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 1,500 public and private school libraries. The State Library began surveying school libraries in FY02 and now conducts the survey annually to better understand the condition of Iowa school libraries and their role in the Iowa education system.  School Library Statistics includes the survey instruments and results for all the surveys conducted.

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.