Recording

(50:57)

📌 Key Highlights from Dr. Karger’s Presentation

📚 Research Focus

  • Investigates how capital investments in public libraries (e.g., new buildings, renovations) affect children’s academic outcomes, particularly test scores.
  • Based on joint research with Greg Gilpin (Montana State University) and Peter Nencka (Miami University of Ohio).

📊 Data Sources

  • Public Library Survey (PLS) from IMLS: Tracks library spending, programming, circulation, and attendance.
  • Stanford Education Data Archive (SEDA): Harmonized test score data for grades 3–8 across U.S. school districts.

📈 Findings

  • Library usage increases significantly (up to 30%) after capital investments:
    • Visits
    • Children’s material circulation
    • Attendance at children’s events
  • Reading test scores improve 3–5 years after investment (0.02–0.03 standard deviation increase).
  • Math scores show smaller, less consistent gains.
  • Effects are localized—benefits are seen in communities near the improved libraries.
  • Smaller investments do not yield the same academic benefits.