For immediate release | March 16, 2022

Literacy and wellbeing at school libraries

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CHICAGO — Research has repeatedly linked school libraries and qualified staff to student literacy gains. With the number of students who struggle with basic literacy skills increasing in many nations, school libraries can play an important role in improving the academic, vocational, and social outcomes for these young people, thereby increasing their opportunities. Fostering student wellbeing is also a key priority for schools given the challenges young people face in current times. “,” published by Facet Publishing and available through the Store, seeks to promote greater understanding of the links between reading, literacy, and wellbeing that could help students cope with modern challenges. Dr. Margaret K. Merga explores the role of the school library and library professionals in leading this approach and highlights how literacy and wellbeing education and support sit within this. The book pays specific attention to how school library professionals build reading engagement and promote student wellbeing through various approaches, such as fostering health literacy and creating nurturing environments.

Readers will be empowered to build a case for the importance of their role and library, and audit their current literacy and wellbeing offerings, and adjust or extend them where applicable based on best practice. The book also explores some of the many challenges facing school libraries and their professional staff that may need to be mitigated to ensure that they can reach their full potential for supporting student literacy and wellbeing.

Dr. Merga is an honorary adjunct at the University of Newcastle, Australia and a senior researcher in literacy, library and research communication. She also works as an author and consultant at Merga Consulting, supporting schools and professional associations seeking to build school reading cultures and enhance school library advocacy. She has previously consulted with schools, professional associations, research entities and government departments on a range of literacy and library initiatives, such as the Department of Education Western Australia's Never Stop Reading initiative. Since 2012, she has led or been involved in 18 research projects on libraries, literacy, higher education communication and/or workforce issues. She has shared findings from her research in invited keynotes and conference papers at virtual conferences internationally, and has published more than 85 peer-reviewed journal articles and three research-informed books.

, the commercial publishing and bookselling arm of CILIP: the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals, is the leading publisher of books for library and information professionals worldwide. Many book retailers and distributors are experiencing service disruptions or delays, including Amazon. For speediest service, from the Store. purchases fund advocacy, awareness and accreditation programs for library and information professionals worldwide. publishes resources used by library and information professionals, scholars, students, and educators to improve programs and services, build on best practices, enhance pedagogy, share research, develop leadership, and promote advocacy. authors and developers are leaders in their fields, and their content is published in a variety of print and electronic formats. Contact Editions | Neal-Schuman at editionsmarketing@ala.org.

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