IASL Research Abstracts: 93

Findings: Libraries in the poorest schools in the United States appear more focused upon improving student achievement test scores than on promoting general information literacy.

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to analyze the results of competition for the applicants with more than 75% of children on FRL (Free and Reduced-Price Lunch Program). The applications present an unprecedented opportunity to observe documented need in the poorest school libraries throughout the United States and to ascertain how these schools would use a one-time infusion of funds. An analysis of a random sample of the 2930 applications for library books identifies characteristics of these poorest schools and demonstrates how they would use the newly acquired books in relation to student and collection needs. Results reveal the impact of national and state legislation, the widespread use of the Accelerated Reader System, and the need for bilingual and multicultural books. See:

Dresang, E.T. and Kotria, M.B. (2003). Breaking barriers with student-centered Teaching and lerning using library books in the United States' poorest schools. In S. Zinn, G. Hart and E. Howe (Eds.) School libraries: Breaking down barriers (pp.54-70). Seattle: International Association of School Librarianship.

Subject Categories: 2, 16