School+Library+Research+and+Sources

KEEPING UP WITH PROFESSIONAL RESEARCH IS A CHALLENGE FOR TODAY'S TEACHER-LIBRARIAN THIS ARTICLE COVERS THE ESSENTIAL ASSOCIATIONS AND ORGANIZATIONS, RESEARCH PROJECTS, SURVEYS, REPORTS, BOOKS, CONFERENCES, STUDIES, PERIODICALS, AND ONLINE RESOURCES THAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO STAY CURRENT AND TAKE YOUR STAND AS A LEADER IN YOUR SCHOOL [|RESEARCH SUMMARIES AND BIBLIOGRAPHIES] International Association of School Librarianship. (2006). The IASL publishes proceedings of its annual conference and a journal containing research studies. Check out its web site at [|www.iasl-slo.org/isld.html] and click the "Research" tab at the bottom of the page. Lance, K. C., & Loertscher, D. V. (2005). Powering achievement: School library media programs make a difference (3rd ed.). Salt Lake City, UT: Hi Willow Research and Publishing. Available for purchase at [|www.lmcsource.com]. Provides summaries and PowerPoint presentations, plus discussion starters of all the Lance studies as well as other evidence linking school libraries to achievement. Lance, K. C. (2007). Bibliography of school library impact studies. Available at [|www.lrs.org/impact.asp]. Loertscher, D. V. (2007). LIBR233: School library media centers. Bibliography of school library media research. Available at []. Todd, R. J., & Gordon, C. (2007). Ross J. Todd and Carol Gordon's Center for International Scholarship in School Libraries web site from Rutgers University lists their research projects at [] projects.html. [|TOOLS FOR LINKING SCHOOL LIBRARIES TO ACHIEVEMENT] Loertscher, D. V. (2007). Are two heads better than one? This is an action research project where teachers and teacher-librarians assess their impact on learners when they collaborate. Participate at [|www.seedwiki.com/wiki/] lmc_action_research/lmc_action_ research?wpid=709840&search result=709840. Loertscher, D. V., & Todd, R. J. (2003]. We boost achievement! Evidence-based practice for school library media specialists. Salt Lake City, UT: Hi Willow Research and Publishing. Provides the most comprehensive list of measures available. Available for purchase at [|www.lmcsource.com]. Miller, N. A. S. (2003). Impact! Documenting the LMC program for accountability. Salt Lake City, UT: Hi Willow Research and Publishing. This Excel spreadsheet allows school librarians to track collaborative efforts on a daily basis and then print out amazing reports for presentations. Also, Nancy has a "Time and Task Tracker" that documents time spent on various school library program activities of professionals and support personnel. Both are available from [|www.lmcsource.com]. Todd, R. J., Kuhlthau, C. C., Heinström, J. E. (2005). The School Library Impact Measure (SLIM). New Brunswick, N J: Rutgers University, Center for International Scholarship in School Libraries. This is a toolkit and handbook for tracking and assessing student learning outcomes of guided inquiry through the school library. Available at [] guided_inquiry/slim.html. [|FEDERAL EFFORTS AND REPORTS] Holton, B., Bae, Y., Baldridge, S., Brown, M., & Heffron, D. (2004). The status of public and private school library media centers in the United States: 1999-2000 (NCES Publication No. 2004-313). Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics. Available at [] /vol_6/1_2/6_1.asp. Michie, J. S., & Holton, B. A. (2005). Fifty years of supporting children's learning: History of public school libraries and federal legislation from 1953 to 2000 (NCES Publication No. 2005-311). Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics. Available at []. Scott, L. (2004). School library media centers: Selected results from the education longitudinal study of 2002 (ELS:2002). Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics. Available at [] pubsearch/pubsinfo.asp?pubid=2005302. [|CONFERENCES] The American Association of School Librarians Research Committee usually sponsors a research program at the annual American Library Association conference that reports the results of the Highsmith Research Award winner. The Judy Pitts Research Forum is held at the biennial American Association of School Librarians national conference and features selected research papers. More information is available at [|www.ala.org/ala/aasl/aaslindex.htm]. The International Association of School Librarianship annual conference has research reports from varying countries. The 2006 conference, "Multiple Faces of Literacy: Reading, Knowing, Doing," was held in Lisbon, Portugal. Information about future conferences and reports from past conferences are available at [|www.iasl-slo.org/conferences.html]. The International Society for Technology in Education holds an annual conference known as the National Educational Computing Conference, where research on technology, in education always has a spot on the program. More information is available at [|www.iste.org/]. Treasure Mountain Research Retreat is a group of school library scholars and practitioners who get together to share research and practice. Anyone interested in school library research may attend the retreats. The next Treasure Mountain Research Retreat is scheduled for October 2007. More information is available at [|www.seedwiki.com/] wiki/treasure_mountain/treasure_mountain ?wpid=710382&searchresult=710382. [|PERIODICALS] School Library Media Research is the online research journal of the American Association of School Librarians and regularly publishes formal studies done about school library programs. The table of contents from published issues, as well full text of some articles, is available at [|www.ala.org/aaslslmrTemplate.cfm] ?Section=slmrb. School library publications regularly review various research studies in a more popular format. Examples include Teacher Librarian (www/teacherlibrarian.com), School Library Journal ([|www.schoollibraryjournal.com/]), and Knowledge Quest ([|www.ala.org/ala/aasl/aaslpubsandjournals/kqweb/kqhome/kqhome.htm]). School Libraries Worldwide is the official publication of the International Association of School Librarianship that reports research from around the world. Contents pages and article abstracts are available at [|www.iasl-slo.org/slw.html]. [|THE LANCE STUDIES] Here is a list of the Lance studies and their predecessors, the Gaver studies. All are linked at Library Research Services, a unit of the Colorado State Library and the Colorado Department of Education, at [|http://lrs.org]. Alaska. Lance, K. C., Hamilton-Pennell, C., Rodney, M. J., Paterson, L., & Sitter, C. (2000). Information empowered: The school librarian as an agent of academic achievement in Alaska schools. Executive summary and order information available at [|www.library.state.ak.us/dev/infoemp.html]. Colorado. Lance, K. C., Wellborn, L., Hamilton-Pennell, C. (1993). Impact of school library media centers on academic achievement: 1993 Colorado study. Castle Rock, CO: Hi Willow Research and Publishing. Also available from [|www.lmcsource.com]. Colorado II. Lance, K. C., Rodney, M. J., & Hamilton-Pennell, C. (2000). How school librarians help kids achieve standards: The second Colorado study. Salt Lake City, UT: Hi Willow Research and Publishing. Also available from [|www.lmcsource.com]. Gaver. Gaver, M. V. (1963). Effectiveness of centralized library service in elementary schools (2nd ed.). New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press. It is out of print but can be found in many academic libraries or school district professional libraries. Illinois. Lance, K. C., Rodney, M. J., Hamilton-Pennell, C. (2005). Powerful libraries make powerful learners: The Illinois study. Canton, IL: Illinois School Library Media Association. Available from [|www.islma.org]. Iowa. Lance, K. C., Rodney, M. J., Hamilton-Pennell, C. (2002). Make the connection: Quality school library media programs impact academic achievement in Iowa. Bettendorf, IA: Iowa Area Education Agencies and Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency. Available at [|www.aea9.k12.ia.us/download/04/aea] _statewide_study.pdf. Massachusetts. Baughman, J. C. (2000). School libraries and MCAS scores (preliminary ed.). Boston: Graduate School of Library and Information Science. Available at [] mcas-school-libraries/Baughman%20Paper.pdf. Michigan. Rodney, M. J., Lance, K. C., Hamilton-Pennell, C. (1993). The impact of Michigan school librarians on academic achievement: Kids who have libraries succeed. Salt Lake City, UT: Hi Willow Research and Publishing. Available from [|www.lmcsource.com]. New Mexico. Lance, K. C., Rodney, M. J., Hamilton-Pennell, C. (2002). How school libraries improve outcomes for children: The New Mexico study. Santa Fe, NM: New Mexico State Library. Available from [|www.lmcsource.com]. Oregon. Lance, K. C., Rodney, M. J., Hamilton-Pennell, C. (2001). Good schools have school librarians: Oregon school librarians collaborate to improve academic achievement. Salem, OR: Oregon Educational Media Association. Available online at [|www.oema.net/Oregon%5fStudy/] OR_Study.htm and in print from [|www.lmcsource.com]. Pennsylvania. Lance, K. C., Rodney, M. J., & Hamilton-Pennell, C. (2000). Measuring up to standards: The impact of school library programs and information literacy in Pennsylvania schools. Greensburg, PA: Pennsylvania Citizens for Better Libraries. Available online at [|www.lrs.org/impact.asp] and [|www.statelibrary.state.pa.us/] libraries/lib/libraries/measuringup.pdf. Texas. Smith, E. (2001). Texas school libraries: Standards, resources, services, and students' performance. Austin, TX: EGS Research and Consulting. Available at [|www.tsl.state.tx.us/ld/pubs/schlibsurvey/index.html]. [|OTHER RESEARCH STUDIES ON SCHOOL LIBRARIES AND ACHIEVEMENT] Australia. Lonsdale, M. (2003). Impact of school libraries on achievement: A review of the research: Report for the Australian School Library Association. Melbourne, Australia: Australian Council for Educational Research. Available at [|www.asla.org.au/research/]. Delaware. Todd, R. (2005). Report of the Delaware school library survey 2004--On behalf of the governor's task force on school libraries, Part 1: Facts, findings, and recommendations. New Brunswick, NJ: Center for International Scholarship in School Libraries. Delaware II. Todd, R. (2006). Report of the Delaware school library survey 2004-0n behalf of the governor's task force on school libraries, Part 2: Survey instrument and data of the Delaware school library survey 2004. New Brunswick, NJ: Center for International Scholarship in School Libraries. Both are available at [|www.cissl.scils.rutgers.edu/] research/delaware.html. Florida. Baumbach, D. J. (2003). Making the grade: The status of school library media centers in the Sunshine State and how they contribute to student achievement. Salt Lake City, UT: Hi Willow Research and Publishing. Available for purchase from [|www.lmcsource.com]. Indiana. Association for Indiana Media Educators and Indiana University, School of Library and Information Science. (2004). Survey of Indiana school library media programs. Indianapolis, IN: Author. This is an ongoing study. Follow it online at [|www.ilfonline.org/] Units/Associations/aime/Data/index.htm. Minnesota. Baxter, S. J., & Smalley, A. W. (2003). Check it out! The results of the school library media program census. Saint Paul, MN: Metronet. Available at []. Missouri. Miller, J., Want, J., Whitacre, L., & Quantitative Resources. (2003). Show me connection: How school library media center services impact student achievement. Jefferson City, MO: Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and Missouri State Library. Available at [] librarystudy/libraryresearch.pdf. North Carolina. Burgin, R., & Bracy, P. B. (2004). An essential connection: How quality school library media programs improve student achievement in North Carolina. Salt Lake City, UT: Hi Willow Research and Publishing. Available at [|www.rburgin.com/NCschools2003/NC] SchoolStudy.pdf, with an updated version from [|www.lmcsource.com]. Ohio. Todd, R. J. (2003). Student learning through Ohio school libraries: A summary of the Ohio research study. Columbus, OH: Ohio Educational Library Media Association. Available at [|www.oelma.org/StudentLearning/documents/] OELMAResearchStudy8page.pdf. Scotland. Williams, D., & Wavell, C. (2001). The impact of the school library resource centre on learning: Library and Information Commission Research Report 112. Aberdeen, United Kingdom: Robert Gordon University for the Council for Museums, Archives, and Libraries. Available at [|www.rgu.ac.uk/files/SLRCreport.pdf]. Smalley. Smalley, T. N. (2004,May). College success: High school librarians make a difference. Journal of Academic Librarianship, 30(3), 193-198. Available at [|www.foslsantacruz.org/14243009.pdf].

[|OTHER RESEARCH REVIEWS OF INTEREST] Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. (2004). What research says about reading [Special issue]. Educational Leadership, 61(6). This issue of the journal includes numerous articles reviewing the research. Available for purchase from [] productdisplay.cfm?productid=104028. Brock study. Brock, C. C., & Morton, K. R. (2003). Trade books: How they significantly increase students' vocabulary, comprehension, fluency, and positive attitudes toward reading (Research Report No. 1739-004). Charlotte, NC: Institute for Literacy Enhancement. Available at [] RYpRUavMsJ:personal.tcu.edu/∼cblock/ executive%2520summary%2520to%252 Oscholastic.doc+Institute+for+Literacy+ Enhance+Research+Report+1739-004 +A+Research+Investigation&thl=en&ct= clnk&cd=2&gl=us&client=firefox-a. Center for Applied Research in Technology. Center for Applied Research in Technology is the research on technology databank sponsored by the International Society for Technology in Education. Articles, reports, and other documents are available at []. Carnegie Corporation. Biancarosa, C., & Snow, C. E. (2006). Reading next-A vision for action and research in middle and high school literacy: A report to Carnegie Corporation of New York (2nd ed.). Washington, DC: Alliance for Excellent Education. Available at [|www.all4ed.org/] publications/ReadingNext/. Cawelti Buide. Cawelti, G. (Ed.). (2004). Handbook of research on improving student achievement (3rd ed.). Alexandria, VA: Educational Research Service. A very useful summation and analysis of the research in various parts of the curriculum and education in general. Available for purchase from [|www.ers.org/]. Chelton and Cool. Chelton, M. K., & Cool, C. (2004). Youth information-seeking behavior: Theories, models, and issues. Lanham, MD: Scarecrow Press. Chelton and Cool II. Chelton, M. K., & Cool, C. (2006). Youth information-seeking behavior II: Context, theories, models, and issues. Lanham, MD: Scarecrow Press. Both available for purchase from [|www.scarecrowpress.com]. Krashen. Krashen, S. (2004). The power of reading: Insights from the research (2nd ed.). Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited. Available for purchase online at [|www.lu.com]. Stephen Krashen's web site offers articles and books, along with pithy and pointed critique of reading research through his replies to editors, newspapers, and journals throughout the world. There is no truer friend to libraries and their impact on reading. View his archives and subscribe to his mailing list at sdkrashen.com. Loertscher and Woolls. Loertscher, D. V., & Woolls, B. (2002). Information literacy: A review of the research (2nd Ed.). Salt Lake City, UT: Hi Willow Research and Publishing. Available for purchase from [|www.lmcsource.com]. Marzano. Marzano, R. (2003). What works in schools: Translating research into action. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. This resource is an indispensable key to research in educational theory and curriculum development. Available for purchase from [|www.ascd.org/]. McQuillan. McQuillan, J. (1998). The literacy crisis. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann. Available for purchase online at [|www.heinemann.com]. Scholastic library bibliography. Young, T. (2006). Research foundation paper: School libraries work! (updated ed.). Danbury, CT: Scholastic Publishing. Available at [|www.scholastic.com/librarians/printables/] downloads/slw_2006.pdf. Scholastic reading bibliography. Scholastic. (2005). Classroom libraries work: Research on the use of trade books to improve reading achievement. New York: Scholastic. This pamphlet lists a number of research articles connected to reading. Available at [] products/classroombooks/pdfs/research/ ResearchPaper.pdf. What Works Clearinghouse. From the U.S. Department of Education's Institute of Education Sciences, the What Works Clearinghouse was established to provide educators, policy makers, researchers, and the public with a central and trusted source of scientific evidence of what works in education. Technical working papers are available at [|www.whatworks.ed.gov/whoweare/overview.html].

By David Loertscher David Loertscher is a professor at the School of Library and Information Science, San Jose State University, San Jose, CA. He is president of Hi Willow Research and Publishing and a past president of the American Association of School Librarians. David is also coeditor of Teacher Librarian. He can be reached at dloertscher@teacherlibrarian.com.