Libraries and Student Success

School libraries have long been safe spaces for students to find a good book and do research for assignments. But the library’s function in student success goes far beyond readers’ advisory and reference books. School library staff teach information literacy and technology, encourage critical thinking, and collaborate with teachers and school resource specialists to help students become not just better readers, but better students and researchers for life.

In the article “Equal Access + Equal Opportunity = Success For All Learners”, Schenell Agee explores ways that school libraries can better support students with disabilities. “Successful school libraries curate print and digital resources and resources that all learners can access” (Agee 26). Several tips and resources are provided for how to provide equal access to students with various disabilities, such as vision impairments, hearing impairments, and physical and cognitive disabilities. Without equal access, there cannot be equal opportunity, and the chances for student success are diminished. Incorporating accommodations and resources for students with disabilities makes it possible for library staff to help all patrons become better learners.

The video “Accommodations and Modifications for Students with Disabilities” discusses tips for such accommodations and modifications in the classroom. While school library staff are not typically involved in that aspect of the student’s day, it is beneficial for us to know what best practices are for the student with disabilities in school, and support and contribute to those accommodations in the library for student success for all.



What resources have made an impact on success for all students in your school library? Tell us in the comments!


Works Cited
“Accommodations and Modifications for Students with Disabilities.” YouTube, ECACorg, 25 Jan. 2016, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0xdaCEqrU0.

Agee, Schenell. “Equal Access + Equal Opportunity = Success for All Learners.” Knowledge Quest, vol. 48, no. 2, Jan. 2019, pp. 24–29. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=eric&AN=EJ1233107&site=ehost-live&scope=site.