You mean, libraries really matter?

Please cite this article as:  Krashen, S., Lee, S., & McQuillan, J. (2012). Is the Library Important? Multivariate
Studies at the National and International Level. Journal of Language and Literacy Education [Online], 8(1), 26-38.


http://jolle.coe.uga.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Is-the-Library-Important.pdf



Abstract

Three multivariate analyses, all controlling for the effects of poverty, confirm the importance of
the library. Replicating McQuillan’s analysis of 1992 NAEP scores, this study finds that access
to books in school and public libraries was a significant predictor of 2007 fourth grade NAEP
reading scores, as well as the difference between grade 4 and grade 8 2007 NAEP reading scores,
suggesting that access is important for improvement after grade 4. Access (school/classroom
libraries) was a significant predictor of scores on the PIRLS test, a reading test given to fourth
graders in 40 countries.