The purpose of any school library is to promote reading and improve reading and research skills. Educators have long agreed that good libraries are essential for academic success, since students must be able to read by third grade in order to learn other subjects, such as history and science.
A study by Donna Baumbach, professor and director of the Educational Technology Resource Center at the University of Central Florida, found that there is a direct link between professionally staffed libraries and the number of Florida school students reading at the level of their grade or higher.
The year-long study looked at more than 1,700 school libraries in Florida and found that well-stocked libraries had a direct correlation with better students’ FCAT (Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test) scores. Elementary schools had increased FCAT reading scores by nine percent. Middle schools improved by 3 percent and high schools by 22 percent. The study also showed that FCAT scores were even higher in Florida schools with certified media specialists running the libraries.
The study found two aspects of a good library: (1) a well-stocked library with current selections and (2) a certified media specialist in charge.
Need for newer books
A few years ago, the Orlando Sentinel ran an article about the shape of Florida’s school libraries. His findings were bleak at best. They discovered that most of Florida’s school libraries were filled with collections of outdated books and were run by untrained employees. Publicity gave libraries a tremendous boost in windfall funding. Typically, half of a school library’s annual budget comes from book fairs, parent organizations, candy sales, and proceeds from the sale of school supplies.
Although state funding for Florida school libraries remained at the previous $15 million, the Sentinel story encouraged Florida community groups, businesses, charities and churches to donate millions of thousands of dollars to improve libraries around the world. condition.
However, school libraries still have fewer books per student than the national average. The state buys more books than the national average, but Florida’s schools can’t keep up with the influx of new students each year.
Orange, Lake, Volusia and Polk counties have one in five books published before 1980. Osceola County had the best collection of books with 11 percent published since 2000.
Baumbach’s study indicates a desperate need for new library resources for Florida schools.
Need for more certified media specialists
The second half of the equation is the need for more certified media specialists. The study showed that Florida school libraries with these professionals had more books per student and more subscriptions to newspapers and periodicals. They had more students using the libraries, a greater circulation of books, and more computers per student.
Certified Media Specialists bring to their positions knowledge and experience that Florida school libraries with part-time help, teachers and staff cannot provide. These specialists can supplement library funding by applying for grants. They bring books to students by rotating books between classrooms, rather than letting them sit on shelves. They create reading incentive programs and provide multimedia instruction. They can even work with teachers to assess student test scores and determine reading areas in which some students may need more help.
However, Seminole and Volusia counties have decreased these professionals in recent years. Osceola, Polk, Brevard, Lake and Orange counties have shown an increase.
Florida schools are making improvements to their libraries, but not all schools are the same. If you are determining which school is right for your child, be sure to take a look at the school’s library before making your final decision.