Effective School Library Programs Impact Student Achievement

JCPS School Library Media Coordinators (SLMC) promote reading as a foundational skill of learning and create a foundation for lifelong learning with a focus on student achievement. Effective school library media programs support the teaching and learning community through data-driven collaboration, literacy, integration of instructional technology and information skills with the total curriculum, resources, staff development, and assessment.  

Strong school libraries build strong students and numerous state studies confirm that school librarians support student achievement. Studies also indicate that reading scores improve when spending for school libraries increases, student achievement tends to be significantly higher for schools that have full-time certified school librarians who regularly collaborate with classroom teachers, and also for school libraries with support staff and flexible scheduling in the library.

JCPS Goal

Johnston County Public Schools supports a district-wide culture where all instructional staff analyze student data, reflect on their practice, collaborate with their peers, and incorporate best-practice teaching strategies to ensure high levels of learning and increased student achievement for all students. By 2029, JCPS will perform within the top 20% of school districts in North Carolina for key indicators.

JCPS School Library Media Services Goal

Johnston County Public Schools’ Media Services knows that the school library media center is the heart of the school and must be an active, encouraging, and engaging learning environment with a focus on literacy. Our school library media coordinators teach, model, and facilitate critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration skills which are essential for career and college readiness. In support of student achievement and the district goal, JCPS media coordinators will:

• Lead in the school library media program and school to support student success and advocate for an effective media program.

• Provide appropriate resources, services, and instruction for learners of all stages of development and diverse interests.

• Build a learning environment that facilitates access to resources and addresses the learning needs of all members of the school community.

• Develop and maintain a library collection that supports teaching and learning as well as recreational reading.

• Serve, promote, and facilitate inquiry-based instruction and the effective use of information, digital age tools, and technology.

Johnston County Affiliated Libraries have partnered with Johnston County Public Schools to expand students’ and teachers' access to educational resources through an innovative program known as StudentAccess.

Resources include eBooks, audiobooks, streaming videos, NCLIVE online databases, language learning program, standardized test prep tools, career exploration tools, and more!

Students and teachers at Johnston County Public Schools may use their full Student ID number as a library card. 

In addition to accessing electronic resources and library databases, users may also borrow up to ten print or audiobooks - at one time with no overdue fees - from the public libraries located in Benson, Four Oaks, Kenly, Princeton, Selma, or Smithfield. Library computers may also be used.

When logging into online library resources or your library account, use your full Student ID number as your library card number. Some online resources also require a PIN or Password. In these cases, use the last four digits of your Student ID number as the PIN/Password.

To learn more about these teaching and learning resources, visit the public library’s StudentAccess page at https://www.pljcs.org/studentaccess.

Note: Data is imported/updated twice a year in StudentAccess (the second week in September and the second week in January). Any parent or guardian who wishes for his/her/their student to not have access to these resources may request an opt out form from the school library media coordinator and return it, completed and signed, back to the school library media coordinator (if opting out, form is required annually).

NCDPI Home Base Digital Tools:

Home Base is North Carolina’s suite of digital tools and instructional resources designed to empower teachers, engage students, support administrators, and connect parents to their child’s personalized learning. Since its inception in 2013, Home Base has developed into a comprehensive suite of tools that provide management of student data, educator evaluation, professional development for educators, and access to learning resources aligned with the North Carolina Standard Course of Study.

Home Base provides, equitable access, personalized learning, professional growth, and collaborative engagement to PSUs. 

Home Base includes seven key components: Canvas, EBSCO & Britannica, GoOpenNC, Learning.com, NCEES, NCSIS, and Schoolnet. 

For more information about these resources and how to use them, please visit the Resources Toolkit by clicking HERE.

Battle of the Books is a trivia-style book competition for students in grades 4-12. The North Carolina School Library Media Association (NCSLMA) sponsors Battle of the Books for elementary, middle, and high school competitions. 

Students at participating schools read books from a list established by the state Battle of the Books committees and then compete in quiz-bowl-style tournaments to test their knowledge of these books.

Battle of the Books involvement is contingent on participating schools meeting the following criteria: 

Coach - 

• Either an 076  licensed Media Coordinator OR Certified Staff Member serving as the school's BOB coach

• Current member of NCSLMA

• Fills out compliance form by deadline (December)

Library - 

• Designated space on the site of the school (only exception, some Early and Middle colleges operate differently).

• Cataloged collection

• Open and staffed at least 20 hours weekly by a certified school Library Media Coordinator or other certified staff serving in the role of Media Coordinator.