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Illinois School Library Study Subject of “What’s New In Libraries?”

News Release

August 30, 2005

For more information contact,
Judy Hoffman, 847.353.7137

In a show of support for school libraries, an entire cable show has been produced to promote Powerful Libraries Make Powerful Learners: The Illinois Study. The study initiated by the Illinois School Library Media Association (ISLMA) is featured on What’s New In Libraries?, an award-winning monthly cable program produced by the North Suburban Library System.

The Illinois study, led by Keith Curry Lance, was dedicated to identifying the variables that impacted high test scores for students. Similar studies have been conducted in more than a dozen states since 2000. The results indicated that regardless of economics, what helps create a successful environment for students are schools that have libraries or media centers that: 1) allow for flexible scheduling; 2) encourage collaborative learning with teachers and librarians; 3) are managed by credentialed school librarians and staffed adequately; and 4) have a budget for books, supplies and electronic media.

What’s New in Libraries? is hosted by Sarah Long, past president of the American Library Association and director of the North Suburban Library System. “The results of the Illinois study are consistent with the previous studies around the nation – if we want our students to perform at a competitive level, a high-performing school media center is essential,” said Long. “This special program was produced with advocacy in mind. It shines the light on issues that must be highly visible to our legislators and taxpayers.”

Featured in this program are Roycemore School and Evanston Township High School in Evanston, Central Elementary School in Wilmette, Ivy Hall School in Buffalo Grove, and Mary Stitt Olive Elementary School in Arlington Heights.

Segments of the program can be viewed by visiting www.whatsnewinlibraries.org and selecting “School Libraries Make A Difference,” under Past Episodes.

What’s New in Libraries? is produced in partnership with Library Cable Network (www.librarytv.org). The North Suburban Library System (www.nsls.info), headquarted in Wheeling, Illinois, is one of nine multitype library systems in Illinois funded by the Illinois State Library.