by Marijane Suttor

Created on: November 22, 2008   Last Updated: October 21, 2011

Tremendous pressures weigh on school districts to improve test scores district wide. As teachers feel this added pressure while packing curriculum to provide all the possible opportunities to achieve, districts still struggle with test scores that flounder. Developing a consistent approach in a school district that encourages a team effort to improve test scores can only improve the chances for success. Librarians can be an incredible asset in the quest for improved test scores and should be seen as a valuable member of the academic team.

INVENTORY

All librarians need to assess their libraries in terms of effective inventory. All too often school districts see the library as the keeper of the books rather than an active lending experience. It is important to weed the library quite vigorously to remove the books that are not being read, are outdated, unattractive and in poor physical condition. These books stand in the way of students seeing the really good books in the library. Less really is more in a library. When there are less books on the shelves, kids can see what is there and become attracted to books that were drowning in the less appealing older models. Some great books simply need to be replaced. Purchase a new copy of The Cat in the Hat if the old one is in worn out condition. Keeping the inventory modern and attractive is essential for increased usage, which encourages reading skills in students.

EMULATE BOOKSTORES

In order for bookstores to move inventory, they make the store attractive to the customer. Students are customers too and the school district wants the children to purchase academics. Think about what customers do to attract someone to pick up a book. End caps are one option. Highlight books by an author or a theme in end cap displays. Don't necessarily have books in neat little rows. Put a book upright on the end of each row. Purchase inexpensive book easels to display books. Think of promotions that will bring students into the library. Once they are in the store, they are more likely to make a purchase which equates to checking out a book.

WORK WITH TEACHERS

Remember that teachers are on the front lines in this goal to improve test scores. Be humble and go to the teachers to see what can be done to assist them. If a class is studying caterpillars and butterflies, pull books on that topic and have them available for students who want to learn more. In high school if a teacher is working on a research project, pull books that can be of use

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