School Library Staffed by Full-Time School Librarians

Approved: 2008

Reaffirmed: 2015; 2022

Whereas,	Business leaders see a significant deficiency among recently hired high school graduates in their ability to solve problems and apply critical thinking skills they need in a knowledge-based economy.
Whereas,	High School students who receive direct library skills instructions score significantly higher on the posttest of basic college library information than do students who do not receive such instruction; and
Whereas,	The National Council of Teachers of English recognize that resource-rich school libraries and credential school  librarians play key roles in promoting information literacy. These professional librarians help students acquire critical thinking skills and increase their global awareness; and
Whereas,	Educational research demonstrates that the services of professional school librarians, well-funded collections,  and rich digital resources enhance student achievement. When classroom teachers collaborate with full-time,  credentialed school librarians to design, implement and assess instruction, student achievement increases significantly, and
Whereas,	The National Educational Technology Standards require students to have the ability to choose appropriate tools  and information resources to support research and solve real work problems. They recognize that certified library  media specialists are critical instructional partners who will help children to interpret a wide variety of information; and
Whereas,	The International Reading Association is calling for increased funding for libraries. Many school libraries are experiencing staff reductions, fewer books for each child, and books in poor condition; and
Whereas,	School libraries build their collections in direct connection to what is being taught in the classroom. Many of our children do not have support to access to public libraries in order to select materials or access electronic  resources necessary to complete their class assignments; and
Whereas,	Library expenditures per pupil have decreased since 1985; therefore be it
Resolved,	That the NJPTA urges its PTAs, NJDOE, USDOE, local, state, and federal governments to make an increased  investment in funding quality school library programs, staffed with credentialed school librarians, accessible to all children.