The United States no longer has a workforce dependent on operating machinery and performing repetitive tasks. Educators are therefore challenged to change the way students learn and to provide a workforce that is innovative and that has the ability to design new jobs. To do this, students must learn to be problem solvers, to create products that meet real needs, to demonstrate leadership in presenting ideas, and to connect learning to community imperatives. School libraries can help meet these challenges for all students. School library programs provide context to learning, synthesis of curriculum, and real-life applications of concepts. They can act as the great equalizer when it comes to educating all students and preparing them for the 21st century, and they can offer all students resources and information that can support every facet of their life and learning. Over 60 studies have affirmed the link between school library media specialists and student achievement. School libraries thus need to be acknowledged as major players in student academic achievement. (Contains 3 online resources.)