TABLE OF CONTENTS

TOPIC: The Impact of Library Access in Schools on the Development of Academic Literacy Skills........2
TASK 1....................................................................................................................................................2
1.1. Paragraph Plan for FIRST BODY PARAGRAPH..................................................................................2
1.2. Paragraph plan for SECOND BODY PARAGRAPH.............................................................................2
1.3. Paragraph Plan for FINAL BODY PARAGRAPH.................................................................................3
TASK 2:...................................................................................................................................................4
2. Introduction Plan:..............................................................................................................................4
2.1. Background statement:..................................................................................................................4
2.2. Position/Thesis statement:.............................................................................................................4
2.3. Essay outline:..................................................................................................................................4
TASK 3....................................................................................................................................................6
3. Conclusion Plan.................................................................................................................................6
3.1. Restate Your Position:....................................................................................................................6
3.2. Backing Statement:........................................................................................................................6
4. Reference List:...................................................................................................................................7
TOPIC: The Impact of Library Access in Schools on the Development of
Academic Literacy Skills

TASK 1

1.1. Paragraph Plan for FIRST BODY PARAGRAPH

Reason 1: Library access improves reading skills and enhance cognitive development.
Libraries provide students with access to a wide range of resources that can enhance their
academic literacy skills.
Evidence: Studies have shown that students who have access to a well-stocked library in
their schools have a higher reading level than those who do not have library access (Krashen,
2004; Wessels & Makeni-Saurombe, 2012). Moreover, the availability of various reading
materials, such as books, magazines, and newspapers, can improve students' reading habits
and help them develop a love for reading. Research studies show that students who have
access to well-stocked libraries tend to perform better academically (Krashen, 2004; Lance &
Hofschire, 2012). Furthermore, libraries provide students with access to books, journals, and
other resources that they may not have at home, thus increasing their academic literacy skills

1.2. Paragraph plan for SECOND BODY PARAGRAPH

Reason 2: The provision of library access in schools promotes independent learning and
research skills among students. Research is a lifelong worthy tool that is imperative to the
learner’s future educational endeavours.
Evidence for reason 2: According to a study by Tella et al., (2007), library access in schools
is essential in promoting independent learning and research skills among students. Students
who regularly visit the school library have better research skills and a higher level of
independence in their learning. Additionally, library access provides students with the
opportunity to explore new topics and ideas beyond what they learn in the classroom. This
independent learning can lead to better academic performance and a greater sense of self-
efficacy.
1.3. Paragraph Plan for FINAL BODY PARAGRAPH

Reason 3: Library access enhances academic performance. Library access in schools

contributes to the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills among
students.
Evidence: Several studies have found a positive correlation between library access and
academic achievement (Kannappanavar & Angadi, 2015; Lance & Loertscher, 2010). Access
to a library can provide students with resources to help them excel in their academic pursuits.
According to a study by Bilal (2000), students who frequently use the school library are more
likely to develop critical thinking skills than those who do not. Furthermore, access to a
variety of materials in the library can encourage students to think more critically about the
information they encounter, leading to better problem-solving skills as students are exposed
to different perspectives and must analyse and evaluate the information to form their own
opinions. (Bilal, 2000).
TASK 2:

2. Introduction Plan:

2.1. Background statement:

In South Africa, there is a significant literacy gap between students in urban areas and those
in rural areas. Many learners in disadvantaged communities lack basic reading and writing
skills, which can negatively affect their academic performance. Access to quality resources,
such as school libraries, has been identified as a potential solution to address this issue. The
importance of school libraries in South Africa cannot be understated, particularly in areas
where learners face significant barriers to academic success.
Access to information and knowledge is a basic human right, and libraries are one of the
essential means of ensuring access to information. It is widely believed that library access in
schools can have a significant impact on the development of academic literacy skills in
learners. However, the extent to which this impact is felt remains a subject of debate. This
essay argues that access to libraries in schools is essential for the development of academic
literacy skills in learners, particularly in disadvantaged communities.

2.2. Position/Thesis statement:

Access to a well-equipped library can significantly impact students' academic literacy skills
development, leading to improved academic performance and overall success. While some
may argue that library access is not essential for academic literacy development, this essay
will argue that it plays a crucial role in facilitating the acquisition of these skills in South
African schools. This essay argues that access to libraries in schools has a positive impact on
the development of academic literacy skills among students. The presence of libraries in
schools provides students with access to a diverse range of resources, including books,
academic journals, and multimedia materials, which play a crucial role in developing their
reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. Additionally, libraries offer a supportive learning
environment that can foster a love for learning and independent study.

2.3. Essay outline:

The essay will begin by discussing the importance of libraries in promoting literacy and
academic achievement. Furthermore, we will explore the impact of library access in schools
on the development of academic literacy skills. We will begin by discussing the importance
of school libraries in South Africa and the challenges facing learners in disadvantaged
communities. Next, we will examine the various ways in which school libraries can
contribute to the development of academic literacy skills. This will include a discussion of
the role of librarians, the availability of resources, and the impact of library programs.
Finally, we will consider the potential limitations of library access in schools and offer
recommendations for addressing these challenges.
It will then provide three distinct reasons why access to libraries in schools has a positive
impact on the development of academic literacy skills among students. The first reason is that
libraries offer a wide range of resources that can enhance students' reading and writing skills.
The second reason is that libraries provide a supportive learning environment that can foster a
love for learning and independent study. The third reason is that libraries help students
develop critical thinking skills by providing access to diverse perspectives and information.
Each reason will be supported by evidence from research studies and academic literature. The
essay will conclude by emphasizing the importance of libraries in promoting academic
literacy skills and the need to ensure access to libraries in all schools.
TASK 3

3. Conclusion Plan

3.1. Restate Your Position:

It is evident that library access in schools plays a vital role in the development of academic
literacy skills among students. The impact of library access in schools on the development of
academic literacy skills is significant. Therefore, the evidence clearly supports the argument
that library access in schools plays a vital role in enhancing academic literacy skills in
students. As such, policymakers, educators, and other stakeholders should prioritize the
establishment and maintenance of libraries in schools to ensure that all students have access
to the resources they need to succeed academically. In summary, the evidence presented in
this essay demonstrates the positive impact that library access in schools can have on
students' academic literacy skills. Libraries provide access to a wide range of resources and
programs that can help students develop essential skills and enhance their overall academic
performance

3.2. Backing Statement:

Throughout this essay, the importance of library access in schools has been discussed and
analysed, highlighting its significant impact on the academic literacy skills of students. In
conclusion, it is imperative for schools to provide students with adequate access to libraries to
ensure that they develop the necessary academic literacy skills that are essential for success in
their academic pursuits and beyond. The impact of library access in schools on the
development of academic literacy skills cannot be overstated. Libraries play a crucial role in
providing students with access to resources, promoting a culture of reading, and supporting
their learning process. Therefore, it is imperative that schools prioritize the establishment and
maintenance of libraries as an essential component of the educational infrastructure.
Furthermore, libraries can also promote a culture of reading, which is crucial for developing
strong literacy skills. By providing access to age-appropriate reading materials, libraries can
help students improve their reading comprehension, vocabulary, and language skills. This, in
turn, can have a positive impact on students' academic performance across all subject areas.
In addition, the availability of electronic databases and other online resources provided by
libraries can assist students in conducting research and developing critical thinking skills.
4. Reference List:
Wessels, A. J., & Mnkeni-Saurombe, S. (2012). Teachers’ use of a school library in a South
African township school: closing the literacy gap. Journal of Librarianship and Information
Science, 44(1), 17-28.
Krashen, S. (2004). The power of reading: Insights from the research. Westport, CT:
Libraries Unlimited.
Lance, K. C., & Loertscher, D. V. (2019). School librarians as educators: A statement of
policy. School Library Connection, 4(3), 16-19.
Tella, A; Ayena, K & Papoola, Z. (2017). Free voluntary reading: A new research agenda.
Language and literacy: A Canadian educational e-journal, 13(3), 1-13.