Investigating Principals’ Perceptions of the Role of School Librarians: A Mixed Methods Study

2024/02/13 by Deeth Ellis
Social Sciences · #Diverse Education Studies and Reforms #Library Science and Administration #Library Science and Information Literacy

paper · doi:10.1080/01930826.2024.2305069

openalex publication_date 2024/02/13 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/23

Abstract

This mixed-methods study examines how principals perceive the role of school librarians, identifies the factors that shape these perceptions, and uses qualitative and quantitative data to explain the findings. Cognitive and affective factors relating to the principal’s formative and professional experiences with a school librarian constitute the internal factors. Student population, school, and districts in which the principal works are the external factors. Participants are Massachusetts principals in public or charter K-12 schools. The study finds that perceptions are shaped by professional experiences with librarians and external factors, such as budgets and district initiatives.

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