The concept of student success has undergone a profound transformation in recent years, expanding from a limited focus on academic achievement to a comprehensive framework that includes persistence, engagement, equity, and wellness. At the heart of this evolution lies the emergence of the Student Success Librarian, a role that redefines traditional librarianship by embedding it directly into institutional goals related to retention, graduation, and student support. While the title is more commonly found in higher education settings, the philosophy and approach are increasingly relevant to K–12 schools seeking to foster academic resilience, equity, and whole-child development. This report explores the core functions, competencies, trends, and institutional significance of the modern student success librarian while examining its application in both college and school environments.
Unlike traditional library roles focused primarily on resource management, reference services, and passive instructional support, student success librarians are deeply integrated into the educational infrastructure of their institutions. Their responsibilities extend far beyond managing collections or offering research help on demand. These professionals proactively engage in curriculum design, co-teach in first-year experience courses, organize outreach programs targeting first-generation and underserved students, and collaborate closely with student affairs, academic advising, and other non-library units (Mowreader, 2023). By leveraging institutional data and learning analytics, they identify students who are at risk of disengagement or academic failure and intervene early through personalized support, workshops, or referrals. Their work encompasses everything from academic coaching and skill-building to mental wellness programming and inclusive engagement practices, effectively placing them at the nexus of academic and student life (ACRL, 2025).
The emergence of this role is not arbitrary but rather the result of several converging educational trends. One of the most significant drivers is the shift toward outcomes-based education. Institutions across all levels are under mounting pressure to demonstrate success not merely in terms of student enrollment but in measurable achievements such as retention rates, degree completion, and post-graduation readiness (CAP, 2022). Libraries, in turn, are being called upon to justify their contributions to these outcomes. This has led many institutions to reorient their library services toward tangible student success metrics. The first-year experience movement has also been instrumental, encouraging colleges and universities to embed support services early and consistently. Student success librarians have capitalized on this momentum by integrating into onboarding processes, orientation events, and foundational curriculum (Emerson, 2023).
In parallel, the exponential growth of hybrid and online learning has necessitated a reimagining of library services. Student success librarians have taken the lead in embedding resources into learning management systems, designing asynchronous tutorials, and ensuring that virtual learners have equitable access to support (Christner, 2024). The rising use of data analytics has further opened new avenues for targeted intervention. Libraries now harness usage patterns, survey data, and academic performance indicators to identify under-engaged students (John Jay College Library, 2019). Additionally, the growing recognition that academic achievement cannot be divorced from personal wellness and mental health has brought student success librarians into collaboration with counseling and wellness offices. Their involvement in stress-reduction events, peer mentorship programs, and social-emotional learning spaces reflects a holistic approach to student well-being (Mowreader, 2023). Overlaying all these trends is a sharpened institutional focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Student success librarians are often at the forefront of initiatives aimed at closing opportunity gaps by offering culturally relevant programming, curating inclusive collections, and creating safe spaces for historically marginalized students (ACRL, 2025).
To operate effectively in this evolving landscape, the student success librarian must possess a rich and varied skill set. Instructional competence remains a cornerstone, as these librarians frequently design and deliver workshops, co-teach research units, and assess student learning outcomes (ACRL, 2025). However, this pedagogical ability is complemented by interpersonal and student support skills. Successful practitioners build strong rapport with students, offer tailored academic guidance, and demonstrate deep empathy for diverse needs. Cultural competency is essential, as is an understanding of student development theory. Equally important is the capacity to collaborate across departmental lines, manage multi-stakeholder projects, and communicate the value of library services to non-library audiences (Benner et al., 2022). Technological fluency is another vital asset, enabling these librarians to leverage digital tools for instruction, outreach, and resource access. Finally, assessment and data literacy empower them to measure their impact and refine their approaches continuously (Ithaka S+R, 2022).
The impact of this role on student success is substantial and increasingly supported by empirical evidence. In higher education, numerous studies have documented a strong correlation between library engagement and student achievement. Students who attend library instruction sessions, consult with librarians, or utilize library resources tend to earn higher grades and persist at higher rates than their peers (Bladek, 2019). These outcomes hold even when controlling for demographic factors, suggesting that library support adds unique value to the student experience. At institutions such as Grand Valley State University and Indiana University Kokomo, analyses have shown that structured library interventions contribute positively to first-year GPA and retention (John Jay College Library, 2019). Student success librarians amplify this impact by ensuring that such interventions are deliberate, sustained, and targeted at students most in need of support. Their early engagement strategies, academic workshops, and personal coaching all contribute to increased confidence, skill acquisition, and academic resilience (Primary Research Group, 2019).
Beyond grades and retention, these librarians also enhance students’ sense of belonging, a critical predictor of persistence and well-being. By fostering welcoming environments and inclusive programming, they help students feel seen, supported, and valued (Emerson, 2023). This is especially important for first-generation students, students of color, LGBTQ+ students, and others who may experience feelings of isolation or marginalization. A student success librarian’s commitment to equity extends to their outreach practices, which often include focused support for transfer students, English language learners, and students with disabilities. In this way, the role contributes not just to overall student success but to the reduction of systemic disparities in educational outcomes (Benner et al., 2022).
In K–12 education, while the title “student success librarian” is not widely used, the principles underpinning the role are already present in the best school library programs. School librarians have long been champions of student achievement, especially in reading and information literacy. Decades of research confirm that the presence of a certified, full-time librarian is positively correlated with higher standardized test scores, greater reading proficiency, and stronger academic performance across subjects (Lance & Kachel, 2018). This impact is especially pronounced in high-poverty schools, where librarians often serve as the most consistent source of individualized support and literacy intervention. For example, large-scale studies in Pennsylvania and Colorado have demonstrated that students in schools with robust library programs outperform their peers, with the greatest benefits accruing to Black, Latino, and low-income students (CAP, 2022). These findings underscore the equity function of school librarianship and suggest that student success–oriented librarianship is not only possible but urgently needed in K–12 settings.
Despite this potential, systemic challenges hinder the integration of student success librarianship in schools. Budget cuts and shifting priorities have led to a steady decline in certified librarian positions over the past two decades. In some districts, school libraries have been closed entirely or repurposed for non-instructional functions. The devaluation of the librarian’s role stems partly from misconceptions about their relevance in the digital age. Many administrators and policymakers continue to perceive librarians as dispensable luxury positions rather than instructional partners and academic interventionists (Benner et al., 2022). This is despite mounting evidence that librarians contribute directly to improved literacy rates, critical thinking, and student engagement.
Nevertheless, there are signs of progress and opportunity. Legislative proposals like the “Right to Read Act” advocate for restoring librarian positions in high-need schools as part of national literacy initiatives (American Library Association, 2023). Some districts are reinvesting in school libraries, recognizing them as hubs for innovation, equity, and student support. Forward-thinking school librarians are transforming their libraries into vibrant learning commons, complete with makerspaces, technology centers, and collaborative learning zones (Christner, 2024). These spaces not only attract students but also provide essential resources for inquiry-based learning, project development, and creative expression. By facilitating cross-curricular projects, teaching media and digital literacy, and hosting student-led initiatives, school librarians position themselves as key contributors to student success. Their work in supporting reading development, guiding research, and mentoring students in academic skills reflects a philosophy closely aligned with that of the student success librarian in higher education.
Implementation models from both sectors provide valuable insights into the impact of student success librarianship. At the University of Illinois, the student success librarian works alongside advisors and wellness staff to deliver holistic student support. Programs include academic goal-setting sessions, library-tutoring center collaborations, and identity-affirming events (Mowreader, 2023). At Sul Ross State University, the librarian for student success embedded into the first-year seminar program and helped redesign instructional services for distance learners, ensuring equitable support across modalities (Christner, 2024). In the Delaware Public School system, a district-wide investment in school libraries—including hiring full-time certified librarians—led to substantial gains in reading and writing achievement (Library Research Service, 2022). These examples demonstrate the versatility of the role and the outcomes it can achieve when given adequate support and institutional alignment.
The job outlook for student success librarianship reflects the broader trends of each educational sector. In higher education, the role is one of the fastest-growing specializations in academic libraries. As institutions strive to meet accountability standards and improve student retention, they are increasingly hiring librarians with a mandate to contribute directly to these goals (Ithaka S+R, 2022). The professional community has responded by creating dedicated networks, publications, and conferences focused on student success in librarianship. Many universities now consider library involvement in retention strategies a strategic necessity. The future may see further specialization within the role, such as librarians focusing exclusively on online learners, career readiness, or underserved populations.
In K–12 settings, the outlook is more variable. Although the number of school librarians has declined, recent advocacy and policy shifts suggest a potential resurgence. If educational equity and literacy remain policy priorities, school librarians are well-positioned to reassert their value as critical support personnel (Benner et al., 2022). Their contributions to reading development, technology integration, and personalized learning align closely with district improvement goals. However, realizing this potential will require ongoing advocacy, professional development, and a strategic reframing of the librarian’s role from passive resource manager to active instructional leader. Where school leaders and communities embrace this shift, student success librarianship in K–12 has a viable and exciting future.
In conclusion, the modern student success librarian exemplifies the evolving mission of libraries in the twenty-first century. By integrating instruction, outreach, wellness, and equity into a single, student-centered framework, this role reimagines what librarianship can accomplish. It places librarians not on the periphery of the educational experience but at its core, working hand in hand with educators, advisors, and students to foster academic excellence, persistence, and belonging. As education systems continue to grapple with complex challenges—from pandemic recovery to digital equity to mental health—the student success librarian offers a model of innovative, responsive, and human-centered support. Whether on a college campus or in a K–12 school, this role embodies the highest ideals of education: that every student matters, and that with the right support, every student can succeed.
References
American Library Association. (2023). Right to Read Act – Summary and Legislative Status. Retrieved from https://www.ala.org
Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL). (2025). Student success librarianship: Critical perspectives on an evolving profession. ACRL Publications.
Benner, M., Brown, C., & Wilhelm, M. (2022). Investing in school libraries and librarians to improve literacy outcomes. Center for American Progress.
Bladek, M. (2019). Academic libraries and student success: What research tells us. John Jay College Library Blog. https://www.lib.jjay.cuny.edu/blog/academic-libraries-and-student-success
Christner, L. (2024). Beyond books: Three ways school librarians can support student success. District Administration Magazine.
Emerson, M. (2023). Librarians as promoters of student success early in college. Inside Higher Ed. https://www.insidehighered.com/news
Ithaka S+R. (2022). US library survey 2022: Library directors’ perspectives. Ithaka S+R Research Reports.
John Jay College Library. (2019). Library engagement and GPA retention correlation report. Internal Publication.
Lance, K. C., & Kachel, D. E. (2018). Why school librarians matter: What years of research tell us. Phi Delta Kappan, 99(7), 15–20.
Library Research Service. (2022). School libraries impact studies: Delaware and beyond. Colorado Department of Education.
Mowreader, A. (2023). Student success in academic libraries. Inside Higher Ed. Retrieved from https://www.insidehighered.com
Primary Research Group. (2019). Profiles of academic library efforts to enhance student retention. Primary Research Press.