"The goal of the school library media center is to ensure that all members of the school community have equitable access 'to books and reading, to information, and to information technology.'"
Explains how school librarians can promote reading and literacy in their school, including developing reading programs or special projects to encourage reading and share the love of books with students and teachers.
Literacy assessment: It is important to understand how to assess literacy levels of students, so that appropriate interventions can be made to improve those levels.
Reading strategies: Different strategies should be used to promote reading, depending on the age and literacy level of the students. Strategies can range from shared reading to independent reading.
Collection development: School librarians need to learn how to build a collection of books that is diverse, current, and relevant to the needs and interests of their students.
Information literacy: Students need to learn how to navigate and evaluate different sources of information, so that they can make informed decisions and understand the world around them.
Technology integration: Technology can be used to enhance literacy promotion, by providing alternative formats for reading, collaboration and research.
Family engagement: Family involvement in literacy promotion can significantly increase the effectiveness of school-based efforts, so it is important to learn strategies for involving families in the process.
Partnerships: School librarians can partner with other organizations such as public libraries, community organizations or non-profits to expand and enhance their literacy promotion efforts.
Advocacy: School librarians need to advocate for literacy programs and resources, both within their schools and beyond, to ensure that all students have access to the resources they need to succeed.
Multicultural literacy: Understanding the cultural backgrounds of students and their families, and incorporating diverse perspectives and experiences into literacy promotion efforts can make the content and learning more engaging and relevant.
Professional development: School librarians must stay current with changes in literacy promotion trends and research, as well as updates to technology and best practices. Professional development opportunities can provide the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in this field.
Reading Programs: These are designed to encourage students to read more by providing reading challenges or rewards that incentivize reading.
Writing Contests: These contests can be used to encourage students not only to write more, but also to improve their writing skills.
Book Clubs: In book clubs, students gather together to discuss books they have read. This is a great way to encourage students to read and to promote critical thinking.
Author Visits: Inviting authors to visit schools and speak with students can be a great way to inspire students to read and become interested in literature.
Book Fairs: Hosting book fairs is a great way to promote literacy by providing students with access to a wide variety of books.
Storytelling: Storytelling is a powerful way to promote literacy and engage students. Storytelling sessions can be organized by librarians or other educators.
Digital Literacy Programs: With the increasing use of technology in education, it is important to promote digital literacy. Digital literacy programs can be designed to teach students how to use various digital tools to promote literacy.
Family Engagement Programs: Family engagement programs encourage parents and other family members to become involved in their children’s education and literacy development.
Library Outreach: Library outreach programs involve librarians working with community organizations to promote literacy and encourage reading.
Professional Development: Professional development programs for librarians can ensure that they stay up-to-date with the latest trends and research related to literacy promotion.
"School libraries are distinct from public libraries because they serve as 'learner-oriented laboratories which support, extend, and individualize the school's curriculum.'"
"Researchers have demonstrated that school libraries have a positive impact on student achievement through the more than 60 studies that have been conducted in 19 U.S. states and one Canadian province."
"Researchers have conducted more than 60 studies in 19 U.S. states and one Canadian province."
"The major finding of these studies was that students with access to a well-supported school library media program with a qualified school library media specialist, scored higher on reading assessments regardless of their socio-economic statuses."
"A study conducted in Ohio revealed that 99.4% of students surveyed believed that their school librarians and school library media programs helped them succeed in school."
"A school library media center 'uses all types of media... is automated, and utilizes the Internet [as well as books] for information gathering.'"
"Students, staff, and often, parents of a public or private school have access to a variety of resources in a school library."
"A school library serves as the center and coordinating agency for all material used in the school."
"The overall aim of a school library is to ensure equitable access to books, reading, information, and information technology for all members of the school community."
"A report that reported similar conclusions was compiled by Michele Lonsdale in Australia in 2003."
"99.4% of students surveyed believed that their school librarians and school library media programs helped them succeed in school."
"A school library media center 'uses...information technology' alongside books for information gathering."
"School libraries serve as 'learner-oriented laboratories which support, extend, and individualize the school's curriculum.'"
"A school library media center ensures that all members of the school community have equitable access to resources."
"A school library media center ensures access 'to books and reading.'"
"School libraries serve as learner-oriented laboratories that 'individualize the school's curriculum.'"
"A school library media center is 'automated.'"
"A school library media center 'utilizes the Internet [as well as books] for information gathering.'"
"Students with access to a well-supported school library media program 'scored higher on reading assessments regardless of their socio-economic statuses.'"