If some students succeed without a school library, why do we need them? I have often thought about this question and decided it was time to share some of my thinking with you.
Some students excel academically without ever stepping into a school library or engaging with a librarian. With online resources at their fingertips and strong support systems at home, they manage to navigate their education successfully. So, does that mean school libraries and librarians are unnecessary? If success is possible without them, why invest in them? This question is worth exploring, especially in an era where budgets are tight and priorities are constantly shifting in education. I thought it might be interesting to think about both sides of the argument.
The Case Against School Libraries and Librarians
Some argue that school libraries are no longer essential. Here’s why:
Students Can Succeed Without Them: High-achieving students often have access to books, technology, and learning support at home. They may naturally develop strong research skills or receive guidance from teachers without needing a librarian’s expertise.
Digital Access is Changing Learning: The internet, AI tools, and open educational resources have made information more accessible than ever. Students can search Google, use AI chatbots, or watch instructional videos without setting foot in a library.
Budget Constraints: Many schools face tough financial decisions. If students are still graduating and achieving high scores without a library, administrators may prioritise other investments, such as hiring more teachers or improving digital infrastructure.
Perception of Irrelevance: If a school library is poorly integrated into learning, it may be seen as just a quiet space for reading rather than a necessary component of education. Some schools may not fully utilise their librarians, leading to the belief that their role is expendable.
The Case for School Libraries and Librarians
While some students succeed without them, that doesn’t mean libraries and librarians are unnecessary. Here’s why they remain vital:
University-Ready Students: Just because high-achieving students succeed in a school that teaches them how to pass exams does not mean they are prepared for the independent study required at university. Many students struggle in their first six months because they lack the skills to access quality resources from the university library, and they don’t know how to learn these skills on their own.
Equity and Access: Not all students have books at home, reliable internet, or a quiet place to study. A school library ensures that every student has access to learning materials, regardless of their background.
Beyond Just Books: Librarians provide access to online resources and teach critical research skills, media literacy, and digital citizenship—skills that are essential in an age of misinformation and AI-generated content. Without this guidance, students may struggle to navigate credible sources effectively.
Support for Struggling Students: While high achievers might get by, many students benefit from structured support. Librarians help students find and evaluate reliable information, develop inquiry-based learning skills, and build reading confidence. If librarians are removed, these skills often do not get taught, or they become an additional burden for already overworked teachers.
Collaboration with Teachers: Every department should have some link to the school library in their planning, whether through co-teaching inquiry skills or integrating library resources into lessons. This ensures that research and critical thinking become a fundamental part of the curriculum, rather than an afterthought. Teachers and students are then getting the help and support they need.
Long-Term Impact: AI and evolving assessments are shifting how we evaluate learning. Traditional test scores alone will no longer be enough—skills like critical thinking, communication, and the ability to articulate fact-based opinions will be essential. Librarians are uniquely positioned to support these competencies.
Why School Libraries Still Matter
Yes, some students will succeed without a school library—but should we design our education system around only those who can thrive without support?
School libraries and librarians create opportunities for all students, ensuring that education is equitable, inquiry-driven, and future-ready. Instead of questioning whether libraries are necessary because some succeed without them, we should be asking: Are we doing everything we can to ensure every student has the tools they need to thrive?
Libraries are not just about access to books; they are about access to knowledge, guidance, and lifelong learning skills. Schools that prioritise strong libraries and librarians invest in an education system that benefits every student, not just the ones who would succeed anyway.
Questions to help you join the conversation:
If libraries and librarians are removed, who fills the gap in teaching research skills, critical thinking, and digital literacy?
How do we measure the impact of a library on students who may not have obvious academic success but benefit in other ways?
What role does the school library play in preparing students for a world dominated by AI and digital information?
How can schools better integrate librarians into teaching and learning so they are seen as essential rather than optional?
If funding is the issue, what creative solutions could ensure students still benefit from library resources and expertise?
How can we strengthen the shared librarian model (Schools Library Service UK) to ensure its sustainability and effectiveness?
What forms of advocacy would be most effective in shifting perceptions of school librarians from optional to essential?
This is a conversation worth having—not just among librarians, but among educators, policymakers, and parents. What do you think? How do we make the case for school libraries in a world where success can sometimes happen without them?
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