Today’s students lack knowledge on how to access, synthesize and utilize primary and secondary sources to complete school research projects and meet standards. A shrinking number of school libraries further impedes students’ ability to build vital skills in critical thinking, problem solving and information and media literacy. This challenge is particularly heightened in urban education systems like New York’s, where socio-economic inequality and a lack of key educational resources, including teacher training opportunities, are prevalent.

Special collections are positioned to play an instrumental role in student achievement since Common Core’s implementation. "Brooklyn Connections" guides students through the research process, utilizing local archival resources to teach skills like document analysis, argument development and effective online research. Lessons are conducted almost entirely at schools, ensuring accessibility to underserved populations, with culminating student presentations at BPL. We are the sole New York public library system authorized to offer credit toward maintaining state teaching certificates.

Brooklyn Connections" demystifies the library and thus the research process by contextualizing major historical themes through a local history lens. The program has grown from 400 students in 10 schools to 2,000 in 35, with 13,000+ served since 2007. All participating teachers report that "Brooklyn Connections" is an effective use of classroom time, and that they would recommend the program. Most students (91 percent) gained interest in the library, and 74 percent better understand the research process.