Trends in school library programs 2007–2012: Analysis of AASL’s School Libraries Count! data sets

2017 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 497-510 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lesley S.J. Farmer ◽  
Alan M. Safer
Keyword(s):  
Count Data ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
School Library ◽  
Time Frame ◽  
School Libraries ◽  
School Level ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
Library Program ◽  
The Impact

This study used the AASL School Libraries Count! data sets to examine school library program trends within the 2009–2012 time frame, and identify possible relationships between contributing factors across the four years and across the four geographic regions. Several statistical tests were applied to the coded AASL survey data sets longitudinally and by region: descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, chi-squared independence tests, hypothesis testing of differences in proportions, and analysis of variance. The data reveal a variegated picture of school library programs in terms of staffing, resources, and activities – from state to state, by region, and by school level. In general, high schools fared best relative to elementary and middle schools, and the West fared the worst relative to the other regions. The findings highlight the impact of school level, poverty status, and governmental spending decisions on school library program staffing, resources and activities. The school librarian’s activities also correlate with library resources and their usage.

scholarly journals Researching Data Sets to Develop State Library Standards

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lesley S. J. Farmer
Keyword(s):  
School Library ◽  
School Libraries ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Data Set ◽  
National School ◽  
Library Journal ◽  
Library Program ◽  
Baseline Factors ◽  
State Library ◽  
Develop State

California developed standards for library program factors that provide the conditions for students to meet library standard outcomes. To base those program standards empirically, the researchers analyzed three 2008-9 reputable data sets: California’s school library data set, AASL’s School Libraries Count data set, and a national School Library Journal data set. Standards were clustered into two sections: baseline factors, and statistical standards for resources. Findings revealed that school libraries that met the “baseline” standard were significantly different from those libraries that did not meet those standards. Once the baseline set of factors were determined, descriptive and correlational statistics were applied to the data sets, with the resultant figures based on the average figures supplied by those libraries that met the baseline factors.

scholarly journals Adopting Computer Technology to empower Rural School Learners: The Case for Katsande Rural School Library, Zimbabwe

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hosea Tokwe
Keyword(s):  
Computer Technology ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
School Library ◽  
School Libraries ◽  
Rural School ◽  
Reading Material ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Technology In Schools

In most countries, the introduction of computer technology in schools has seen the role of school libraries transformed. Adoption of new technologies are now seen to be enhancing school libraries’ ability to perform their mission, vision and role, that is, providing learners access to a wide range of reading material to enable them to acquire knowledge as well as ability to read books online. This paper will address the impact computer technology is having on rural school learners at Katsande Primary School. It will explain how embracing of computer technology has influenced learners concerning achieving quality education. 

scholarly journals Carnegie Revitalisation of Public Libraries in Africa

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margaret Baffour-Awuah
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
School Library ◽  
Public Library ◽  
School Libraries ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Disadvantaged Communities ◽  
Carnegie Corporation ◽  
Library Development ◽  
The Impact

The Carnegie Corporation of New York has embarked on a revitalisation programme of some African public libraries. The Corporation has made grants to those public library systems targeting previously disadvantaged communities. Those aspects of the programmes that the grantees have drawn up which could impact school library development in the recipient countries are highlighted here. The selected public libraries of Botswana, Kenya and five provinces within South Africa, as grantees of revitalisation awards are the objects of focus here. Seven other African countries that have benefited to a relatively lesser extent are mentioned as issues emerge that relate to them. Suggestions are made as to the impact some of these public library programmes could make on school libraries and school pupils.

scholarly journals Information Literacy through Guided Inquiry: Preparing Students for the 21st Century

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carol C. Kuhlthau
Keyword(s):  
Information Literacy ◽  
21St Century ◽  
School Library ◽  
Research Process ◽  
School Libraries ◽  
Independent Learning ◽  
Guided Inquiry ◽  
School Librarians ◽  
University Center ◽  
The Impact

Across the globe, school libraries play an essential role in preparing students for living and working in the 21st century through information literacy. The Rutgers University Center for International Scholarship in School Libraries (CISSL) promotes this initiative in information literacy through research on the impact of school libraries on student learning, research symposia for international scholars, and training institutes for school librarians and teachers. Our research shows that guided inquiry is a dynamic, innovative way of developing information literacy through the school library. Guided inquiry is carefully planned, closely supervised, targeted intervention of an instructional team of school librarians and teachers that leads students through the research process toward independent learning. Guided inquiry develops research skills and subject knowledge as well as fostering cooperative learning, motivation, reading comprehension, language development and social skills that underlie competency for our young people in the 21st century.

scholarly journals The Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic ‘Lockdown’ on Reading Engagement of Selected Secondary School Students in Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-55
Author(s):  
Ibitola Oluwatoyin Adigun ◽  
Fadekemi Omobola Oyewusi ◽  
Kolawole Akinjide Aramide
Keyword(s):  
Secondary School ◽  
Secondary Schools ◽  
Secondary School Students ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
School Library ◽  
School Libraries ◽  
Reading Engagement ◽  
School Students ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Impact

Several studies have decried the non-existence of functional school libraries in many primary and secondary schools in Nigeria. This inadequacy in school libraries made it extremely difficult for school librarians to foster the culture of reading in students through school library use and reading promotional activities. Moreover, library hours are not included in the school time table in many of the secondary schools in Nigeria. Thus, reading engagement has been on the decline among secondary school students in the country. Despite these challenges, some studies suggested that students will spend more time reading if they have more spare time. Therefore, this study investigated selected secondary school students’ reading engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic school lockdown. It was assumed that the availability of time during the period would motivate students to read since schools were closed and movement was restricted. The study adopted an online survey instrument (Questionnaire) administered to the students over 3-month period (April - June 2020). This instrument was adopted because there was total closure of schools throughout the country, thus the only means students could be reached at the time was through online. The questionnaire was sent to individual students and school online groups. Thus, the study was limited to students with information technology gadgets and online presence. The result revealed that there was no significant difference in the duration of time students spent reading during the lockdown and when school was in session. It also revealed that students read textbooks to prepare for examinations and to keep sound academically.

scholarly journals School Library Research in the Real World—What Does it Really Take?

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joette Stefl-Mabry ◽  
Michael S. Radlick
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Student Achievement ◽  
Public Schools ◽  
Research Design ◽  
School Library ◽  
New York State ◽  
School Libraries ◽  
School Level ◽  
Library Research ◽  
Measurement And Analysis

School libraries are perceived to have a significant effect on student achievement. The reality is that evidence supporting the effects of school libraries on student achievement remains unconvincing to many serious researchers. In this paper, we provide a systematic review of 25 years of school library research examining student achievement. Results indicate that of over 260 studies, fewer than 27 approach the minimum requirements of research design. The unembellished truth is that most school library studies suffer from limitations of design, measurement, and analysis. To address such limitations, we built multiple statistical models based on six years of school-level data reflecting all public schools in New York State. We highlight key challenges of quantitative research: design, indicators, measurement and analysis approaches as they apply to ours and other school library research and share initial results from our study examining the causal relationships among school librarians, resources, activities and student achievement.

scholarly journals The School Library as An Active Support for Educational Achievements: A Survey Led in Secondary Schools

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 15
Author(s):  
Azzedine Bouderbane ◽  
Bentayeb Zineb
Keyword(s):  
School Library ◽  
Descriptive Study ◽  
School Libraries ◽  
Qualitative Approach ◽  
Educational Process ◽  
Educational Achievements ◽  
The World ◽  
The One ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The City

Several things have been said in the field of pedagogy. But, this does not prevent the appearance of new educational concepts. The world of pedagogy has practically no limit. In our study, we attempted to identify the impact that school libraries could have on educational achievements. The statement of the problem was strengthened by two main questions: Could school libraries play a fundamental role in improving educational achievements? Could school libraries integrate their resources as pedagogical supports in the educational process? In our visits to thirty school libraries in the city of Constantine, we were able to conduct a descriptive study and collect interesting data that we analyzed through a qualitative approach. Significant results were obtained. The latter globally showed via several indicators that the school library, on the one hand, contributed concretely to educational achievements, and, on the other hand, played an efficient role in the learning process by providing a variety of supports and services to the users.

Will New Blood in the Leadership Produce New Blood on the Battlefield? The Impact of Regime Changes on Middle East Military Rivalries

2004 ◽  
Vol 58 (4) ◽  
pp. 612-635 ◽  
Author(s):  
John A. Tures
Keyword(s):  
Cold War ◽  
Middle East ◽  
International Conflict ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Time Frame ◽  
Regime Changes ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Cold War ◽  
The Impact

The Middle East has witnessed a recent spate of alterations in rulers and regimes. These new leaders are coming to power in countries having a history of international conflict with other states in the region. Will the change in government exacerbate interstate crises, producing disputes and wars? Or will the nascent leadership steer their countries to peace, choosing instead to focus on an internal consolidation of power? To answer this question, this article examines the theories of foreign policy behavior of new leaders. It discusses the results of a quantitative analysis of an earlier time frame: the initial years of the Cold War. The article then conducts a series of case study analyses of contemporary times to determine if the theory and prior statistical tests remain valid. The results show that new administrations are more likely to target rivals with a threat, display, or limited use of force. Such incoming leaders, however, seem reluctant to drag their countries into a full-scale war. These findings hold for a variety of countries in a number of different contexts. Such results are relevant for Middle East scholars, conflict mediators, as well as American foreign policymakers who seem to have adopted a taste for regime change in the region.

Student Learning through Swedish School Libraries: Analysis, Findings and Recommendations

Libri ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 70 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-31
Author(s):  
John Marino ◽  
Barbara Schultz-Jones
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Student Learning ◽  
School Library ◽  
The United States ◽  
School Libraries ◽  
Original Study ◽  
Data Collection And Analysis ◽  
Information Problem Solving ◽  
Problem Solving Process ◽  
The Impact

AbstractThis exploratory study examines the application of methods used in the United States to evaluate the impact of school library programs and services on student learning to a setting in Uppsala, Sweden. The Student Learning through Ohio School Libraries study of Todd and Kuhlthau served as the model for data collection in Uppsala middle and high schools and subsequent analysis. Modifications to the original study and details of the data collection and analysis are provided. Findings suggest that many students do perceive that the library program provides different categories of help in their learning processes, that students may benefit from direct instruction in all stages of the information problem-solving process, and that the application of methods to school library settings worldwide may enable meaningful comparisons of practice in school libraries. Findings are limited by the amount of time between data collection and analysis, and modifications to the methodology applied in the original study. Still, this effort marks a critical benchmark in international efforts to demonstrate the impact of the school library on student achievement.

scholarly journals Through the looking glass… into wonderland and beyond!

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kerry Maree Pope
Keyword(s):  
School Library ◽  
School Libraries ◽  
Learning Culture ◽  
Hard Work ◽  
Careful Planning ◽  
The Future ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Looking Glass ◽  
Work Passion

For school libraries to thrive they need to be reimaged often and well. Without vision we walk in darkness and eventually our libraries will become irrelevant and die. With a strong vision, careful planning, hard work, passion, perseverance and determination we can all transform our libraries into exciting learning places now and for the future … and we can do it on a shoestring! This presentation follows the transformational journey of one school library, outlines the steps taken and shares the impact this has had on the positive, engaging learning culture of the school.

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