![]() 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 first report from the project is available today. You can find all our updates about the project here. 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:
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. Different ways to measure library impact Research findings from the survey and case studies help us understand people’s experiences with their school library -- how they think and feel about the value of the library and its services, at a particular point in time. The findings include personal stories, opinions and perspectives, which are important for understanding the role libraries play in school communities. Our research project was not a long-term (longitudinal) study, looking for evidence of change. Such an approach looks for cause-and-effect relationships and provides evidence of long-term impact. Longitudinal research would track data over time to see whether library services led to measurable changes, such as improvements in literacy, education outcomes, or student wellbeing. Both types of research are valuable, for answering different kinds of questions. This project contributes to the existing body of data, research and evidence about school libraries, including local and international studies. These sources together provide useful insights and help create a clearer understanding about school libraries in Aotearoa New Zealand. What next? Using the report We encourage you to read the report and:
The research project has been extended through to the end of 2026. This gives us the opportunity to:
In Term 3 we’ll be conducting the next national survey of school libraries in Aotearoa New Zealand, and we want to hear from as many schools as possible. You can help now by letting us know your key concerns or questions about school libraries so that we can ensure the survey will capture data relevant to these. Contact To get in touch with the project steering group about the report or the upcoming 2025 school libraries survey, please email Sasha Eastwood [email protected].
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