AASL Chapters Forum

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  • 1.  School libraries being managed by public libraries

    Posted Apr 30, 2014 08:52 PM

    It has come to my attention within the past two weeks that two school districts in New Jersey have or are considering dismissing their librarians and turning management of their school libraries over to their local public libraries, in effect making the school libraries "branches" of the public institutions. This would require the public libraries to staff the school libraries. I also received the following article in an email referencing similar action in Philadelphia. 



    School and public libraries function very differently and staff requirements are also very unique for each institution. I am interested in learning if this disturbing trend is any more widespread or is this just now beginning to take root. 


     


    Pam Gunter
    NJASL President






    Arleth Elementary School

    3198 Washington Road

    Parlin, NJ 08859


    Sayreville Public Library

    1050 Washington Road
    Parlin, NJ 08859

     



  • 2.  RE: School libraries being managed by public libraries

    Posted May 01, 2014 08:37 AM
    Yes, unfortunately, this is another way to chip at the school library. There are a few school districts in Ohio where this is also being done. Maybe we need an infographic to define the major differences between the two!
                   
    Sue Subel
    Library Media Specialist
    2014 OELMA Immediate Past President
    Kenston High School
    9500 Bainbridge Road
    Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44023
    440.543.9821x3040
    sue.subel@kenstonlocal.org

    Proud Member of OELMA since March 1998
    From: ALA Connect [connect@ala.org]
    Sent: Wednesday, April 30, 2014 10:55 PM
    To: Subel, Sue
    Subject: [ALA Connect] AASL Affiliate Assembly - School libraries being managed bypublic libraries (new)



  • 3.  RE: School libraries being managed by public libraries

    Posted May 01, 2014 01:37 PM
    We are seeing it NJ as well.  We need support on this from the Public Libraries.  There is a major ALA initiative focused on supporting school libraries so our public librarian colleagues should be mindful about selling us out.

    On Thu, May 1, 2014 at 10:40 AM, ALA Connect <connect@ala.org> wrote:


  • 4.  RE: School libraries being managed by public libraries

    Posted May 04, 2014 01:10 PM

    So far I've not heard of this in New York State.

     



  • 5.  RE: School libraries being managed by public libraries

    Posted May 13, 2014 07:46 PM

    Actually, Karen, I met a Public Services Consultant and Outreach Coordinator for the Ramapo Catskill NY Library System while in DC for National Library Legislative Days. She said this is happening in her region. She said one county alone eliminated 14 school librarians in the past year or two. One whose job was saved believes it was because she wrote a detailed year long curriculum tied to her district's standards to illustrate just what she does and why she was needed, in addition to getting teachers to write supporting statements. We have to educate our administrators and coworkers about what we do and get them on board before this becomes an issue.

     

    Pam Gunter
    NJASL President

    Arleth Elementary School
    3198 Washington Road
    Parlin, NJ 08859

    Sayreville Public Library
    1050 Washington Road
    Parlin, NJ 08859



  • 6.  RE: School libraries being managed by public libraries

    Posted May 14, 2014 05:52 PM
    This is interesting and somewhat surprising for me to learn, Pam.  It's the first that I've heard of public libraries taking charge of school libraries in New York State.
    I have been acutely aware of school librarians who have been let go because of lack of funding from cash strapped school districts all over the state.
    I will look into this, of course.
    Yes, it's extremely important to have administrators and coworkers speaking for school librarians.  Students and parents can be great advocates for us also.
    Thanks for the "heads up"!

    On Tue, May 13, 2014 at 9:55 PM, ALA Connect <connect@ala.org> wrote: