Research on Information Science and Public Libraries

Engaging Students: The Power of School Libraries in the Digital Age

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Ameneh Rahjou 1
Alireza Noruzi 2
Mohammad Reza Keramati 3
Keyvan Salehi 4

1 PhD Candidate in Information and Knowledge Management, College of Management, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

2 Associate Prof., Department of Information Science and Knowledge Management, College of Management, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

3 Prof., Department of Methods, Educational Planning and Curriculum, Faculty of Psychology and Education, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

4 Associate Prof., Department of Methods, Educational Planning and Curriculum, Faculty of Psychology and Education, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

10.61186/publij.30.1.82
Abstract
Purpose: School libraries, as key centers in the learning process, face significant weaknesses in engaging and
involving students. Consequently, many students distance from libraries, leading to a weak learning process and a
decline in the quality of virtual education. The purpose of this research is to determine the role of school libraries
in fostering student engagement within the context of virtual education.
Method: The approach of the current research is qualitative and its method is meta-synthesis. The research
population consists of 95 articles about the role of school libraries in student engagement in the process of virtual
education, which were published in reputable scientific journals between 2000 and 2023. The research sample
includes 50 articles that were purposefully collected and selected using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program
(CASP) criteria. Data were collected from the qualitative analysis of the studied articles.
Findings: Data analysis identified six key roles for school libraries in enhancing student engagement: accessibility of content and tools, information consultation and reference services, teaching information and media
literacy, professional development for teachers, teacher collaboration and communication, and integration of new
technologies. These roles are associated with educational strategies that can foster student engagement. This study
found that school librarians collaborate with classroom teachers to plan student homeworks and conduct collaborative teaching and assessment. Previous research has also highlighted the importance of cooperation between
school librarians and teachers. Librarians can share their expertise in emerging technologies with teachers and,
through their teaching partnerships, guide educators towards tools and platforms that can be effectively integrated
into lessons. Moreover, effective professional development can empower teachers to become technology leaders.
Regarding the tools, knowledge and support necessary for teachers in virtual education, educators can enhance
their ability to apply skills and knowledge in emerging and advanced technologies. These technologies enable
them to locate, evaluate and ethically use information. To strengthen the study, specific examples relevant to educational goals should be provided. On the one hand, the present study showed that content/technology, student and
teacher are the three main elements of virtual education. On the other hand, engagement is the main goal of education in the 21st century. Educational engagement is the concept of active participation of students in the education process and an important factor in educational progress, which is associated with the emotional components
of passion, motivation and energy. In other words, educational engagement is the quality of effort that students
spend on purposeful educational activities that lead to improved learning achievement. Also, in all educational
courses, especially in the virtual education process, interaction can increase the efficiency and effectiveness of
the educational process and, as a result, engage students. The school library plays an important role in creating
a bridge between students and teachers and content, as well as engaging students. A school library can create a
communication bridge through information literacy education. Student relationships with the library are enriched
through multimedia assignments that enhance student learning. Technology creates more opportunities to deepen
student engagement with the library through more and more meaningful contacts with librarians. In all the roles
played by the school library, including teacher, consultant, information specialist, and leadership, the basic role
of the school library is the relationship builder. Therefore, school library efforts should be focused on helping to
create a supportive culture that fosters student success and learning, because active and engaging libraries play a
vital role in education.
Originality/ Value: This research has comprehensively examined the role of school libraries in fostering
student engagement within the context of virtual education. The findings of this study can serve as a valuable
resource for administrators, teachers and librarians seeking to understand the significance and function of school
libraries in the field of virtual learning. This research offers a novel contribution by comprehensively examining
the multifaceted role of school libraries in fostering student engagement within the virtual education landscape.
By employing a qualitative meta-synthesis approach and analyzing a substantial dataset of articles, the study iden-
83دیجیتال عصر در آموزشگاهی کتابخانههای قدرت :دانشآموزان درگیرسازی Engaging Students: The Power of School Libraries in the Digital Age
Citation:Rahjou,A., Noruzi,A., Keramaty, M.R., & Salehi, K. (2024). Engaging Students: The Power of School Libraries
in the DigitalAge. Research on Information Science and Public Libraries, 30(1), 82-98.
Received 25 August 2023; Received in revised form 11 November 2023
Accepted 11 November 2023; Published online 29 March 2024
Article Type: Research Article
 © The author(s)
Publisher: Iran Public Libraries Foundation
tifies six key functions of school libraries in promoting student engagement, expanding upon previous research.
Moreover, the research underscores the critical importance of school librarians as collaborative partners with
teachers in creating the engaging and effective virtual learning environments. This study fills a knowledge gap
by providing a deep understanding of the strategies and practices implemented to enhance student engagement
through school library services, ultimately leading to improved educational outcomes. Given the high cost of
information resources, inadequate infrastructure and limited school budgets, it is recommended that non-governmental organizations provide support to strengthen and develop school libraries.

Keywords

Virtual education
Students
Engagement
School library
Teachers
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Research on Information Science and Public Libraries
Volume 30, Issue 1
Spring 2024
Pages 98-82

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