CHICAGO – The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) and the Public Library Association (PLA), both divisions of the American Library Association, have received a three-year National Leadership Project Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The $499,741 grant will be used to support “Bringing Home Early Literacy: Determining the Impact of Library Programming on Parent Behavior,” a research project that will examine how early literacy programming offered by public libraries affects parent behavior and engagement during their children’s most formative years.
Objectives of this project are to further establish and advance the valuable role of public libraries as partners in early literacy and community learning and to provide critically needed research on the impact of parent/caregiver intervention in young children’s reading success. PLA President Carolyn Anthony said, “This is such an exciting and important project. Not only will the research help refine the curriculum and practices of early literacy education for parents, it will also offer concrete evidence supporting yet another valuable aspect of libraries to their communities.”
“This project represents a huge opportunity for children's librarians to expand their community outreach," said ALSC President Starr LaTronica.”Our members offer dynamic and responsive programs that are designed to build a nation of readers. Through this project, we can look forward to examining the crucial role these programs play in heightening awareness of early literacy efforts."
The project will use the Every Child Ready to Read® @ your library® Second Edition (ECRR2) as the parent education model to study. Because ECRR2 promotes a common set of goals and program content for libraries, use of this model will insure consistency in the study. Susan Neuman, EdD, a professor specializing in early literacy development at the University of Michigan and at New York University, will lead the research throughout the three years.
The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) a division of the ALA, is the world’s largest organization dedicated to the support and enhancement of library service to children. With a network of more than 4,000 children’s and youth librarians, literature experts, publishers and educational faculty, ALSC is committed to creating a better future for children through libraries. To learn more about ALSC visit www.ala.org/alsc.
The Public Library Association (PLA) is a division of the American Library Association. PLA’s core purpose is to strengthen public libraries and their contribution to the communities they serve, and its mission is to enhance the development and effectiveness of public library staff and public library services. Learn more at www.pla.org.
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. Our mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Our grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow IMLS on Facebook and Twitter.
