This report presents the findings of a research project carried out for the School Library Association of New Zealand Aotearoa Te Puna Whare Mātauranga a Kura (SLANZA) and the National Library of New Zealand Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa (the National Library) in 2024.
School libraries are not mandatory in Aotearoa New Zealand schools. Consequently, investment in library spaces, collections, and staffing is discretionary and variable between schools. Research about school library provision in Aotearoa New Zealand including library spaces, resources, staffing, and services is limited. There is also limited understanding about what constitutes an effective school library, and its role and value. The aim of this study is to address some of these gaps in research knowledge and understanding.
Our research questions
The research focused on the provision of library spaces, resources, and services across English-medium schools. The research questions were:
- What library spaces, resources, and services are provided by schools?
- How equitable is the provision of library spaces, resources, and services?
- How do leaders support the provision of library spaces, resources, and services?
- What are the benefits, challenges, and enablers for schools in providing library spaces, resources, and services?