New York state schools with certified librarians have higher average scores on the fourth-grade English language arts test than those who don't, according to initial findings of researchers at the Syracuse University School of Information Studies.

Research by professor Ruth Small and graduate students in the Center for Digital Literacy showed a statistically significant increase — an almost 10-point difference — in the ELA test scores among fourth-grade students whose schools had certified librarians over students in schools without certified librarians.

"We believe these findings are important to consider, not only because of the higher ELA test scores," said Small, who directs the school library media program at the iSchool. "These certified librarians are having a larger impact on students' overall learning as well."

Preliminary results, she explained, show that certified librarians are also more likely to provide students with materials that present more diverse points of view and that better support the curriculum.

Certified school library media specialists are not mandated at the elementary level in New York state, but they are at the secondary level.

Nearly 569,000 students in K-12 schools do not have access to a certified school library media specialist, according to the New York Library Association.

"This preliminary report reaffirms what 19 other state studies have shown — that school libraries staffed by certified librarians and equipped with current books and technology can have a positive impact on student academic achievement," said NYLA Executive Director Michael Borges.

The research, which is being funded by the U.S. Institute for Museum and Library Studies, included survey responses from 1,612 schools proportionately representing urban, suburban and rural schools statewide.

Even when the need levels of schools were taken into consideration, there was still a 2.2 point difference in average test scores, Small noted.

"These initial findings support our efforts to require school library media specialists in grades K-6," said NYSUT Executive Vice President Alan Lubin, "especially in those school districts that are not meeting state and federal standards."

NYSUT supports bills sponsored by Sen. Hugh Farley, R-Schenectady, and Assembly- woman Sandra Galef, D-Westchester, that would require every school in the state to have a library and a school librarian.

Having an impact

"This reinforces the direct impact of certified school librarians on the educational success of our children," said NYSUT Vice President Maria Neira. "We know there are many fine examples of the depth and breadth of support library media specialists provide to teachers and students every day."

The researchers are now analyzing more in-depth information gathered from surveys and focus groups involving school library media specialists, students, principals and teachers from 48 elementary, middle-level and high schools across the state.

Librarians expressed frustration with a number of barriers that prevent them from providing the level and types of services they could offer, such as being part-time, being split among as many as five schools, dilapidated facilities, outdated collections and lack of technology.

For example, one survey participant said it's difficult to carry out the normal activities of a library media specialist when you serve approximately 1,600 to 1,700 students in three buildings.

"In too many districts, when budgets get tight, the first job cut is the elementary librarian because it's not required," said Ellen Rubin, a Wallkill TA member and secondary school librarian for 21 years.

The union and NYLA are supporting an increase in state Library Materials Aid from $6.25 per pupil to $10 per pupil as recommended by the state Board of Regents. Schools use the aid to buy books and other reading materials for their libraries.

"Think about what you can buy for $6.25," Rubin said. "That's not even enough for a small paperback." The governor proposed a $5 million cut in library aid.

As New York Teacher went to press, the library association was planning to release a study that found the average age of books in school collections is 20 years old.

Go to http://www.nyla.org/ or http://www.ischool.syr.edu.text/ for a copy of the preliminary report on librarians.

— Sylvia Saunders