Access to Resources and Services in the School Library: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights
School libraries are dynamic learning environments. They bridge the gap between access and opportunity for all learners. The American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights applies to all school libraries. This means every student should have equitable access to the library’s facilities, resources, and programs. School libraries play a crucial role in supporting learners’ freedom to explore and learn about different ideas. School libraries should be staffed by full-time certified librarians. School librarians play a crucial role in the ongoing process of selecting, acquiring, evaluating, and deselecting library materials. They do this to ensure the collection meets the diverse needs of learners and supports their intellectual freedom rights. School librarians consider curriculum requirements, learner interests, and community needs.
School libraries ensure that students of all abilities can fully participate in their education. They do this by integrating adaptive technologies and digital resources into the curriculum and classrooms in collaboration with teachers. This inclusive approach makes sure everyone can join in discussions, a vital part of a democracy. It also ensures that every student has equitable access to information.
School librarians ensure access for all learners by including resources in different languages, not just English. When choosing materials, school librarians should consider the languages of learners in their community. These resources assist learners who are learning English and allows all learners to see and learn about different languages.
School librarians choose materials that meet the needs and maturity levels of the learners. These resources:
- support the school’s goals and curriculum;
- offer a variety of viewpoints on both current and historical issues, including those considered controversial;
- foster intellectual growth and personal development; and
- meet learners’ recreational reading needs.
By providing these resources, school librarians support lifelong learning for all students.
School librarians select materials that support the curriculum and independent reading. They do this without letting personal beliefs or biases get in the way. The goal is to provide access to resources and services without restrictions imposed by personal beliefs or group opinions. Common barriers that prevent students from accessing resources in school libraries include:
- age- or grade-level restrictions
- limitations on interlibrary loans
School library policies should remove any barriers and support free and open access to information. School librarians recognize that every parent reserves the right to guide what their learner reads and to select instructional resources that support their family’s unique set of views and opinions but this right to exercise control extends only to their own learner.
The role of school librarians extends beyond the library walls. They provide transformational leadership that prepares students to excel in a complex, interconnected world. School boards are responsible for supporting these roles. They do this by creating policies that:
- ensure students can access a wide range of ideas;
- foster a well-rounded educational experience; and
- prepare students for lifelong success.
Policies should include how to handle concerns about library resources in a fair and timely manner and should include a certified school librarian in the review process for challenged materials. The review process should be guided by professional standards and educational relevance, not by partisan or doctrinal viewpoints. School librarians should implement these policies to make sure all students have equitable access to the library’s resources and services.
Adopted July 2, 1986, by the ALA Council; amended January 10, 1990; July 12, 2000; January 19, 2005; July 2, 2008; July 1, 2014; and June 29, 2025.
