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School library
A school library, or school media center, is a library within a school where students, staff, and sometimes parents can borrow a variety of print and digital resources. The goal of a school library or media center is to ensure that all members of the school community have equitable access to materials for information gathering.
School libraries are distinct from public libraries because they serve the school's curriculum and are centered around providing school-related materials.
Library services for schools started in the 1800s, often in the form of public or state library book wagons. To promote libraries and library education, the American Library Association (ALA) was created in 1876 by a group of librarians led by Melvil Dewey. In the early stages of development, school libraries were primarily made up of small collections, with the school librarian primarily serving a clerical role.
In 1920, library and education communities began publishing the Certain Report, which featured the first broad evaluation of school libraries. By the mid-1940s, 40% of schools indicated the presence of classroom collections. Around 18% of public schools reported having centralized libraries Schools in cities reported 48%, and rural schools reported 12%.
Following the passage of the National Defense Education Act in 1958, funding and development for U.S. libraries increased throughout the 1960s. During this time, the Knapp School Libraries Project established model school library media centers across the country, and hundreds of new school libraries were expanded and renovated.
In recent history, school libraries have been defined by two major guiding documents; Information Power (1988) and Information Power II (1998).
In 1999, the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions published the UNESCO School library Manifesto, which states: "The school library provides information and ideas that are fundamental to functioning successfully in today's information and knowledge-based society. The school library equips students with life-long learning skills and develops the imagination, enabling them to live as responsible citizens" (para. 1).
School library media centers in the 21st century can, and should be, hubs for increased student achievement and positive focused school reform.
—Kathleen D. Smith
Hub AI
School library AI simulator
(@School library_simulator)
School library
A school library, or school media center, is a library within a school where students, staff, and sometimes parents can borrow a variety of print and digital resources. The goal of a school library or media center is to ensure that all members of the school community have equitable access to materials for information gathering.
School libraries are distinct from public libraries because they serve the school's curriculum and are centered around providing school-related materials.
Library services for schools started in the 1800s, often in the form of public or state library book wagons. To promote libraries and library education, the American Library Association (ALA) was created in 1876 by a group of librarians led by Melvil Dewey. In the early stages of development, school libraries were primarily made up of small collections, with the school librarian primarily serving a clerical role.
In 1920, library and education communities began publishing the Certain Report, which featured the first broad evaluation of school libraries. By the mid-1940s, 40% of schools indicated the presence of classroom collections. Around 18% of public schools reported having centralized libraries Schools in cities reported 48%, and rural schools reported 12%.
Following the passage of the National Defense Education Act in 1958, funding and development for U.S. libraries increased throughout the 1960s. During this time, the Knapp School Libraries Project established model school library media centers across the country, and hundreds of new school libraries were expanded and renovated.
In recent history, school libraries have been defined by two major guiding documents; Information Power (1988) and Information Power II (1998).
In 1999, the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions published the UNESCO School library Manifesto, which states: "The school library provides information and ideas that are fundamental to functioning successfully in today's information and knowledge-based society. The school library equips students with life-long learning skills and develops the imagination, enabling them to live as responsible citizens" (para. 1).
School library media centers in the 21st century can, and should be, hubs for increased student achievement and positive focused school reform.
—Kathleen D. Smith