Staffing levels will be increasing in Pennsylvania school libraries for the 2015-2016 school year. It seems like I'm finally seeing more good news about school libraries these days!
Three years ago, 100 school librarian positions were eliminated in Pennsylvania. The Department of Education is rethinking this decision thanks to persuasive testimonies from parents, students, and others in the community. I'm so glad to know that others are taking a stand for school libraries.
So far, the state of Kentucky has been fortunate to keep a certified librarian in every school. The unfortunate part is that many districts are starting to split librarians between two (or more) schools, but that's more of the exception than the rule in my part of the state.
Stephanie says
Hi Jocelyn,
I'm a Library Technician working in a rapidly growing school board in Ontario. I'm very fortunate to be working for a school that supports the library so well and highly encourages the move towards the 'learning commons' goal. Sadly this isn't the case everywhere. I'm originally from Windsor, Ont. where the Catholic board has decided to eliminate their libraries completely. Three years ago they laid off all of their librarians and technicians and dispersed the library collection to all the classes. The libraries were to be turned into 21st century libraries with ipads, computers, tablets, ebook stations etc.. Unfortunately this has not happened. They assumed that technology would be cheaper to have than the staff to run it. Budget cuts fell to the libraries instead of the board members growing pockets. It's been three long years and all the library has been used for is before and after school child care. Both the parents and teachers stood up against the change and unfortunately the board would not change it's mind. I'm thrilled to hear that schools such as my current one and the ones in Pennsylvania are thriving and growing. I know that having a school library greatly enforces the love of reading in children and I'm so proud to be a part of that. I just wish everyone would realize that!
* Many families have left the board because they have little confidence in it. While the committee doesn’t have qualitative data, there is “ample” anecdotal evidence that families refuse to send their children to a school without a library.
Jocelyn says
Stephanie, This is great. I am so glad to see people standing up for school libraries. Technology doesn't do us a lot of good if students lack the skills to properly use it.
Zinnia says
I left a district that had split librarians at 2 libraries. I'm now at a great district that doesn't split librarians at all BUT they took away our assistants and doesn't have a designated directory. 🙁