Trends In School Library Media Research As Reflected In The Eric Database

This book is directed toward graduate students who are preparing to become, or already serving as, school library media specialists. It reflects the rapidly changing questions being asked in school library media research, as well as the methods of addressing those questions. These changes are due to both the changing role of the school library media specialist, and the explosion of research methods available. The authors hope that this book will encourage its readers to pursue an active research agenda in their school library media center.

Student success comprises a complex system of expectations and measurements. Designed for school library media specialists, this book focuses on library media programs and examines the factors that influence student achievement. Through a presentation of research trends and actual practice, award-winning author Lesley Farmer demonstrates how media specialists can encourage student achievement by creating an environment conducive to learning. Farmer takes a systems approach, illuminating how each stakeholder in a student's education contributes to and impacts student achievement. Chapters include: What Defines Student Achievement? Research in the School Library World Internal Factors: The School Library Media Program School Factors Towards Student Achievement Student Factors Towards Student Achievement Societal Factors Towards Student Achievement Focus on Reading: Who's a Good Reader? Next Steps In addition to research findings about library programming, Farmer examines collection resources, facilities, staffing, curricula, instruction, reading issues, services, products, and administration. Key research studies are cited throughout the work to optimize referral to relevant information. This is an invaluable guide for school library media specialists, as well as for faculty and students in LIS and education programs.