February 22, 2012

New York Research Analysis Documents Positive Impact of School Libraries on Student Achievement

The New York Comprehensive Center (NYCC)/RMC Research Corporation, in consultation with the New York State Education Department, the New York State Library and the New York Library Association has produced a new publication entitled, Informational Brief: Impact of School Libraries on Student Achievement.  This comprehensive brief provides a current and rigorous research analyses which demonstrates the positive impact that school libraries and school librarians have in advancing student learning.  

The Executive Summary notes that “Based on the conclusions from the research cited in the brief, it is clear that school libraries play an important role in student achievement, curriculum development, and instruction. Through political and fiscal state support, effective school library programs can serve as consistent drivers for student achievement in times of constant change and churning educational reform.”  The full NYCC publication and the executive summary may be found at: http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/slssap/index.html or at http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/nyla/nycc_school_library_brief.pdf 

By referencing numerous studies conducted throughout the United States, the brief illustrates the importance of school libraries in the lives of all students, particularly when it comes to literacy, college and career readiness, assessment and graduation rates.  The brief is framed around the New York State Board of Regents Reform Agenda. The Executive Summary will be published in the Spring edition of “In Transition,” the journal of the New York State Middle School Association.

The New York Comprehensive Center (NYCC) is one of 16 regional comprehensive centers funded by the U.S. Department of Education.  NYCC works with the New York State Education Department to support education leaders and encourage student achievement.  For more information about NYCC, visit: http://www.nycomprehensivecenter.org/

The New York State Library has served New Yorkers, state government and researchers from throughout the United States for more than 185 years.  One of the nation’s leading library development agencies and research libraries, the New York State Library is a program of the New York State Education Department and is located in Albany, New York.  For more information about the New York State Library, visit: http://www.nysl.nysed.gov.  For more information about the New York State Education Department, visit:  http://nysed.gov .