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Photo by Dan Dimmock on Unsplash

Aotearoa School Libraries Research Project

In December 2023, SLANZA and the National Library’s Services to Schools began this collaborative research project, with the New Zealand Council for Educational Research (NZCER).  

The overarching goal of the project was to strengthen the knowledge and evidence base around school library provision in Aotearoa New Zealand. 
The aims of the project were to: 
  • provide up-to-date evidence about the impact of effective school library services, as well as identifying the gaps and challenges that exist across the country 
  • identify successful strategies that schools are using to focus resources and effort effectively in different contexts 
  • engage and influence policymakers, principals, school leaders, boards, teachers, and wider school communities—with the long-term goal of supporting literacy, learning, wellbeing, and equity for all young people in Aotearoa New Zealand. 
How the research was done 
There were two phases to the research: a nationwide survey conducted in June-July of 2024, and in-depth case studies with 6 schools. 
The survey 
An invitation was initially sent to around 75% of all English medium schools — 1831 school staff who we knew were involved with their library in some way. Later, an extra 239 schools with a high schooling equity index (EQI) — those with many or most socio-economic barriers to achievement -- were invited, to ensure these schools were adequately represented. In the end, we had 659 responses – this is 34% of all English medium schools, and it includes 20% of all high equity index schools. 
The case studies 
These were designed to highlight effective library practice and provide deeper insight into what is working well in different school settings. Six case study schools were chosen, ensuring they included a range of school types, equity index, ethnicity, location, and geographic spread (including North and South Islands). NZCER interviewed more than 50 people including library staff, teachers, school leaders, and students. ​
Announcements and updates
You can find all updates here.