If Some Students Succeed Without a School Library, Why Do We Need Them?

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 thoughts with you.

Some students excel academically without ever stepping into a school library or engaging with a librarian. They have online resources at their fingertips and a strong support system at home. This enables them to navigate their education successfully. So, does that mean school libraries and librarians are unnecessary? If success is possible without them, why should we invest in them? This question warrants exploration, especially in an era where budgets are tight and educational priorities are constantly shifting. I believe it's essential to consider both sides of the argument.

A librarian looks to her right while students work in front of her.

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 books, technology, and learning support at home. They may 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 visiting a library.

  
  

• Budget Constraints: Many schools face tough financial decisions. If students are still graduating and achieving high scores without a library, administrators may prioritize other investments, like hiring more teachers or improving digital infrastructure.

  
  

• Perception of Irrelevance: A poorly integrated school library may seem just like a quiet space for reading, rather than a necessary component of education. In some instances, schools may not fully utilize their librarians, leading to the impression that their role is expendable.

  
  

The Case for School Libraries and Librarians

While some students succeed without them, libraries and librarians are still vital. Here’s why they remain essential:

• University-Ready Students: Just because high-achieving students do well doesn't mean they are prepared for the demands of university. Many struggle in their first six months due to a lack of skills needed to access quality resources from the university library.

  
  

• Equity and Access: Not all students have books, reliable internet access, or quiet study spaces at home. 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. These skills are essential in an age of misinformation and AI-generated content. Without guidance, many students struggle to navigate credible sources.

  
  

• Support for Struggling Students: While high achievers might manage, many students benefit from structured support. Librarians assist in finding and evaluating reliable information, developing inquiry-based learning skills, and building reading confidence. If librarians are removed, these skills often go untaught.

  
  

• Collaboration with Teachers: Every department should have a link to the school library, whether through co-teaching inquiry skills or integrating library resources. This ensures that research and critical thinking become fundamental parts of the curriculum. Teachers and students receive the necessary help and support.

  
  

• Long-Term Impact: The evolving landscape of AI and assessments is changing how we evaluate learning. Traditional test scores will no longer suffice; skills like critical thinking, communication, and the ability to articulate fact-based opinions will be vital. Librarians are uniquely positioned to support these competencies.

  
  

The Importance of School Libraries in Modern Education

Yes, some students may achieve success without a school library—but should we design our education system to revolve around those who 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 their necessity because a few 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 promote access to knowledge, guidance, and lifelong learning skills. Schools prioritizing strong libraries and librarians invest in an education system that benefits every student, not just those who would succeed regardless.

Questions to Help You Join the Conversation

1. If libraries and librarians are removed, who fills the gap in teaching research skills, critical thinking, and digital literacy?

2. How do we measure the impact of a library on students who may not have obvious academic success but benefit in other ways?

3. What role does the school library play in preparing students for a world dominated by AI and digital information?

4. How can schools better integrate librarians into teaching and learning so they are seen as essential rather than optional?

5. If funding is an issue, what creative solutions could ensure students still benefit from library resources and expertise?

6. How can we strengthen the shared librarian model (Schools Library Service UK) to ensure its sustainability and effectiveness?

7. 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 also 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?