Standards for U.S. School Libraries: A Systematic Review

This project presents a systematic review of school library standards in the United States, examining how national and state frameworks define expectations for K–12 school library programs. The review focuses on standards addressing instructional practice, professional staffing, collection development, technology integration, and equity of access. Particular attention is given to the National School Library Standards published by the American Association of School Librarians and representative state-level standards, including prescriptive models such as those adopted in California and Texas. Using a document-based qualitative methodology, this study analyzes authoritative, primary-source standards and guidance documents issued by professional associations, state education agencies, and state library agencies. The analysis explores conceptual alignment across standards, differences in specificity and enforcement, and the structural conditions required for effective implementation. The project situates school library standards as policy instruments that shape professional roles, instructional opportunities, and resource allocation within schools. The purpose of this work is to synthesize existing standards literature, identify persistent gaps between standards and practice, and contribute to scholarly discussions about the role of school libraries as instructional and equity-centered educational infrastructure. Findings are intended to inform future research, policy development, and professional advocacy in school librarianship. This project supports transparency and reproducibility by documenting analytic decisions and making materials publicly available through the Open Science Framework.