The impact of New York's school libraries on student achievement and motivation: Phase I

In recent years, a number of statewide research studies have been conducted to determine the impact of school library media centers and their school library media specialists (SLMSs) on student achievement. Research studies in eighteen states have clearly established the relationship between well-staffed, well-funded school libraries on student achievement test scores. This article reports the results of the first phase of the New York State School Library Impact Study, funded by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, which investigates the effect of school libraries in New York State on student achievement and extends previous statewide library impact studies, using multiple research methods, to explore (1) the influence of the SLMS on technology use, (2) the relationship between principals and their SLMSs and (3) the level of service to students with disabilities. Results are expected to provide guidance for effective school library programs and services and increase our understanding of the complex and multidimensional ways in which school libraries influence student learning. 2010