School Library Funding Press Kit
Good school libraries are essential to a good education!
School libraries are considered a valued resource in many communities; however, funding cuts have resulted in the loss of school librarians, materials and technology training.
Why school libraries?
Recommendations:
If children are to be prepared for their future, they must have access to information and learn to use it in meaningful and productive ways. Recommendations of the American Library Association include:
- All school library media programs should be adequately funded to ensure that they include up-to-date collections in both print and electronic formats.
- All students should have the benefit of trained school librarian, who can guide them in learning to use and understand a wide variety of information sources.
- The school library program should be integrated with classroom curriculum so that students learn to make connections between subject areas, retrieve information and think independently.
Resources
American Association of School Librarians
State of America’s Libraries Report
School Libraries Count! survey
Report on English Language Learners
Improving Literacy Through School Libraries
Press Releases
AASL releases updated position statement on flexible scheduling
School librarians eagerly await response from the White House
AASL releases updated position statement on the role of the school library program
Two AASL committees turn White House petition for school libraries into teachable moment
Are school librarians endangered? Leaders share thoughts on the profession
ALA: Department of Education withdraws federal support for school libraries
ALA calls on Congress to restore support to libraries in FY2012 budget
School librarians identified as “go-to” person for digital content
School librarians valuable resource as digital content expands
School Libraries in the News
Map of the elimination of school library positions
View A Nation Without School Librarians in a larger map
This map marks the cities, towns, communities, and states that have made the decision to either eliminate school library positions (indicated in blue) or require one school librarian to work with two (2) or more school library programs throughout the week (indicated in red).
Member Resources
Add It Up: School Libraries make a difference
Where School Is Cool! Frontline Advocacy for School Libraries Toolkit
