Librarians take time to get to know their at-risk students

While working in collaborative partnerships with teachers, librarians may also take time to get to know their at-risk students by applying specific strategies that meet individual student needs. These strategies include:

• Developing library collections that include universally designed resources on a variety of levels and in a variety of formats to meet the unique needs and learning styles of at-risk learners (examples include bilingual titles, graphic novels, and interactive books)
• Developing library collections that include culturally relevant curriculum materials based on students’ backgrounds, languages, experiences, and interests
• Providing opportunities for students to become engaged and feel successful in their reading (examples include book clubs, reader’s theater, poetry slams, and Teen Read Week)
• Educating themselves about at-risk students and providing information literacy instruction and library services that can be customized to their learning needs
• Making the library a welcoming and supportive place for students to come before, during, and after school by including comfortable reading areas, posters, and creative signage
• Involving the community by encouraging active participation from parents and community leaders through programming and/or tutoring services