Advocating for School Libraries

Presented by Judi ParadisPresident-Elect

Massachusetts School Library Association

Why do we need school

libraries anyway?

We have a nice children’s room at the public library….

School libraries

• Users are the school community (primarily students and teachers)

• Teaches information retrieval, evaluation and use

• Collaborates with teachers to develop and teach curriculum projects

• Collection reflects the curriculum

Public libraries• Users are the general public

(preK-grade 12, parents, adults interested in children’s literature)

• Provides access to materials for the community

• Collection supports entire community including recreational reading, homework support

http://mslaplanning.pbworks.com/f/SimDiff-color.pdf

Status of School

Libraries in Massachusetts

….

Depends on where you are!

We want to find out where things

stand…..Bill H.2993 188th (Current) An Act creating a special commission on school library services in the CommonwealthBy Mr. Garballey of Arlington, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2993) of Sean Garballey and others relative to establishing a special commission (including members of the General Court) to make an investigation and study concerning school library services in the Commonwealthhttp://www.malegislature.gov/Bills/188/House/H2993

Establish a commission to

assess… • Which districts have school libraries

• Staffing—professionals?

• Collections—– print and nonprint– Age of materials

• Spending on materials

Look at Pennsylvania!

http://paschoollibraryproject.org/content.php?pid=289948&sid=3234452

Our students need support

• Awareness of school library programs in our communities

• Advocating at the local level to support library programs

• MSLA Friends• Legislative support

for bill H.2993 and S.1475