcomes at schools with a full time librarian. And school librarians offer the best return-on-investment ...
[116]
The History of the School Library – TCEA TechNotes Blog
Apr 8, 2021 · School libraries began with teachers sharing books, were suggested in 1740, became commonplace by mid-20th century, and saw the rise of tech ...
[117]
This is What You Need to Know About Mary Kingsbury, the First ...
Jan 6, 2020 · Mary Kingsbury was the first professional school librarian in American history. She started as a teacher in Latin, math, geography, and zoology ...
[118]
Frances Clarke Sayers, 91; Author of Children's Books
Jul 28, 1989 · Frances Clarke Sayers, librarian, teacher and author who was known nationally for her efforts to improve the quality of children's ...Missing: contributions | Show results with:contributions
[119]
Frances Clarke Sayers - Students | Britannica Kids | Homework Help
Her work as a consultant to the Library of Congress contributed to the establishment of the institution's Children's Book Section. A frequent contributor to The ...
[120]
Storytelling in Public Libraries - jstor
A collection of Sayers's essays and speeches, Summoned by Books (1965), became a classic statement of the goals of the youth services library profession.
[121]
Wayne A. Wiegand. American Public School Librarianship: A History ...
Wiegand also provides a view of the embattled founding of the American Association of School Librarians and ongoing turf wars among children's, school, and ...
[122]
COE - Public School Revenue Sources
Of this total, 11 percent, or $101 billion, were from federal sources, 46 percent, or $437 billion, were from state sources, and 44 percent, or $416 billion, ...Missing: library | Show results with:library
[123]
Library Materials Aid FAQ | New York State Education Department
Library Materials Aid (LMA) is part of State formula aid and is intended to supplement local funds budgeted for school library program support.
[124]
Enacted SFY 2025-26 Budget Includes $37.6 Billion in School Aid
May 8, 2025 · The enacted budget also makes critical investments in our libraries, increasing Library Operating Aid by $1.7 million for a total of $106 ...
[125]
School Library Federal Funding Fact Sheet | ALA
The Improving Literacy through School Libraries program was the primary source for federal funding for school libraries in the US Department of Education.Missing: United revenue
[126]
How Schools Will Feel the Federal Funding Cuts to Libraries and ...
Aug 14, 2025 · Cuts to library and museum grants threaten school databases, field trips, and teacher training programs nationwide.Missing: 2023-2025 | Show results with:2023-2025
[127]
IMLS Cuts Put America's Public Libraries at Risk | ALA
Apr 10, 2025 · The elimination of federal funding for public libraries will be felt in every community across the country, and particularly in rural areas.
[128]
The Trump Administration Is Threatening Libraries, Museums, and ...
Jul 7, 2025 · These states attested in court that terminated grants and missed grant payments were leading to staff cuts and shuttered programs. Additional ...
[129]
Five Library Fundraising Strategies To Help Increase Revenue
Aug 19, 2020 · Libraries are funded through a wide combination of revenue sources, including local taxes, nonprofit and for-profit grants, and individual ...
[130]
[PDF] From Awareness to Funding: A study of library support in America
Over 80% of US public library funding comes from local taxes, with state and federal taxes providing a small portion. Libraries represent roughly 1% of local ...<|separator|>
[131]
Houston ISD cut school librarians but it's part of a national trend.
Jun 6, 2025 · By May of this year, according to Houston Chronicle reporting, the district had just 23 librarians across 274 campuses. That was down from 45 a ...
[132]
Houston superintendent sparks outrage with plan to close school ...
Aug 2, 2023 · The superintendent is eliminating librarians in all of the 28 schools that are under his reform plan, called the New Education System.
[133]
Houston and Spring Branch ISDs cut librarians. What it means for kids
Feb 28, 2024 · Spring Branch is cutting all of its librarians as part of a $35 million budget slash that affects roughly 260 employees in other positions.Missing: reductions | Show results with:reductions
[134]
Some States Are Pushing Back on Library E-Book Licensing Fees
Jul 16, 2025 · Adding together the initial cost with time and checkout restrictions can make library e-book access as much as 10 times more expensive than ...Missing: constraints | Show results with:constraints
[135]
What increasing demand for ebooks is costing libraries
Aug 23, 2024 · In some cases, the library pays a $2 fee for every use of a digital resource. In others, the cost per use can be $7.50 or more. Meanwhile, the ...Missing: constraints | Show results with:constraints
[136]
Leveraging Learning Analytics in Library Data | EBSCO
Nov 15, 2021 · Leveraging learning analytics is key for a library to show its influence. Learn how this type of data can be properly scaled and secured.Missing: school efficiency
[137]
LibInsight for Academic Libraries - Springshare
LibInsight is a powerful tool that makes it easy to store, record, and analyze all of your library data in one system. Make data-driven decisions a breeze!
[138]
New ALA Report Maps Increasingly Complex Digital Public Library ...
Dec 6, 2023 · The report demystifies licensing terms for digital books and explains why flexible licensing terms reduce patron wait times.
[139]
Can investments in public libraries boost educational outcomes?
Jul 22, 2021 · The researchers found that, after the capital investment, there were gradual increases in reading scores—on average approximately 0.02 of a ...
[140]
Houston ISD terminates or reassigns nearly 450 employees as ...
Sep 30, 2025 · The changes include cutting 160 uncertified teachers and 54 staff members as well as reassigning 232 teachers who are both certified and ...Missing: library 2023-2025
[141]
Houston ISD lays off, reassigns hundreds of teachers - K-12 Dive
Oct 3, 2025 · The move follows district estimates earlier this year that predicted an enrollment drop of about 8,000 students. Published Oct. 3, 2025.Missing: reductions | Show results with:reductions
[142]
Being Proactive: Reduce the Chaos of a Fixed Schedule Library Class
Fixed lessons are traditionally 30 minutes to just under an hour long—a short time frame to offer a story, lesson, time for book browsing, and checking in and ...
[143]
[PDF] Žs Elementary School Library Programs
Nov 8, 2022 · These studies show that fixed scheduling remains the primary model in elementary schools despite the need for open access to the library.
[144]
Not Fixed vs Flex, But Responsive Scheduling for the School Library
Oct 15, 2022 · Fixed scheduling was non-negotiable, flex scheduling allowed flexible class visits, and responsive scheduling allows flexible, open, as-needed ...
[145]
(PDF) Flexible Scheduling May Have a Positive Impact on School ...
Aug 9, 2025 · A significant, positive relationship exists between flexible scheduling in elementary school library media centers and per-pupil circulation statistics.Missing: operational | Show results with:operational
[146]
Scheduling for Learning, Not Convenience - Getting Smart
Feb 24, 2017 · Such schedules (traditional) were created under an industrial model and prioritized factors such as: 1) structured use of time, 2) easy staffing ...<|separator|>
[147]
Remodeled high school library increases use and improves course ...
Aug 7, 2025 · Reimagining library spaces, which can include both changes to the physical space and new approaches to scheduling and operation, is an ...Missing: remodels | Show results with:remodels<|separator|>
[148]
[PDF] Flexible Scheduling: Implementing an Innovation
The traditional model provided library time on a fixed basis, often weekly, and in this model teachers often saw the library as a drop-off spot, where children ...
[149]
[PDF] The State of School Libraries in Minnesota - Wilder Foundation
Feb 19, 2025 · Many existing positions are part time, with librarians often juggling multiple responsibilities outside of the typical librarian purview, such.
[150]
[PDF] LIBRARY PROGRAMMING ACROSS THE URBAN-RURAL DIVIDE
May 14, 2025 · This study explores how urban and rural libraries deliver programming, highlighting disparities in resources and strategies, using Tompkins ...
[151]
[PDF] The Effects of Flexible Versus Fixed Schedules on Circulation and ...
Dec 11, 1996 · Implementing a flexible schedule may affect traditional measures of school library media program effectiveness. This study documented the ...Missing: operational | Show results with:operational
[152]
Fixed vs. Flexible Scheduling in School Library Media Centers
Flexible scheduling of school library media is accepted notion in major library school associations and the classes meet in the library media center based ...Missing: operational traditional
[153]
Change in School Librarian Staffing Linked With Change in CSAP ...
The results from this study indicated that states that gained school librarians from 2004-05 to 2008-09 showed greater increases in 4th grade reading scores ...
[154]
[PDF] School Libraries Work! - Scholastic
The research found that students at schools that gained or maintained an endorsed librarian to manage the library program averaged higher CSAP reading scores ...
[155]
[PDF] School Library Research Summarized
Consistently, reading and writing scores were better for students who had a full-time, certified librarian than those who didn't. students who were economically ...
[156]
[PDF] School Library Staffing Ratios and Student Outcomes
This section lists reasons why school librarians are necessary, the current status of school libraries throughout the country, and recommendations on school ...
[157]
[PDF] The value and impact of Scotland's secondary school libraries
Sep 12, 2025 · This report is a result of Scottish Book Trust undertaking independent research into the value and impact of public and school libraries in ...
[158]
[PDF] Impact of school librarians on elementary student achievement in ...
Jun 9, 2023 · This research finds that students who attend schools with a full-time certified librarian have higher math and reading test scores than stu-.
[159]
School Library Research: Publication Bias and the File Drawer Effect?
The reality is that evidence supporting the effects of school libraries on student achievement remains unconvincing to many serious researchers. In this paper, ...
[160]
[PDF] Impact of School Librarians on Elementary Student Achievement
empirical experimental studies providing causal evidence of the impact of certified school librarians. The research guidelines under No Child Left ...
[161]
Causality: School Libraries & Student Success (CLASS) White Paper
Jan 24, 2019 · PDF | The purpose of this white paper is to report on the convening of the nation's leading school library and educational researchers at ...
[162]
School Library Research - jstor
School library research needs empirical studies, but faces issues like publication bias and the file drawer effect, and often relies on correlational analyses.
[163]
One of the Country's Largest Districts Is Turning School Libraries ...
Aug 3, 2023 · The Houston school district's decision to shut down libraries in 28 schools reflects a growing trend, according to advocates.Missing: cuts limitations
[164]
What Happens When a School Closes Its Library? | EdSurge News
Sep 12, 2024 · A year after Texas turned school libraries into discipline centers in Black and Latino neighborhoods, librarians have lost their jobs and teachers are quitting.
[165]
Spend It if You Can | SLJ 2024 Budget Survey | School Library Journal
Apr 4, 2024 · The average LMC budget for 2023–24 is $7,583, with an average of $12 budgeted per student. And while 88 percent of responding schools have a ...
[166]
How School Libraries Buy Books, Struggle for Funds, and Confront ...
Feb 27, 2023 · On average, schools reflected in the 2021 School Library Journal survey spent $11.35 per student on library resources like books, digital media, ...
[167]
[PDF] Enough Already?: Blazing New Trails for School Library Research
Clearly, the political context of contemporary school library research—like all education research—demands stronger causal evidence. Nothing demonstrates this ...
[168]
Effects of Systematic Phonics Instruction Are Practically Significant
The largest effects are associated with reading instruction enhanced with components that increase comprehensiveness and intensity.
[169]
https://visiblelearningmetax.com/influences/view/phonics_instruction
[170]
[PDF] evidence review - the transformative potential of tutoring for prek-12 ...
Tutoring programs consistently lead to large improvements in learning outcomes, with a 0.37 standard deviation effect size, moving a student from the 50th to ...
[171]
A scalable approach to high-impact tutoring for young readers
Research consistently demonstrates that tutoring interventions have substantial positive effects on student learning (average effect size = 0.29-standard ...<|separator|>
[172]
[PDF] Evaluating the Effectiveness of Internet Library Resources on ...
Mar 28, 2022 · Recent empirical research have revealed that internet library resources have a major impact on student achievement. Teaching and learning have ...
[173]
The effects of online education on academic success: A meta ...
Sep 6, 2021 · The results of the study show that the effect size of online education on academic achievement is on a medium level.
[174]
Education GPS - Singapore - Student performance (PISA 2022)
In Singapore, 92% of students attained at least Level 2 proficiency in mathematics, significantly more than on average across OECD countries (OECD average: 69%) ...Missing: library emphasis
[175]
[PDF] Beijing, Shanghai, Jiangsu and Zhejiang (China) - OECD
The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) is a triennial survey of 15-year-old students that assesses the extent to which they have acquired ...Missing: library emphasis
[176]
[PDF] Main factors behind the good PISA reading results in Finland - IFLA
Finland's good reading results stem from a strong library system, high reading culture, equal opportunities, free education, and no national tests.
[177]
A Meta-Analysis of the Effect of Phonological Awareness and/or ...
Nov 16, 2021 · Investigations that spent from 1 to 500 minutes on phonics instruction had a moderate mean effect size of (g = 0.48) while those that allotted ...<|separator|>
[178]
The Normalization of Book Banning - PEN America
Oct 1, 2025 · School districts have started issuing preemptive bans through “do not buy” lists, barring titles from ever entering their libraries.
[179]
PEN America Index of School Book Bans – 2024-2025
PEN America's 2024-2025 Index of Banned Books found 6870 instances of book bans across 23 states and 87 public school districts.
[180]
'All Boys Aren't Blue' and 'Gender Queer' top 2024 list of ... - NBC News
Apr 7, 2025 · The 10 Most Challenged Books of 2024 · 1. “All Boys Aren't Blue,” by George M. Johnson · 2. “Gender Queer,” by Maia Kobabe · 3. (Tie) “The Bluest ...Tv · Featured · More From Nbc
[181]
Banned Books List 2025 - PEN America
Oct 1, 2025 · In the 2024-2025 school year, PEN America recorded 6,870 instances of book bans affecting nearly 4,000 unique titles. For the third straight ...PEN America Index of School... · Beyond the Shelves · 10 Most Banned Books
[182]
By the Numbers: Banned Books Week 2025
Oct 7, 2025 · Percentage of documented book challenges initiated by parents in 2024. More than four times as many challenges—72% of the total—were instituted ...
[183]
Book Bans - PEN America
PEN America recorded 6,870 instances of book bans in the 2024-2025 school year. · Bans were found in 23 states and 87 public school districts, with Florida and ...2023-24 Index · Banned Books List 2025 · Banned Book List 2022-2021 · Report
[184]
One School District Just Pulled 1,600 Books From Its Shelves ...
Jan 24, 2024 · 18, 2023. In Florida, some schools have covered or removed books under a new law that requires an evaluation of reading materials and for ...Missing: definitions | Show results with:definitions
[185]
https://www.oif.ala.org/what-emmahmoud-v-taylor-em-means-for-your-library/
[186]
Twenty-six states have some sort of state law governing school ...
Aug 8, 2025 · Six states prohibit books if they contain specific material, including sexual content or anything deemed harmful to minors. Five states require ...Missing: mandating | Show results with:mandating
[187]
New CT law requires school policies on library book challenges
Sep 15, 2025 · The law also states that school material reconsideration requests are only limited to “the parents and guardians of students and eligible ...
[188]
Parents Trust School Librarians to Select Books, But There's a Catch
Jan 16, 2024 · A new survey shows what parents think of school libraries and librarians following efforts throughout the country to remove books.Missing: precedents | Show results with:precedents
[189]
Public School Instructional Materials Review and Transparency Act
Nov 21, 2023 · “Parents have every right to know what materials are being made available to their children in schools and also have every right to question ...
[190]
Pornographic books found in NC schools spark calls for legislative ...
May 17, 2024 · Books found in school libraries showing and describing sexually explicit content have sparked calls for the General Assembly to further regulate obscene books.
[191]
Parental Control of Sexually Explicit Content in Schools
When sexually explicit materials are included in public or school library collections, they may be accessed without parental knowledge or consent. This bypasses ...
[192]
Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA)
Jul 5, 2024 · The protection measures must block or filter Internet access to pictures that are: (a) obscene; (b) child pornography; or (c) harmful to minors ...
[193]
Protecting Kids From Explicit Material Shouldn't Be Controversial
Oct 10, 2022 · One woman we know has a daughter whose pornography struggles started from what she read in her own school library. Another family paid upwards ...
[194]
Parent Involvement and Children's Academic and Social ... - NIH
The purpose of this study was to consider the benefits of parent involvement for academic and social development in elementary school. In doing so, we aimed ...<|separator|>
[195]
Voters Oppose Book Bans in Libraries | ALA
Parents also oppose efforts to remove books from their local public libraries by a significant 20-point margin: 60% oppose, 40% support. Strong Opposition to ...
[196]
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15582159.2025.2575615
[197]
Parents' Perception of School Libraries and Librarians 2023
80% of parents report trusting school librarians to select appropriate books and materials for the school library. 82% say that they trust school librarians to ...
[198]
The 2025 Florida Statutes - Online Sunshine
A resident of the county who is not the parent or guardian of a student with access to school district materials may not object to more than one material per ...Missing: restrictions | Show results with:restrictions
[199]
Some books quietly pulled under stricter Tennessee school library law
Sep 17, 2024 · Bill Lee's 2022 school library law requiring periodic reviews of catalogs to ensure materials are appropriate for the ages and maturity levels ...
[200]
Americans' Deepening Mistrust of Institutions
Oct 17, 2024 · In a 2024 survey of U.S. public school teachers, nearly half felt that most Americans don't trust them much or at all. A large majority of ...
[201]
Florida Public Schools Remove Library Books, Fearing State Reprisal
Aug 8, 2025 · Nine Florida counties have removed hundreds of books from public school classrooms and libraries before the start of the 2025–2026 school ...Missing: restrictions | Show results with:restrictions
[202]
Tennessee school district bans 390 books from libraries
Oct 25, 2024 · Here are the nearly 400 books Wilson County has banned from its schools. Among the banned authors are Kurt Vonnegut, Toni Morrison, Alice Sebold, George RR ...
[203]
Book bans in political context: Evidence from US schools - PMC
Our study empirically describes banned books and authors, finding high rates of children's books written by authors of color among banned books.
[204]
National Report of Teachers' Experiences With School Justifications ...
Jul 1, 2025 · This study focuses on the 1793 teachers who said that their school, district, or library censored select books. Quantitative data were analyzed ...
[205]
Artificial intelligence algorithm bias in information retrieval systems ...
May 29, 2025 · This scoping review examines AI algorithm bias and its implications for library and information science (LIS) professionals.