Research

In the November issue of SLJ, we examine the state of U.S. school libraries and librarian ­positions—the fight to preserve the institutions and the vast range of critical services performed by library professionals nationwide.

School and youth librarians update Melvil Dewey's flawed and outdated system.

School librarian positions have declined by 20 percent nationally, according to the SLIDE (School Librarian Investigation: Decline or Evolution?) research project.

The pandemic has significantly impacted school library budgets and spending this year. Here's what has changed.

Serving on the front lines, engaging with the public, libraries can be a critical asset to mental health.   

More than 66 percent of public librarians report that summer reading programs will go completely online, according to SLJ's Youth Services in Public Libraries COVID-19 Response Survey.

Reworking summer reading programs is the number one task being performed by public librarians who work with kids and teens, according to SLJ's survey. But the report shows a wide variety of work being done.

More than half of public librarians have collaborated with local school systems and teachers since the closures to provide digital and online services for children and teens, according to SLJ's Youth Services in Public Libraries COVID-19 Response Survey. And nearly 33 percent have collaborated with local agencies toward the same goal.

Ordering materials and resources continues during library closures, although purchasing has shifted to ebooks and other digital resources, according to SLJ's survey of youth services librarians.