Aotearoa school libraries research project - first report available today!

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: 

• 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. 
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: 

• consider which findings or themes resonate with you 

• benchmark your school library with the findings from the research 

• are there things you’re doing well, or do you see opportunities for change and improvement? 

• get in touch with us if you have: 

• any questions arising from the current research 

• feedback to share about the report 

• ideas for related resources you’d find useful for school library advocacy. 

Extended and expanded research project 
The research project has been extended through to the end of 2026. This gives us the opportunity to: 

• have ongoing discussions with stakeholders about the research findings 

• explore how libraries look in kaupapa Māori education settings 

• we are at the planning stage with this and will be involving other people and organisations who need to be part of that journey. 

Help us build the knowledge and evidence base 
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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