Breaking Barriers with Student-Centred Teaching and Learning using Library Books in the United States' Poorest Schools

Abstract

An analysis of a random sample of the 2930 applications for library books to a private U.S. Foundation from schools having 75% or more of students on free or reduced lunch identifies characteristics of these poorest schools and demonstrates how they would use the newly acquired books in relation to student and collection needs. Results reveal the impact of national and state legislation, the widespread use of the Accelerated Reader System, and the need for bilingual and multicultural books. These libraries appear more focused on improving student achievement test scores than on promoting general information literacy.