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Annotated Links: Research

Help us grow this resource! These pages contain links to web resources that many find useful in bringing 21st Century Information Fluency skills into the classroom. If you have suggestions for additional sites (or if any of these sites are not working) please write us: help@21cif.com

Powerful Libraries Make Powerful Learners: The Illinios Study

The evidence produced by this study indicates that Illinois school libraries contribute measurably to the academic achievement of students, as reflected by their test scores. At all grade levels, test scores tend to be higher:

  • where access to school libraries is more flexibly scheduled, where school libraries are staffed more fully,
  • where school librarians spend more time collaborating with classroom teachers,
  • where larger collections are available, where educational technology is more widely available to augment the local collection and, generally, to extend access to online resources into the classroom,
  • where school libraries are better funded, and
  • where students use school libraries, both individually and in groups, to learn and practice the information literacy skills they will need to excel on tests and as lifelong learners.

~ Executive Summary, p. 118

Baumbach, Donna. Making the Grade: The Status of School Library Media Centers in the Sunshine State and How They Contribute to Student Achievement. Spring 2002 - TX: Hi Willow Research and Publishing. [cited 15 January 2005]. Available from the Internet: LINK

This study was conducted by Donna J. Baumbach University of Central Florida in 2002. The Florida School Library Media Study was 1) to examine the library media resources, services and usage to capture an accurate picture of the status of Florida’s school library media programs and 2) to determine the role of media programs and media specialists on student achievement. The study was designed to replicate and expand existing studies in other states that have examined the role library media programs play in today’s teaching and learning environments and to examine several variables and relationships unique to Florida’s K–12 public schools.

Lance, Keith Curry; Rodney, Marcia J.; and Hamilton-Pennell, Christine. Powerful Libraries Make Powerful Learners: The Illinois Study. ISLMA [pdf]. Canton (IL): Illinois School Library Media Association, 18 February 2005- [cited 18 February 2005 ]. Available from the Internet: LINK

The findings of the landmark Colorado Study of 1993 have been confirmed in Illinois. The research team considers the consistency of the data to speak for itself. The case is proven: Powerful Libraries Make Powerful Learners!

Lance, Keith C.; Welborn, Lynda; and Hamilton-Pennell, Christine. Impact of School Library Media Centers on Academic Achievement: 1993 Colorado Study. Library Research Service. Denver (Colorado): University of Denver, College of Education Library and Information Science Program, 2002- [cited 14 January 2005]. Available from the Internet: LINK

This is the landmark study that established the positive relationship between school libraries and student achievement. Keith Curry Lance is now concluding a ten year series of research studies that have proven what we all know: school libraries make the difference. This spring, Lance will publish the Illinois Study as the last of his research reports into the impact of school libraries on student achievement. The case is made. School Libraries Work! Will the decision makers listen? (This link provides information on how to order the complete study.)

Ryan, Joan. Locking up a World of Ideas: Closing libraries puts schools' core at risk. San Francisco (CA): San Francisco Chronicle, 28 March 2004- [cited 14 January 2005]. LINK

One reporter's personal testimony on the importance of libraries.

Research and Statistics about Libraries. Library Research Service. Denver (Colorado): University of Denver, College of Education Library and Information Science Program, 2004- [cited 14 January 2005]. Available from the Internet: LINK

This is the 'home' Website for all of the research, services, and information gathered by Keith Curry Lance and the other researchers from the Colorado State Library.

School Libraries Work! Research Foundation Paper. Danbury (CT):Scholastic Library Publishing, 2004- [cited 14 January 2005]. Available from the Internet: LINK

As part of its School Librarian's Toolkit, Scholastic has published a twelve page summary of research that establishes the significance of well structured library programs on student achievement. Included are references to all of Keith Curry Lance's research, as well as other recent research in this area. Lance's Ohio study is explained in detail. This document is in .pdf format.
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