This document discusses the importance of evidence-based practice for school librarians. It provides examples of studies that have collected evidence on the impact of school libraries on student achievement, learning, literacy, and independent learning. School librarians are encouraged to systematically gather and use data from their own practice to document the outcomes and impacts of the school library program in order to advocate for the value and importance of school libraries.

1. Dr Ross J Todd Director, Center for International Scholarship in School Libraries Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey cissl.scils.rutgers.edu [email_address] Evidence-Based practice: Building the Future of School Libraries

4. 50 Years of Research “ With the school library literally the heart of the educational program, the students of the school have their best chance to become capable and enthusiastic readers, informed about the world around them, and alive to the limitless possibilities of tomorrow.” Mary Gaver, 1958 Gaver, M. Every child needs a school library. Chicago, ALA, 1958 Gaver, M. Effectiveness of Centralized Library Service in Elementary Schools. Rutgers University, 1963

8. Evidence-Based Practice Our claim School libraries are an integral part of education reform and leaning. The reality? “ Occupational Invisibility” (Hartzell) Others often do not see depth, breadth and importance of what School Librarians contribute to learning in schools

9. I am a school librarian at x. We are confronting a serious situation. Because of the financial crisis in our community, our school board is addressing a proposed substantial budget cut. One of the proposed strategies is to drastically reduce the number of school librarians in the area claiming that school libraries can be effectively run by aides to ensure services are provided and the library remains open. This is despite the fact that I have hundreds of students in the library each day, and teach in the classroom regularly. I have voiced my objection, but I am told that such reductions will not impact on student learning in any way.

11. Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) What is it?

18. Evidence-Based Practice

19. Evidence-Based Practice Evidence FOR Practice Evidence IN Practice Evidence OF Practice

21. Evidence of What? STUDENT Learning Literacy Living STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT: Learning Outcomes Knowledge-based Outcomes EFFECTIVE READERS AND WRITERS: Literacy PRODUCTIVE MEMBERS OF SOCIETY: Living

31. Evidence-Based Practice “ Without quality we are condemned to be ordinary. With it, we have a shot at being part of the future” (Koechlin & Zwaan) Todd’s Variation “ Without evidence we are condemned to be oblivious. With it, we have a shot at being part of the future