10/27/2026
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1048950.pdf
Need for Local Evidence
Since 2007 when I articulated the
EBP holistic model, widespread
concerns have been raised about
the closure of school libraries
in the wake of the emergence
of digital information services.
Widespread digital availability
of information compounded the
perceived invisibility of the school
librarian’s professional role and
highlighted stakeholders’ lack
of understanding of the impact
strong school library programs
have on student learning. School
librarians concerned with job
losses have asked me to speak to
school boards and other decisionmaking
bodies and to present the
research on the impact of school
libraries on student learning.
These requests concern me because
they signal the wider community’s
lack of knowledge of the value
of school libraries and the vigor
around evidence in the context of
saving jobs. The need for “expert
testimony” also indicates a lack
of evidence-based planning and
evidence accumulation
and in hearing the Green's interview with Dr. Annie Norman on School Libraries-
She said, “And because school libraries are in crisis, Delaware is not a school library friendly state. I think if we had had quality school libraries, the librarians might have picked it up. Instead of now we have generations that have been impacted by these, you know, poor, ineffective approaches to teaching literacy.”
https://www.delawarepublic.org/show/the-green/2026-10-23/races-to-watch-will-a-new-challenger-unseat-district-34s-incumbent-this-year
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1048950.pdf
Need for Local Evidence
Since 2007 when I articulated the
EBP holistic model, widespread
concerns have been raised about
the closure of school libraries
in the wake of the emergence
of digital information services.
Widespread digital availability
of information compounded the
perceived invisibility of the school
librarian’s professional role and
highlighted stakeholders’ lack
of understanding of the impact
strong school library programs
have on student learning. School
librarians concerned with job
losses have asked me to speak to
school boards and other decisionmaking
bodies and to present the
research on the impact of school
libraries on student learning.
These requests concern me because
they signal the wider community’s
lack of knowledge of the value
of school libraries and the vigor
around evidence in the context of
saving jobs. The need for “expert
testimony” also indicates a lack
of evidence-based planning and
evidence accumulation
and in hearing the Green's interview with Dr. Annie Norman on School Libraries-
She said, “And because school libraries are in crisis, Delaware is not a school library friendly state. I think if we had had quality school libraries, the librarians might have picked it up. Instead of now we have generations that have been impacted by these, you know, poor, ineffective approaches to teaching literacy.”
https://www.delawarepublic.org/show/the-green/2026-10-23/races-to-watch-will-a-new-challenger-unseat-district-34s-incumbent-this-year
Kachel, D. E. & Lance, K. C. (2013, March 7). Latest study: A full-time school librarian makes a critical difference in boosting student achievement. School Library Journal. https://www.slj.com/story/librarian-required-a-new-study-shows-that-a-full-time-school-librarian-makes-a-critical-difference-in-boosting-student-achievement
