Liraries and Student Success

Libraries have long had a connection with learning and literacy and have been a vital part of the communities educational goals, especially when it comes to youth and a love for the knowledge that comes along with books and reading.  When libraries take this connection to the next level and look for ways to help youth succeed beyond literacy and engage in homework help and after school programs they create a true connection to their communities that goes beyond just books and into the "it takes a village" mantra.  Creating a place where families and community members will come back from generation to generation.

San Diego has taken a hold of this mantra through Mayor Faulconer's 2014 coalition to expand library services in the city to include after school programs that help K-8 students with homework in a supportive environment, with the materials and tutors needed to help them succeed.  

Check out the article below outlining the programs mission and goals:

https://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/kidsandteens/hwcenter

A video looking at the pros and cons of using social media.  Although social media may seem obscure to some library users it is a large part of lives of many library users, especially young adults and teens.  Some librarians may see it as a necessary tool for marketing but social media has become a source of community and connection for many.  Along with this it has also had many negatives effects on genuine relationships. Because of this it is important for librarians and other running young adult and teen programs to use social media to build a community of patrons that goes beyond the walls of the library.  Maybe taking a robotics or coding class would lead to sharing and developing ideas through social media platforms.  This would allow patrons to take relationships that started at the library into another realm and hopefully build into a friendship that lasts.  With so many youth and young adults suffering from depression, anxiety, and self harm it is important for us to support youth not only in gaining information but connecting that information into meaningful relationships.

Libraries as social hubs

(http://libguides.ucd.ie/newstudents/howto)

Libraries do not become the hub of the community without a lot of work from the ground up by library staff.  Most libraries look for ways to get community members involved through surveys or focus groups, but many times that limits the perspective to current library users.  If a library is going to be the hub of the community it must reflect all of the people in the community. 

In order to encourage more library participation, Shana Hinze, a librarian in Florida looked for other ways to reach out.  She first got involved at a local school in the PTA and realized the importance on first hand communication with parents and schools and the areas that the library could support.  Shana then took it further by getting involved with the local Kiwanis club, attending meetings and eventually gaining, volunteers and even funding for a literacy program at the library, not to mention a large number of new libraries users.  She realized that creating a space for community members meant becoming active in her community. The best thing we can do as librarians to create a local hub is:

“Get Involved. You can do it too! Join groups, attend meetings, drop in at intergovernmental meetings, service clubs, parent teacher meetings, reach out to the social services office, WIC office, state job placement office, schools, after school programs. The idea is to go where people in the community go to get help, ask for things, or get things done. Becoming part of these groups will allow you to see and hear first hand the needs of the community.”

Hinze, S. (2016). Librarians as Community Ambassadors. Young Adult Library Services, 15(1), 27-30.

Libraries and Homelessness

http://www.voiceofsandiego.org/topics/news/vosd-overheard-new-library-old-tensions/

Libraries have become save havens for many homeless populations around the U.S. and even the world.  As one of the many public places a community holds, the library allows any community member access to the resources inside.  This however brings along with it controversy as some members of the community and library administrators believe that homeless patrons make the library feel like less of a haven and more like a shelter.  Due to this opinion, it is important for libraries to take a strong stance on policies that include open access to all community members and provide materials and programs that meet the needs of all patrons.  As with any public place commonplace rules should be established and followed by all patrons no matter who they are.  Most patrons have little concern with who has access and more concern with their behavior.  A patron who makes loud whistling noises while they read can threaten a safe haven feel just as easily as a patron who may look a little rough around the edges.  The great thing about libraries is that they allow their patrons access to resources, materials, and information that they would not have otherwise.  It is unlikely that any patron would come to library for anthing less than this.  This includes any members of the homeless community.

When talking about places he felt safe, Luke (49-year-old Pakeha) stated: “Only in the library. Not only because I’ve been a constant reader and studier throughout my life, but also because I know about four or five people who work in the library ... I always have someone to chat with ... I gave myself a personal meaning, a social significance, a personal value by not allowing my situation to dominate my desire to carry on certain areas of my life unchanged. Like my constant desire to learn. And to research and to communicate. That’s always been important to me throughout my life. So it was important that when I became homeless I didn’t lose those. They were intrinsic to my core nature. And a lot of homeless people run the risk of losing that core.” (Hodgetts, pg. 945)

Hodgetts, D., Stolte, O., Chamberlain, K., Radley, A., Nikora, L., Nabalarua, E., & Groot, S. (2008). A trip to                the library: homelessness and social inclusion. Social & Cultural Geography, 9(8), 933-953. 

Libraries and Student Success

Libraries and Student Success

by Jennifer Ellis

Video courtesy of Mr. Scooter

Long gone are the days of the sterile school library. I remember when I was my daughter's age, we were shushed and shuffled out of the library as soon as we found our requisite weekly books. We did make occasional trip for research, but we had to slog through the seemingly endless card catalog, only to find that the book was missing. Honestly, I don't remember too many interactions with my school librarians, other than that one time we made Mrs. Schroeder cry.

These days, the school library is a dynamic learning arena. Yes, ARENA. One can accomplish so many different tasks at a library these days it's a wonder kids even go home for dinner. These places are set up for life-affirming success on all levels. The library at my daughter's school has a Junior Librarian program in the morning before classes start. Fifth grade students volunteer their time to help younger students find books, gain access to the computers, and sometimes help with homework. It provides a quiet, peer based experience that the students appreciate, and also helps our librarian. Our middle school has an after-school 'homework hour', which provides children with an opportunity to engage in learning without the distraction of siblings or after-school activities such as soccer or dance. Also, especially with the adoption of the Common Core Curriculum, our librarian now coordinates her lessons with state standards that are being taught in the classroom; there is more planning and teamwork among the grade-level teams and our librarian. What the kids are learning in the classroom is now being bolstered and supported by the librarian's contributions. "Overwhelmingly, studies show an undeniable, measurable connection between a quality school library program and increased student academic performance (Scholastic, 2006)."

The role of the school librarian has also shifted in recent years due to the ushering in of the digital age. When I was younger, I was sent off into the wilds of the stacks to find my own darn books; now with the push for information literacy, librarians are not just motioning toward the back of the building, they are showing us how to use an OPAC. They are leading a reference interview and teaching us how to navigate online databases and special collections. A librarian is now schooled in the ways of the digital media world, not just the Dewey Decimal System, so they are employing a whole new toolbelt of skills to ensure that students succeed. 

References

Scott, K. J., & Plourde, L. A. (2007). SCHOOL LIBRARIES AND INCREASED STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT: WHAT'S THE BIG IDEA?. Education, 127(3), 419-429.

Libraries and the Homeless

Libraries and the Homeless

by Jennifer Ellis

 PHOTOGRAPHS BY FRITZ HOFFMANN/REDUX

The homeless have long been visiting area libraries; they are safe, quiet, clean spaces, which can be respite from life on the streets. Also, they may just want to read a darn book. No matter their reason for visiting, homeless patrons should be treated with the same professionalism, courtesy, and empathy that all patrons deserve. 

Some libraries offer services directed at the homeless population. "...with hundreds of thousands of American youth experiencing homelessness, library services—whether provided in a local branch or in a shelter—can serve as a stable environment and help connect these teenagers to other social services." There are programs for STEM education, digital photography, and podcasting, among other subjects. There have been nationwide efforts by the San Francisco Public Library, San Diego Public Library and libraries in San Jose to hire social workers to support the homeless library patrons. Conversely, there are some libraries that have set up anti-odor ordinances within their properties. Thankfully, the SFPL has come up with a basic, straightforward approach to this delicate situation: they have partnered with a nonprofit agency to provide showers and toilets for the homeless population. This time, the librarians didn't just provide access to books, they solved a very real-world problem and gave access to basic human services. Rebecca T. Miller states, "We are practiced at searching for the gaps in access, but what might emerge if we challenge ourselves to think even more deeply about all the people libraries exist to serve, the diversity of their lives, and the range of limits that seem to be just “the way it is”?

References

HILL, R. A. (2016). ALMOST HOME. School Library Journal, 62(2), 26-28.

Miller, R. T. (2015, October). Real-World Barriers. Library Journal. p. 8.

Libraries and Student Success

Darla Mulder

LIT 130
April, 2017

Most people who use the library are there for a good reason. Weren't you? I was. Always to get a book, meet someone for a study hour, return a book, ask a librarian for help, sit and daydream while waiting for my mom to pick me up.

Pretty simple. I never thought about the library ever becoming critically analyzed in how much it benefits the users.

But did you ever think there would come a day when people would wonder and measure how much the library actually contributes to a student's success?  

How much can a library help a student achieve success in school? Many parents and teachers today speak highly of library use.  But can any of them show a spreadsheet chart on the amount of educational growth being  contributed...either in one library user?  That is a lot of data right there, imagine a collective measurement on all the users!

 Certainly, whenever there is a change in learning and retention, people would like to know the factors.  For decades, a library  has offered students a place to read, borrow and research.  Now people wonder how much it contributes to student success, and thus administratively measured.

It appears that to be funded, more data needs to be reported.  Gathering information about student success and libraries (a broad issue) one needs to consider which levels of students to focus on, how to construct a plan, a rubric, an outcome score and much much more!   

Many thoughts of student success, measurement, and funding were briefly articulated in the below articles.

It appears there are discussions about a variety of libraries' contributions toward student success, even if not classified as an academic library.  Questions range from the structure (or ambiance) of the building to the quality of the material, socioeconomic areas, ages,  the ease in operation of the technology, the interface with schools and community, and the ability of the staff to know exactly what the student needs in order to succeed.

Most workers in education during the past decade know it is an age of assessment and accountability.  The pressure that libraries are under is to prove their value according to new university measurements of student success, according to an A. Thorpe article called "Connecting the Dots. Portal: Libraries & the Academy."  The article discussed a study describing a methodology.  The libraries need to know what is being examined, how a student relates to their services and how the usage impacts grade point averages.  

Many want to correlate library usage (by some percentage weight or manner) with retention rates. 

Future funding stresses whether or not a student drops out of courses because they are not being helped or guided by teachers, staff and librarians.

Here is a You Tube video that raises interesting points about library usage and student success. The library is comparing the extracurricular activity (physical involvement) of a student. It is quite interesting. It discusses self efficiency.

 Usage data were collected at six library service points during the 2013-2014 academic year according to Thorpe. Many of the findings demonstrate the value of the academic library .  

 You have to Blow Your Own HORN!!

The article written by Hess in "Books, Bytes, and Buildings: The Academic Library's Unique Role in Improving Student Success" described how one independent library embraced cross-campus programs, partnerships, and initiatives to contribute to student success efforts.   

If students know the library is there for them, they might use it.  The responsibility belongs to the library to promote itself.

Free, D. (2016, June). ACRL reports shows compelling evidence of library contributions to student                                      learning and success. College & Research Libraries News, 77(6), 271-271. Retrieved April                                24, 2017, from Academic Search Premier.

Nichols Hess, A., Greer, K., Lombardo, S. V., & Lim, A. (2015, November). Books, Bytes, and Buildings:                         The Academic Library's Unique Role in Improving Student Success. Journal of Library                                     Administration,   55(8), 622-638. doi:10.1080/01930826

Spencer, M. E., & Watstein, S. B. (2017, April). Academic Library Spaces: Advancing Student Success                              and Helping Students Thrive. Portal: Libraries & the Academy, 17(2), 389-402. Retrieved                                April 24, 2017, from            Academic Search Premier.

                     Accession Number: 122412900

Thorpe, A., Lukes, R., Bever, D. J., & He, Y. (2016, April). The Impact of the Academic Library on                                    Student  Success: Connecting the Dots. Portal: Libraries & the Academy, 16(2), 373-392.                                  Retrieved April 24, 2017, from Academic Search Premier.

Social Networking and Libraries

by Jennifer Ellis

image credit Tim Robberts/Taxi/Getty Images

"The central tension between libraries and social networks is simple: a social network gains usefulness when you are identifiable (people know who you are) and you share information about yourself (people know what you like). Libraries have, for years, operated under the general guideline that both of those pieces of knowledge are no one’s business but yours."

This statement illustrates the subtle tug-of-war that exists between some libraries and various social networks. Libraries protect users' rights and identities, but what happens when the user starts posting across multiple networks and platforms about sensitive subjects? Of course, libraries offer access to these social networks, as a service to patrons with the Library Bill of Rights' article IV in mind: "Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas." When a minor's welfare and safety come into play, however, some libraries will choose to block access to social media, rather than uphold their duty to provide free access. A library should be a safe space for everyone, yet when you let in various social media platforms, methods of bullying and harassment once confined to the 'outside world' are now available. It's quite the balancing act, and one that libraries will be refining for the foreseeable future.

What about libraries that use social networking to increase their visibility? Not only with the standard "Ask a Librarian" feature on most library websites, but when libraries create Facebook pages and Twitter feeds, they increase access to people who might not be aware of the awesome power of the library. I like to see the posts from Carlsbad Library in my Facebook feed; they might be having events that I otherwise would miss. Also, if someone has preconceived notions of a stuffy, boring library, seeing a hilarious reading meme on Twitter might change someone's mind and bring them into a branch. 

References

Griffey, J. (2010). Chapter 5: Social Networking and the Library. Library Technology Reports, 46(8), 34-37.

“Library Bill of Rights.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 6 Apr. 2017, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Library_Bill_of_Rights. Accessed 27 Apr. 2017.

Libraries as Social Hubs

Libraries as Social Hubs

by Jennifer Ellis

I have lived in the San Diego area for just over 16 years.  My longest friendship while living here is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year. What happened ten years ago to cultivate this friendship? I started taking my daughter to the Book Babies program at the Carlsbad City Library. I had work acquaintances beforehand, but none of those people ever wanted to do anything outside of work. Going to the library was the first time since I had moved to California where I met like-minded individuals with similar goals and lifestyles. 

Libraries have long been a place to do homework or trace your family tree, but the library of the new millennium provides programming for families, teens, the homeless, immigrants and many other groups of citizens. Serving the public with this programming naturally brings with it a social element; friendships will bloom out of these new encounters. According to Senville (2009), libraries have become the hubs of communities, often drawing in new users. Stephen Coronella, a librarian in a small town in Vermont states that "...a good library works a lot like a harbor. It provides a place where people can dock themselves for a while, socialize with others, and feel some comfort and security." Once I made that first friend at the library, I did feel more comfortable living here in California. I had already been here for six years, with nary a friend to my name. All of a sudden, I had a new group of friends, who all had the same struggles as I did, being a new mother. On the surface, we were talking about sleeping issues, the finer points of strained peas, and who has read Goodnight Moon for the eighty-first time, but really we were building the bonds and framework of a decade-long friendship. I could not have done that without the safe, welcoming, and comfortable space of the library.

Photo courtesy of 92009 magazine

References

Senville, W. (2009). PUBLIC LIBRARIES: THE HUB OF OUR COMMUNITIES. Aplis, 22(3), 97-103. 

Libraries and Student Success

By Sara Rodriguez

Throughout the years libraries have been a big part of student successes. It seems that they don't get enough recognition for the success they provide to students. The Washington Library Media Association conducted a study using 1,486 K-12 public schools, the results demonstrated that students who attended schools that had a certified librarian as well as a quality library performed better on standardized test by almost 8%. The results are due to the fact that these certified librarians have the resources to assist children in a productive way. For instance, in my years in high school our school library was a very helpful place for me. The librarian always had resources in hand to help me when i lacked understanding, and if they didn't have the specific information i was looking for they would direct me to help outside of the library. This was a major component of my success in high school, without this help i would have been lost and not known where to acquire this information. It seems though that schools don't put enough emphasis on the library, they believe that these students receive all the education they need in the classrooms. Studies challenge this way of thinking, as they have been  proven that libraries can have an impact on a student's educational skills.

Libraries have technology and resources available to aid students in their education. These technologies can be of great help for students living in poverty. In m y opinion this is one of the biggest ways libraries can help because many people believe that students who are poorer are set to have poor grades in school. Studies have proven this to be wrong though as a study conducted by the PSLA showed that the five year graduation rate is 78.8 percent in schools that have certified librarians, while it is 43.2 percent at schools without. This study was conducted on  high schools that have a high percentage of poverty students. This clearly demonstrates that students with a lack of resources and money benefit immensely for this type of help.  As Kachel and Lance state “Consistently, reading and writing scores are better for students who have a full-time certified librarian than those who don't. Students who are economically disadvantaged, black, Hispanic, and have IEPs benefit proportionally more than students generally”. These results further prove that libraries can help with the student  achievement in school and help close learning gaps due to poverty.

Sun, C. (2015, May 26). Washington Study Further Ties Quality Library Programs to Student Success. Retrieved April 27, 2017, from http://www.slj.com/2015/05/research/washington-study-further-ties-quality-library-programs-to-student-success/

Kachel, Debra E. and Keith Curry Lance. "Librarian Required." School Library Journal, vol. 59, no. 3, Mar. 2013, p. 28. EBSCOhost, Kachel, D. E., & Lance, K. C. (2013). Librarian Required. School Library Journal, 59(3), 28.

Social Networking and Libraries

Social Networking and Libraries

By Sara Rodriguez

In an age where social media has become a big part of people's everyday, it is no question why libraries have used platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, Google+, Tumblr and other platforms to provide services. This is a way for libraries to expand their resources and services outside of their library and on to the online community.

There has been an emphasis on social networking by libraries. This is seen in a survey done by the Library’s Journal, where 86% of libraries admitted to implementing social media in their environment. Most of these libraries use sites such as facebook and twitter to reach out to patrons. I feel this is a good start for libraries as these social media sites are used daily by individuals, thus making it easier for libraries to create online communities with patrons

In the article Library Technology Reports by Griffey, it claims that social networking  has led to some issues regarding privacy policy, which libraries are notoriously known for. The main issue for here is that social networking is useful when you make an identity online thus letting people know who you are. Libraries for so long though have valued their patrons privacy and believe that knowing who you are and what you like is something that should be kept to yourself. This is strictly stated in the The American Library Association’s Code of Ethics “We protect each library user’s right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired or transmitted.” It's the 21st  and times have changed, now  when patrons access social media through libraries it makes it harder for libraries to protect their privacy. A recent survey showed that 72% of libraries have no social media policy in place. This obviously can  even lead to serious online threats such as bullying and peer pressure for young adults, i can see this being a bad thing because now children can face danger in a library, which for many years has a reputation of being a “safe” environment . That said social networking and libraries has not been a completely negative thing as their has many benefits from this 21st century transformation.

One benefit the use of social networking can bring is the ability to communicate with patrons about library events. This is a way for patrons to find out more about library events and get more involved with the community. The San Diego Library for instance notifies patrons of new book arrivals, volunteer opportunities, and competitions that are going on. This is a good strategy to inform patrons as well as bring in new patrons. We are living In a time where everyone is or has used some type of social media, which is why  I feel like the use of social media by libraries can bring many benefits to the community.

Resources:

American Library Association, Library Bill of Rights, adopted June 19, 1939; amended Oct. 14, 1944; June 18, 1948; Feb. 2, 1961; June 27, 1967; and Jan. 23, 1980;

Griffey, J. (2010). Chapter 5: Social Networking and the Library. Library Technology Reports, 46(8), 34-37.

5 ways libraries are using social media. (2016, February 24). Retrieved April 27, 2017, from

"Social Media: Libraries Are Posting, but Is Anyone Listening?" Library Journal. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Apr. 2017

Libraries and the Homeless

By Sara Rodriguez

The number of homelessness has been on the rise in major cities around the country, in 2014 over half a million people in the United States found themselves without a home. As the years go by this number seems to increase though to the lack of resources.  This is a major problem for these cities, fortunately libraries have taken a step forward to help address this issue. Homeless people are also members of our society, which is why they also have the right to get use of public libraries become helpful for them  They have become for some a type of haven for these people. For instance,according to No Place to Go in 2000 public forums were held by the Seattle public library to advocate for a creation of a hygiene center inside the library, where people could come and bathe.  Even though this is not the mission of a public library, it is in my opinion a great step forward in addressing the issue. Type of services like this one  can help these people clean up and as they say start fresh literally in search for better opportunities.

Libraries offer so much more than a place for research, for people with no home this environment is as close as it gets. It gives them a sense of security being in place that has four walls, protects them from hazardous weather conditions gives them various of useful resources. The article The Homeless in the Public Library  states “Libraries will be most successful in providing those services aligned with the general mission and purpose of libraries. For all of the other ideas of how to help those experiencing homelessness — food,clothing, personal or medical care — libraries can play an important role as partners or supporters of other service organizations.” This is what most libraries aim to do they assist the homeless using their services like workshops, for example the San Diego Library offered a type of shelter for the homeless in times of rain. During these times the library helped many patron apply for jobs and discover new opportunities.

Public libraries have not only been aiding the homeless with a safe space, but they have also been helping them with their mental health. I found this quite interesting as the curriculum to become a librarian does not include any courses on assisting people with mental health issues. Their main focus seems to be technology of library services and to be able to help patrons find information. Even though librarians don't get that specific training, according to an article by the Washington post “Across the country, libraries have developed helpful strategies for serving homeless and mentally ill patrons, and much of their  progress was driven by their personal commitment” (Stevens, 2015).  One of these methods stated in the article is to designate a member of their staff to work with homeless, that have mental health issues, by providing them with organizations and resources that can professionally help them. Other libraries such as the San Francisco, washington and philadelphia branches have gone the extra mile and even hired social workers to the homeless when it comes to mental health. This type of library involvement can help these people overcome their issues and maybe eventually better their way of living.

References:

Grace, P. (2000). No Place to Go (Except the Public Library). American Libraries, 31(5), 53-55. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/25637627

Stephens, D. C., & Gunderman, R. (2015, August 19). How libraries became the frontline of America’s homelessness crisis. Retrieved April 25, 2017, from https://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2015/08/19/how-libraries-became-the-front-line-of-americas-homelessness-crisis/?utm_term=.132d2d7496f9
Simmons, R. (1985). The Homeless in the Public Library: Implications for Access to Libraries. RQ, 25(1), 110-120. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/25827508Copy

Social Networking and Libraries

Darla Mulder

Only a few decades ago, if someone told me that schools and libraries would be hooked up to a thing called the internet and they could all talk to each other, I would think it miraculous! 

For much of my life, so far, I have lived in a home without a computer. 

According to Social Networking and Library scholars, the Clinton Administration in the 1990's said every school and library needed to be connected to the internet by 2000. 

 The article written by C. S. Clark in 1997, "The Future of Libraries" said that the American Library Association, advocated that since many children at that time did not have a home computer, then superhighways had to be accessed in libraries.  A survey and study in the late 1990's showed more confidence in the existence and "connected" nature of libraries was essential for a fair flowing of free information. (Clark)

The people who cannot afford the gadgets or maintenance of self-owned existing hardware are ones needing the networking while at the library.  They can attain tips and resources.

The point I want to illuminate in this blog is that social networking in libraries is working for the people who are not able to afford all the technology gadgets.  Training is also an issue in the librarian arena. (a video below outlines a well thought-out protocol or library staff)  It appears that although more than 90 percent of Americans own a cell phone (2015), and a quarter of them are smart phones, libraries are catering to the ones who don't have tablets or smartphones or e-book readers.  (Griffey)

Even though (according to the Future of Libraries article) 2/3 of the U.S. population is online nearly all visit social networking sites like Facebook, YouTube and Linkedin. 

 The Two-thirds of Americans are now online, up 12 percent from 2005, and almost all of them visit social networking sites, such as Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn — nearly triple the number just four years ago.

A video above  made in 2014 by Stacy Sieck explores the use of social networking in libraries. 

 The articles listed below discuss Smartphones and tablets which offer digital technologies such as geo-location, audio, video, photo and web technologies. They feature much vocabulary that users engage in with established social networks and photo-sharing sites: All are able to share so much more content than ever before with more people both inside and outside the walls and the geographical boundary lines. (Clark)

Social networking changes quickly and it is sometimes difficult to maintain the balance of the newest research data in their regard.    In an article called "Teens & Social Networking in School & Public Libraries: A Toolkit for Librarians & Library Workers"  there is information supporting the use of online social networks and a belief that there is an increased level of learning through the use of online social networks.  


Clark, C. S. (1997, May 23). The future of libraries. CQ Researcher, 7, 457-480. Retrieved from http://library.cqpress.com

Griffey, J. "Chapter 5: Social Networking and the Library." Library Technology Reports 46.8 (2010): 34-37. Academic Search Premier. 

Mantel, B. " Future of Libraries." C.Q. Researcher, July 29th, 2011. Volume 21, Issue 27.

Sieck, S Https://www.youtube.com/watch Social Media in Libraries, 2014.

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Libraries and Student Success

Libraries and Student Success

by Karen Nicholson

http://www.smusd.org/cms/lib3/CA01000805/Centricity/ModuleInstance/16147/large/IMG_6885.jpg?rnd=0.929442089483813

Libraries are a major component of student success.  I found it surprising in my research on this topic that it has been shown that students writing scores improved more than their reading skills when they have access to a library with a full time librarian (Kachel and Lance).  Well staffed libraries are even more important for struggling students.  They will have the most improvement if given the resources of the library and a librarian who is willing to teach them and find them reading materials they enjoy.  One of my favorite things as a middle school librarian is helping a student finding a book they enjoy.  Just last week I had a 6th grader come up to me and let me know that he was really enjoying the book I suggested.  He came back the next day, returned the book, and asked for the next one in the series.  SUCCESS!!  🎆 Now he has experienced how much fun it can be to read, and he will hopefully trust me to ask again for help to find a book in the future.  I had another student check out a book in the morning and she returned after school, triumphant, she had read the entire book that day!  (Although I wonder what her teachers reactions were to her reading throughout class.  She is a good student, so I am guessing she was already done with her class work.)  

Studies have even shown that it does not matter what the local economic situation is, having a qualified school librarian will always increase reading and writing scores (Lance and Hofschire 19).  This shows it is just as import to have qualified librarians where the districts can “afford” them and in the districts that are having major budget cuts.

It is important that schools and school librarians continue to track and study their students success as it relates to the library.  There is data out there, but we need to make sure it is current and relatable.  The librarians need to use this information to prove the incredible importance of their job for their school and community.  Self-assessments are important for so many reasons:  to make sure lessons and collections are up to date, to make sure teachers are utilizing their resources, and to make sure student scores are improving.  As Lance and Kachel pointed out in their article there is a need for more large scale studies (13).  This should be at a district-wide, state-wide and nation-wide level.  But most importantly, in my opinion, they remind us that school administrators need to discuss their support of libraries and librarians to the teachers, staff, students and parents  (13).   Their support makes a huge difference in the success of the library at that school.  I am lucky that I feel supported by the administration at my school.  They are willing to listen to me and support my needs within the school environment.

Kachel, Debra E. and Keith Curry Lance. "Librarian Required." School Library Journal, vol. 59, no. 3, Mar. 2013, p. 28. EBSCOhost, ezproxy.palomar.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=85881651&site=ehost-live&scope=site.

Lance, Keith Curry and Linda Hofschire. "School Librarian Staffing Linked with Gains in Student Achievement, 2005 to 2011." Teacher Librarian, vol. 39, no. 6, Oct. 2012, pp. 15-19. EBSCOhost, ezproxy.palomar.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=82862803&site=ehost-live&scope=site.

Lance, Keith Curry and Debra Kachel. "Achieving Academic Standards through the School Library Program." Teacher Librarian, vol. 40, no. 5, June 2013, pp. 8-13. EBSCOhost, ezproxy.palomar.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=88257486&site=ehost-live&scope=site.

Libraries and the Homeless

by Karen Nicholson

https://pixabay.com/en/library-books-shelves-student-922998/

Homelessness is an important issue for all libraries.  I have mostly seen articles and discussions that focus on public libraries and their homeless population.  They talk about the rules that are in place, sometimes to keep the homeless out of the library, which often includes not being allowed to sleep in the library and not being allowed to stay if they have a strong odor.  One way to help this population is to bring mobile showers to the library site and allow the homeless to use it and basic supplies for free.  According to Ruhlmann, this has already happened within the San Francisco Public Library system (43).  Another way to get around strict rules and regulations within the library, that may not be enforced fairly across the board is to stick to one rule:  “If you’re doing something that interferes with someone else’s use of the library it is not allowed” (Ruhlmann, 42).

Homelessness is also a very important issue for school libraries.  I work in a public middle school library and I know that there are several students within the school’s population that are homeless.  I do not know exactly who they are, nor do I try to search them out.  Instead, I try to make the library as welcoming and safe for all students.  I try to enforce all of my rules fairly and across the board.  I also try to make as many connections as possible with the students that visit me.  I will take the time to chat with a student when they are visiting the library and try to say hello to familiar faces when I seem around campus.  I have a large number of students that visit the library before school.  Most are sitting at tables talking to friends and checking their phones.  All 10 of my computers are filled with students playing games and interacting with their friends.  At least 5 of the computers have 3 or 4 boys crowded around watching what the others are doing.  (We have a computer lab that is open before school for homework.)  I usually have several tables with students finishing homework or reading books.  If I see someone breaking the rules I ask them to leave, but tell them, every time, that they are welcome back, either at lunch or the next day, depending on the severity of the incident.  “School, especially the school library, may be the only thing a homeless student can count on as a place that is safe, comfortable, and full of books, magazines, online resources, and more that can bring enjoyment and respite from the daily stresses of his or her life” (Adams, 53).

It is important for all students to have access to books and textbooks, especially if they are homeless.  School libraries should try to be flexible when it comes to their homeless students.  They should still be allowed to check out books to be used away from school.  If the books are not returned, and a reason is given (like they no longer have access to the books), their fines should be waived and allowed to continue to having access to books and checking them out.  According to Adams, school librarians need to keep in mind that it is not the student’s fault for no longer having access to a book (53).  It is also important to make sure there are current, quality books in the library about the homeless, especially relating to children.

Here is a video on successful student who was a homeless high school student:

Sources:

Adams, Helen R. "Serving Homeless Children in the School Library -- Part 1." School Library Monthly, vol. 27, no. 3, Dec. 2010, pp. 52-53. EBSCOhost, ezproxy.palomar.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=55620520&site=ehost-live&scope=site.

"Attending School As A Homeless Child." YouTube. Stories by Stassy, 1 Apr. 2015. Web. 25 Apr. 2017.

Ruhlmann, Ellyn. "A HOME to the HOMELESS." American Libraries, vol. 45, no. 11/12, Nov/Dec2014, pp. 40-44. EBSCOhost, ezproxy.palomar.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=99206614&site=ehost-live&scope=site.