Oct 2007 Editor's Letter
By: Jill Pinheiro

Is your school library sufficiently equipped to maximize the learning experiences of your students…or could it use an update? Does it have adequate (or, even better, superior) resources and technology? Does the environment itself foster learning?

According to the American Association of School Librarians, a division of the American Library Association, research shows that students from schools with professionally staffed, fully equipped libraries score higher on achievement tests.

The organization reports that, "Learning today means more than memorizing facts. It means learning to learn for a lifetime. Savvy parents and educators know that the school library media center is key to teaching students not just to read but to practice the skills they need to seek, evaluate, and use information throughout their lives."

Additionally, the ALA suggests that school library media centers can contribute to improved student achievement by:

* Providing up-to-date instructional materials aligned to the curriculum and instructional practices

* Collaborating with and supporting teachers, administrators, and parents

* Extending their hours of operation beyond the school day

In our annual focus on libraries and media centers, we cover everything from successful layout and design to the latest technology advancements for these facilities.

I'm always interested in hearing from you. You can reach me at jill@cspmag.com .

God Bless,
Jill Pinheiro
Managing Editor