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.

Libraries and Student Success

Libraries play a very important part in student success. Students view libraries as a positive and essential part of their lives (Neal, 2018). Libraries provide access to all kinds of resources for students. Some of these resources include information in a variety of formats, computers and other devices, free databases, a quiet and safe space for studying, as well as intellectual freedom, privacy and much more. Many public libraries have educational programs for children that encourage summer reading, 100 Books Before Kindergarten, etc.  However, libraries provide much more than resources to students. Libraries support students and want them to succeed in their studies. Libraries instill lifelong learning habits onto students. And this all starts in the school library.

The success of all libraries will depend on the essential work of school libraries. - Jim Neal

School libraries play an essential role in contributing to student success. A lot of the time, a school library is the first exposure kids have to the library. School librarians often collaborate with teachers to provide the best resources and learning experience for students.School libraries and librarians are a powerful means to help prepare students to live, work, and learn in the 21st century (Logan, 2008).  When a librarian advocates for the library, they are also advocating for students. Here is a video discussing why school libraries are important.

                                            https://youtu.be/WhDuT2YSMS4

My mom would always take my siblings and I to the library as kids for story/craft day as well as to complete any school assignments we had. I remember in fourth grade a group of friends and I went to the library to look for information on the California Missions. Our local librarian was very knowledgeable on the topic and was extremely  helpful for finding the right resources.  I’ve always felt comfortable going to the library for recreational or school purposes. I still to this day resort to my local library when I need resources or information for an assignment. In a way, I view my library as a home away from home.

References

Logan, D. K. (2008). Putting Students First. American Libraries, 39(1/2), 56–59. Library, Information Science, & Technology Abstracts.

Neal, J. (2018). Fight for School Libraries : Student Success Depends on Them. American Libraries, 49(3/4), 4–4. Library, Information Science, & Technology Abstracts.