Elementary School Library Initiatives

Summary This brief examines the structure, implementation strategy, and assessment of elementary school library initiatives. Key observations from our research 1. Contacts leverage library resources to teach 21st century skills (e.g., critical thinking, technology literacy, information literacy), often in support of district initiatives. 2. To support classroom learning and garner stakeholder buy-in, connect library instruction to curricular standards. 3. Administrators lead planning meetings on library instruction to set expectations, acquire support and resources, and alter perceptions of the role of libraries. 4. Collaboration between teachers and librarians proves vital for the success of library initiatives. 5. Profiled districts assess the impact of library instruction by observing student engagement and conducting student assessments. Download the Report