New School Library Research articles available online

CHICAGO — Three new research articles covering the topics of subscription databases, serving students with special needs or the dynamics that inhibit and/or enable school libraries to contribute to educational agendas are now available online as part of the American Association of School Librarian’s research journal, School Library Research.

Karla Krueger’s study, “The Status of Statewide Subscription Databases,” presents qualitative content analysis of subscription databases available to school libraries through statewide purchases. Krueger hopes the study helps school librarians evaluate grade and subject-area coverage, make comparisons to recommended databases and note potential suggestions for their states to include in future contracts or for local purchase.

Renee Franklin Hill conducted an electronic survey to collect data from school librarians working in central New York State school districts in order to identify the strengths this group of school library professionals brought to the task of providing services to students with special needs. In her article, “Strengths and Opportunities: School Librarians Serving Students with Special Needs in Central New York State,” Hill shares the answers to five research questions and presents opportunities for improvement.

Dr. Ross Todd’s paper, “School Libraries and the Development of Intellectual Agency: Evidence from New Jersey,” presents selected key findings of a research study commissioned by the New Jersey Association of School Librarians (NJASL) and undertaken by the Center for International Scholarship in School Libraries (CISSL) at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. One goal of the study was to understand the contextual and professional dynamics that inhibit and enable school libraries to contribute significantly to educational agendas.

“New studies just published in Volume 15 of School Library Research address topics that have particular and timely relevance to building-level school librarians,” said Jean Donham, editorial board chair. “The editorial board is happy to see research that informs our practice so directly, whether the topic is subscription databases, serving students with special needs or the dynamics that inhibit and/or enable school libraries to contribute to educational agendas.”

School Library Research (ISSN: 2165-1019) is the successor to School Library Media Research (ISSN: 1523-4320) and School Library Media Quarterly Online. The journal is peer-reviewed, indexed by H. W. Wilson's Library Literature and by the ERIC Clearinghouse on Information & Technology, and continues to welcome manuscripts that focus on high quality original research concerning the management, implementation and evaluation of school library programs.

The American Association of School Librarians, www.aasl.org, a division of the American Library Association (ALA), promotes the improvement and extension of library services in elementary and secondary schools as a means of strengthening the total education program. Its mission is to advocate excellence, facilitate change and develop leaders in the school library field.