- [ Resources ](/resources)
 
 Share- [  ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https://about.ebsco.com/markdownify/node/162281)
- [  ](<http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=The Power of Research: Supporting SEL in Schools&url=https://about.ebsco.com/markdownify/node/162281&via=EBSCO>)
- [  ](< http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://about.ebsco.com/markdownify/node/162281&title=The Power of Research: Supporting SEL in Schools&summary=&source=>)
- [  ](<mailto:?subject=Thought you might want to read this...&body=The Power of Research: Supporting SEL in Schools%0D%0Ahttps://about.ebsco.com/markdownify/node/162281>)
 
 



  ##  The Power of Research: Supporting SEL in Schools 

   [Infographic](/taxonomy/term/111)    | 19 November 2025  

 Discover the power of social emotional learning (SEL) in schools and see high-level results from our 2025 survey with *School Library Journal*. Learn how librarians are transforming student research into a journey of empathy, decision-making and confidence.



  

 

 ![infographic highlighting results from 2025 School Library Journal SEL in K-12 classrooms survey report](https://assets.ebsco.com/asset/977d7f02-4bfe-436b-bae3-836625c9e603/Supporting-Social-Emotional-Learning-SEL-in-Schools-Infographic.png)

 

####  Alternative Text Format |   [  Download ](javascript:void(0))  

 ### The Power of Research: Supporting SEL in Schools

 <a style="display:none; "> Ref Link: https://about.ebsco.com/markdownify/node/162281</a>## The Power of Research: Supporting SEL in Schools

In 2025, *School Library Journal* and EBSCO surveyed 446 school librarians to better understand how social and emotional learning (SEL) connects with information literacy and student research skills. The findings highlight the essential role of librarians in helping students build empathy, strengthen decision-making, and develop meaningful research habits that extend beyond academics.

### Extent to which information literacy skills support SEL

- 51% - great extent
- 42% - moderate extent
- 7% - small extent

### SEL competencies most supported by research and information literacy instruction

- Social awareness – 84%
- Responsible decision making – 83%
- Self-awareness – 69%
- Self-management – 61%
- Relationship skills – 58%

**8 out of 10 librarians** say engaging in research projects helps students develop empathy and perspective-taking.

**7 out of 10 librarians** say time constraints prevent them from integrating SEL into research instruction.

“Research helps us understand the world and appreciate various perspectives. This is how we learn to connect as human beings and global citizens.”

— K-12 school librarian from North Carolina

### Top activities used to support SEL through research

1. Personal reflection prompts
2. Topic choice autonomy
3. Debates/discussions
4. Group research projects
5. Peer review

### Library resources most often used to support SEL

1. Biographies
2. Primary sources
3. Social issues databases
4. Literature/fiction databases
5. Health and wellness databases

### Outcomes observed in students who engage deeply with research projects

- More thoughtful communication – 60%
- Greater confidence – 58%
- Increased empathy – 51%
- Improved collaboration - 45%
- Stronger decision-making – 42%
- Resilience after setbacks – 30%

“Research projects can act as structured opportunities for students to step outside themselves, hear new stories, and wrestle with multiple interpretations of reality. This not only strengthens academic skills but also nurtures more compassionate and open-minded learners.”

— High school librarian from Illinois

#### Source

[*School Library Journal. (2025). From curiosity to connection: How research activities foster SEL in K-12 classrooms \[Survey report\].*](/resources/curiosity-connection-how-research-activities-foster-sel-k-12-classrooms)



 

  

 

#### You might also be interested in

   ![](https://assets.ebsco.com/asset/8b5ad26d-b064-41b7-8d76-7307e00aece1/ebsco-timeline-video-image-780.png)   ##  Celebrating EBSCO Milestones in Partnership with Libraries

  [ Watch video ](/resources/celebrating-ebsco-milestones-partnership-libraries) 

   ![health-Market-Guide-image-780.jpg](https://about.ebsco.com/sites/default/files/acquiadam-assets/health-Market-Guide-image-780.jpg)   ##  EBSCO Health Care Solutions

  [ View market guide ](/resources/ebsco-health-care-solutions) 

   ![illustrated compass pointing to various school subjects](https://assets.ebsco.com/asset/f11bdbf4-999a-4c55-b5dc-a6ef1907680e/ultimate-databases-school-public-libraries-thumbnail-image-780.png)   ##  Ultimate Databases for Schools and Public Libraries

  [ View overview ](/resources/ultimate-databases-schools-and-public-libraries)