What Could Cause the Demise of School Libraries

 

By Julie Wilcox

 

School Libraries are evolving, going digital, and diminishing collections as cloud computing, subscription software, and digital information services are now easily affordable.  Gone is the traditional library and the birth of the media center.  Between Project Gutenberg and Overdrive, many books and textbooks are available in electronic format.  But what is this doing for students?  Are they learning more?  The budget will always be the bottom line for school libraries or media centers.  As I made my career change back to library from high tech, I was interviewing with local school districts for library tech positions.  I was offered and accepted two, only to be cut for both before a day of work due to budget cuts. 

As we spend more and more time looking at screens, are the youth getting the same education?  But countless studies show that School libraries with Librarians produce better reading scores.  Librarians are being cut in favor of lesser paying positions or being eliminated altogether.  Those still around wear many hats, in addition to information and the love of reading, add communication and technology.  Studies in Colorado and Idaho show that librarians do make a difference in a child’s education.  Many factors could lead to the demise of the school library, but in the long run, it will come down to choice. 

Digging Deeper:

The State of California's View of School Libraries

School Librarians are Disappearing

Nancy Bailey's Education Website: The Dangerous End of School Libraries and Public Education

School Library Impact Studies

References:

Francis, B., & Lance, K. (2011). The Impact of Library Media Specialists on Students and How It Is Valued by Administrators and Teachers: Findings from the Latest Studies in Colorado and Idaho. TechTrends: Linking Research & Practice to Improve Learning, 55(4), 63–70. https://login.ezproxy.
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Johnson, D. (2013). Top Ten School Library Game Changers of the Past Twenty-Five Years. Teacher Librarian, 40(4), 28–31. https://login.ezproxy.palomar.edu/login?auth=shibboleth&url=
https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=lxh&AN=87083318&site=ehost-live&scope=site