Standards and Studies for School Libraries

Oregon School Library Standards

The Oregon School Library Standards are meant to guide library instruction with students.

They are a product of the Oregon Association of School Libraries (OASL) and were adopted by the Oregon State Board of Education in 2015. Adopted means they are approved for use, but they are not mandatory.
There are 3 strands: information literacy, reading engagement, and social responsibility. Each strand has 3 standards, and each standard has multiple indicators.

Grade-Level Learning Goals

A committee of the Oregon Association of School Libraries also developed Grade-Level Learning Goals.

They provide measurable learning goals for each indicator of the Oregon School Library Standards.
They establish a foundation for building consistent library curricula across the state and provide for a smoother transition to college-level work for students since the goals cover grades K - 14.

Impact Studies

School library impact studies are a body of research that correlates strong school library programs with increased student achievement.

Library Research Service is responsible for several of the studies, and the organization links to national and state-level studies and related information.
Scholastic summarizes the studies in School Libraries Work!, a publication available to download for free.

National and State Standards and Guidelines

These additional standards and guidelines are relevant to school library staff.

Oregon Content Areas

Oregon content area standards in English language arts, social sciences, science, math, and more

Other States

Montana Content Standards for Library Media/Information Literacy

New York's Empire State Information Fluency Continuum (like a curriculum in a box)

Ohio Library Guidelines

National Organizations

The American Association of School Librarians' (AASL) National School Library Standards are divided into 3 frameworks -- 1 each for learners, school librarians, and school libraries. The Framework for Learners (PDF) is available online for free. The other 2 frameworks are only available in the book or app.
The Future Ready Schools (FRS) movement is an "effort to maximize digital learning opportunities." The Future Ready Librarians (FRL) initiative is connected to FRS, and the group developed the Future Ready Librarians Framework (PDF) to "highlight how school librarians support schools in transitioning to student-centered learning and identify specific ways librarians can become future ready."
The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) has technology standards for students, educators, and education leaders.
The Partnership for 21st Century Learning (P21) exists "to realize the power and promise of 21st century learning for every student—in early learning, in school, and beyond school—across the country and around the globe." Information, media, and technology skills are part of their Framework for 21st Century Learning.

Jen Maurer, School Library Consultant || jennifer.maurer@slo.oregon.gov || 971-375-3540

School Library Services