Syracuse Researchers Link Higher Test Scores with Certified Librarians in Schools

SYRACUSE, N.Y.--(Business Wire)--
New York state schools with certified librarians have higher
scores on average on the fourth-grade English Language Arts (ELA) test
than those who don't, according to the findings of researchers at
Syracuse University's School of Information Studies (iSchool).

Preliminary findings of research conducted by iSchool professor
Ruth Small and graduate students in the Center for Digital Literacy
(CDL) show a statistically significant increase in the ELA test
scores--almost a 10 point difference--among fourth-grade students
whose schools had certified librarians over students in schools
without certified librarians.

"We believe these findings are important to consider, not only
because of the higher ELA test scores. These certified librarians are
having a larger impact on students' overall learning as well," says
Small, who directs the school library media program at the iSchool and
was recently appointed to the Governor's New York State Council for
Universal Broadband's Digital Literacy Committee. "Although we're
still analyzing the data, our preliminary results show that certified
librarians are also more likely to provide students with materials
that present more diverse points of view and that better support the
curriculum than non-certified librarians."

Certified librarians are currently not mandated at the elementary
level in New York State, but they are at the secondary level.

"This preliminary report reaffirms what 19 other state studies
have shown, that school libraries staffed by certified librarians and
equipped with current books and technology can have a positive impact
on student academic achievement," says Michael J. Borges, executive
director of the New York Library Association.

The research, which is being funded by the Institute for Museum
and Library Studies, included survey responses from 1,612 schools,
proportionately representing New York City; large upstate cities such
as Syracuse, Buffalo and Rochester; other high-needs schools from
urban and rural districts; average-need schools; and low-need schools.
Even when the need levels of schools were taken into consideration,
there was still a 2.2 point difference in average test scores.

"These initial findings support our efforts to require school
library media specialists in grades K-6, especially in those school
districts that are not meeting state and federal standards," says Alan
Lubin, executive vice president of New York State United Teachers.

The researchers are now currently analyzing more in-depth
information gathered from surveys and focus groups involving school
library media specialists, students, principals, teachers and parents
from 48 elementary, middle and high schools across New York State.
They will analyze these various groups' perceptions of school library
specialists and their effect on education.

Small hopes to better understand the impact these trained library
media specialists have on motivating students to learn, influencing
the adoption and use of technology and servicing students with
disabilities and special needs.

"Our preliminary results support what school librarians already
knew," says Small. "Best intentions only go so far. We need people
educated in school librarianship and dedicated to motivating students
to read and learn in our schools."

The New York Library Association is supporting an increase in
library materials aid from $6.25 per pupil to $10 per pupil as
recommended by the New York State Board of Regents. Library materials
aid is used by schools to purchase books and other reading materials
for their libraries. NYLA is also asking the governor and the
legislature to amend the Contracts for Excellence initiative to allow
the extra funds that high-need school districts receive to be spent on
hiring school library media specialists and equipping libraries with
up-to-date books and technology.

Syracuse University School of Information Studies
Margaret Costello Spillett, 315-443-1069
mcostell@syr.edu

Copyright Business Wire 2008