Iowa's School Libraries
- Strong school library programs led
by qualified teacher librarians improve literacy skills and the academic
achievement of students.
- Libraries with a
full range of print and electronic resources and current technologies, foster
learning and enrich school curriculum.
- In schools with good libraries, children
read more, according to researcher Stephen Krashen, and when they read more,
they read better.
New Requirement in the Code of Iowa
In 2006 a requirement that each school district employ a qualified teacher librarian and have in place an articulated, sequential K-12 library program, became a part of the Code of Iowa. Click on Requirements and Supporting Materials on the left to find more information about the intent of the law, guidelines and other information to assist school districts across the state in meeting the new requirements.
School Library Survey
Iowa has about 1,400 public and private school libraries. PLEASE NOTE: Currently the job of collecting data on those libraries falls to the Iowa Department of Education. If you are seeking information about the school survey please follow this link.
The State Library started a school library survey in 2002. The survey questions were based on "Make the Connection: Quality School Library Media Program Impact Academic Achievement in Iowa," a 2001 research project funded by the State Library, Iowa Area Education Agencies, and the Iowa Educational Media Association.
Tao and the Art of Reference
