Trends in school library programs 2007–2012: Analysis of AASL’s School Libraries Count! data sets

Abstract

This study used the AASL School Libraries Count! data sets to examine school library program trends within the 2009–2012 time frame, and identify possible relationships between contributing factors across the four years and across the four geographic regions. Several statistical tests were applied to the coded AASL survey data sets longitudinally and by region: descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, chi-squared independence tests, hypothesis testing of differences in proportions, and analysis of variance. The data reveal a variegated picture of school library programs in terms of staffing, resources, and activities – from state to state, by region, and by school level. In general, high schools fared best relative to elementary and middle schools, and the West fared the worst relative to the other regions. The findings highlight the impact of school level, poverty status, and governmental spending decisions on school library program staffing, resources and activities. The school librarian’s activities also correlate with library resources and their usage.