School Administrators' Support for School Libraries: The Impact on Student Academic Achievement

Project: In November 2006 Center for International Scholarship in School Libraries was awarded a grant from the B. F. Jones Memorial Library, Pennsylvania Department of Education's Office of Commonwealth Libraries to conduct a study regarding school principals' support for school libraries.

Objective: To identify, examine and explain if and how school administrators’ support for the school library influences student achievement.

Research questions:

• Is there a connection between principals’ beliefs about the school library and its impact on student achievement, and their decisions regarding school libraries?
• How are beliefs (intellectual support) evidenced by actions (demonstrable support)?
• Which type of actions is taken to support the beliefs?
• Does demonstrable support by the principal influence student achievement through the school library, and if so, how?

Method: Web survey consisting of open and structured questions. Respondents will be approx. 450—500 school principals within the state of Pennsylvania, identified by cluster sampling.

Current phase: The survey instrument was developed spring 2007, and has been pilot tested. Data will be gathered from respondents in April - May 2007, and analyzed over the Summer. The findings are expected to be disseminated the following Fall.