School library media specialists are an integral part of the total educational team which prepares students to become responsible citizens in a changing global society. In today's information age, an individual's success, even existence, depends largely on the ability to access, evaluate and utilize information. Library media specialists are leaders in carrying out the school's instructional program through their separate but overlapping roles of information specialist, teacher and instructional consultant.
The GOALS 2000 challenge our nation to make education a top priority in preparing students to compete in the worldwide marketplace and make informed decisions about problems facing society. To guarantee every young person an equal and effective educational opportunity, officials must provide each school with library media facilities and resources to meet curriculum needs. Officials must also ensure that each school's staff includes library media professionals and support personnel to carry out the mission of the instructional program.
The American Association of School Librarians is committed to the development and improvement of strong library media programs in all schools. The ability to locate and use information in solving problems, expanding ideas and becoming informed citizens depends on access to adequate library media facilities, appropriate resources and qualified personnel. Recent studies, such as THE IMPACT OF SCHOOL LIBRARY MEDIA CENTERS ON ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT, show a strong positive correlation between library media programs and student achievement.
The American Association of School Librarians urges all administrators, teachers, school board members, parents and community members to recognize the power of information and the critical need for strong professionally staffed library media programs so all students become effective users of information.
American Association of School Librarians and Association for Educational Communications and Technology. INFORMATION POWER: GUIDELINES FOR SCHOOL LIBRARY MEDIA PROGRAMS. Chicago: ALA, 1988.
Lance, Keith Curry et al. THE IMPACT OF SCHOOL LIBRARY MEDIA CENTERS ON ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT. Castle Rock, CO: Hi Willow Research & Publishing, 1993.
Restructuring and School Libraries. (Special Section) NASSP BULLETIN 75 (May 1991): 1-58. (A Special Section on the School Library for the Nineties). PHI DELTA KAPPAN 73 (March 1992): 521-537.
Stripling, Barbara K. LIBRARIES FOR THE NATIONAL EDUCATION GOALS. Syracuse, NY: ERIC Clearinghouse on Information Resources, Syracuse University, 1992.