School Libraries and Student Learning ― A Guide for School Leaders

Innovative, well-designed school library programs can be critical resources for helping students meet high standards of college and career readiness. InSchool Libraries and Student Learning, Rebecca J. Morris shows how school leaders can make the most of their school libraries to support ambitious student learning. She offers practical strategies for collaboration between school leaders, teachers, and librarians to meet schoolwide objectives in literacy, assessment, student engagement, and inquiry-based learning.
Topics include:

• establishing “makerspaces” and “learning commons” to support student-centered learning;
• developing a schoolwide focus on literacy across multiple formats and devices;
• redesigning lesson plans that foster inquiry and critical thinking across classrooms and grade levels;
• supporting collaboration between teachers and librarians in instruction and assessment; and
• using the library to strengthen ties between school, family, and community.

This accessible guide will help librarians and school leaders work together to bring student learning to a new level.

Rebecca J. Morris is an assistant professor in the Department of Library and Information Studies at the School of Education at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She has a professional background as an elementary classroom teacher and school librarian.