Contact:

Anne Sparkman
asparkman@scholastic.com
(212) 343-6657

New York, NY – November 5, 2015 – School Libraries Work!, a new research report providing evidence of the positive impact of school librarians and libraries on student learning, was released today by Scholastic, the global children’s publishing, education and media company, at the American Association of School Librarians’ 17th National Conference & Exhibition in Columbus, OH. The national- and state-level findings from more than 30 separate research studies included in the report demonstrate the integral role school libraries play in teaching and supporting student learning, while confirming that when school librarian staffing is reduced, student achievement in English Language Arts (ELA) suffers.

To download School Libraries Work!, visit: www.scholastic.com/SLW2016.

“The modern school librarian plays many roles within a school and is an invaluable resource for literacy instruction, the integration of technology and so much more,” shared John Schumacher, Ambassador of School Libraries for Scholastic. “Through School Libraries Work!, Scholastic is amplifying the call to support school libraries by bringing together in one resource the wealth of knowledge available that proves the clear and positive impact of school librarians and libraries.”

Highlighting research from leading experts including Dr. Carol C. Kuhlthau, Dr. Keith Curry Lance and Dr. Ross J. Todd, the report shares the variety and depth of research available on the critical role librarians and libraries play in schools, confirming that a credentialed school librarian, collaboration and co-teaching, access to technology, and large collection size all elevate student learning. Key research from the report includes:

• A School Library Journal analysis found states that gained school librarian positions between 2005 and 2009 experienced larger increases and no decreases in National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) reading scores for 4th grade, while states that lost school librarians experienced smaller increases or decreases in reading scores.
• A South Carolina study commissioned by the South Carolina Association of School Librarians revealed that students were more likely to show strengths and less likely to show weaknesses on writing standards if their school libraries were staffed with a full-time librarian plus a full or part-time assistant.

Allison Henderson, Vice President and General Manager of Scholastic Library Publishing noted, “School Libraries Work! is especially relevant during a time of increased accountability to meet higher standards and ongoing funding concerns, which in many cases across the country, lead to school library cuts. When advocating for how to raise student achievement, it has never been more important to have evidence behind what works and with School Libraries Work!, Scholastic is empowering educators, administrators, policymakers and parents to spread the simple but important message that school librarians and libraries are essential.”

For members of the media interested in receiving a copy of the report, please contact Anne Sparkman, asparkman@scholastic.com.

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More information is available at www.scholastic.com/SLW2016. Additional information about Scholastic is available on the Company’s media room: //mediaroom.scholastic.com.