Factors of Effective School Libraries: A Survey of Perspectives of Teachers, Teacher-Librarians, and Principals

Abstract

This study assessed factors of effective school library programs in one school system. All teacher-librarians and principals and a sample of teachers in all public schools in an urban district were surveyed about a) background information of the teacher-librarians and school; b) library collection; c) library program; and d) issues facing the school library. Results of descriptive and correlational analyses indicate recent district-based initiatives to strengthen school libraries appear positive. Recommendations include increased leadership activities by teacher-librarians, advocacy targeted at principal education about school libraries, augmenting the number of teachers participating in substantive partnerships with teacher-librarians are recommended, and working toward a shared vision of the school library as the information center of the school.