SoCal Libraries Social Media: Libraries and Student Success -By Melanie Gomez

Libraries and Student Success

By Melanie Gomez

Many people don’t realize libraries are so much more than places that house books. Libraries offer so many great opportunities to people of all ages and backgrounds. Libraries are an important part of our community, but did you know libraries also play an essential role in student success? Libraries not only provide students with access to academic resources and materials, but also foster a positive learning environment, promote critical thinking, and for the older students support career development!

Growing up the library was the place I went to study, focus and find resources. My school library provided the only place I knew where I could concentrate and effectively learn/finish homework. I also really benefited from free wifi and computer access when I needed to complete an online assignment. The library was my perfect place to focus on my studying and escape the distractions from home. I can confidently say utilizing the library and its resources helped me become a better student, grow academic skills, and largely improved my grades.

Schools and colleges around the world “all want students who know how to look for information, evaluate sources, organize research results, present ideas and conclusions, and document their work” (Neal 1). Libraries play a big part in fulfilling these standards. Libraries make “rich academic resources available, deliver the tools to find those resources, offer information literacy instruction, and in general assists students in their efforts to turn newfound knowledge into scholarly coursework” (Rose-Hellmann). However, on top of providing academic resources, access to materials, and a focused environment, many libraries also “offer tutoring services, technology support, and study groups that can make all the difference for students who are struggling with a particular subject” (The Relationship between Library Usage & Your GPA). By utilizing the library fully, students can improve their academic performance and at the same time, set themselves up on the path to success.

*Watch This*

Watch these amazing videos for more information on the huge impact libraries have with student success and why we need librarians!

We Need Librarians More Than Ever

How Librarians Can Help Students

The public library can help students succeed in school and life

The Power of School Librarians

Works Cited

Neal, Jim. “Fight for School Libraries: Student Success Depends on Them.” American

Libraries, vol. 49, no. 3/4, Mar. 2018, p. 4. EBSCOhost, research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=4c2b7f4b-8f3a-3992-b1d1-8f9e613676bf. Accessed 9 May 2025.

Rose-Hellmann, Inbal. “Role of the Library in Student Success.” Ex Libris, 8

Feb. 2022, exlibrisgroup.com/blog/initiatives-for-student-success-the-key-role-of-the-library/. Accessed 9 May 2025.

“The Relationship between Library Usage & Your GPA | ZotKey.” Uci.edu, 2015,