Value of the School Librarian

Concern: The position of school library media specialist is threatened by the failure of school levies and the greater dependence of school districts on dwindling state funds. Also, the perception among administrators that the job can be done by minimally trained staff.

Action: The Affiliate Assembly Executive Committee approved the Concern and sent it to the Affiliate Assembly for review. The Assembly chose to combine the concern with funding concerns from Regions 2, 5, and 7. The final concern passed to the AASL Board.

Revised Concern: The United States Department of Education’s federal accounting structure is outdated. Listing 'library services' as 'instructional support staff' instead of 'instructional staff' puts teacher librarian positions in risk of elimination due to the demand to increase classroom spending.

Action: The AASL Board responded by contacting the ALA Washington Office for fact finding.