Reprinted upon request of KASL members
Remarks to KASL Conference
April 3, 2009
Thank you so much for inviting me to speak at the conference – it is my honor to do so. I especially like the theme, “Expect Excellence.” It is not only descriptive of what can be expected in school libraries, but it is also a call to action for all of us who work in libraries today.
The times are serious, both financially and in world events, so I wanted to do a lighthearted speech. But every time I sat down to scribble my notes, I came back to the same question that has bothered me for years: why are school libraries – which are so vital to the education of our youth – constantly under the gun? Why are they not valued for what they are – the heart of the school? Why aren’t they the best funded part of the school?
I wish I had an answer.
Not long ago, Jackie Lakin asked me to weigh in on an issue at the KSDE about school libraries. Apparently there are some school districts in Kansas who – being hard pressed financially – are cutting costs by reducing or eliminating their libraries. At point was a QPA guidance being considered by the KSDE that would allow the school district to fulfill their obligation to provide library service by substituting access to the public library. That is unbelieveable! Jackie asked me to write a letter about this, and I thought I’d take a few moments to read it to you. It is addressed to Dr. Diane DeBacker who is the deputy commissioner at KSDE.
Dear Dr. DeBacker:
As State Librarian, I am very disappointed in the QPA guidance which allows substitution of public library services for school library services. This will serve as an unfunded mandate to the 330 public libraries in Kansas and will unfairly penalize school students all over the state.
Why should the public library not substitute for a school library?
• Public library collections rarely meet all the needs of students.
Public libraries do not build collections that support the local school curriculum. And, as good as public libraries in Kansas are, many small local libraries do not have sufficient funding to develop a good collection for their community, let alone expand it to include school materials. Thus, the materials would not be available and learning would suffer.
Also, there are logistics to consider: if the public library served as the school library, how would they become aware of the research material needed for homework assignments? Would teachers call the public library ahead of time in order to assure that the materials are there and available for the children to use? And if the materials were not available, would the school curriculum need to be changed to accommodate the inadequate collection?
• Students need School Media Specialists for adequate library service
School library media specialists are just that – education specialists. They are teachers with a vital role in student instruction and provide students from primary through high school with the skills that aid them in using a library and in doing basic research. The school library media specialists are also there for the teachers – to assist in their special instruction and assignment needs. They are familiar with the curriculum, can communicate with teachers directly and can purchase materials to assist the students and teachers with their school needs.
The public library has a broader focus and few would have the staff or expertise to offer bibliographic instruction to students. Public librarians have a wide variety of duties and a large clientele that may include preschoolers to senior citizens. Rarely would there be time for public library staff to teach children library skills and lessons that they will need for college and careers.
• Resources would not be readily available to the student in a public library
Students should have resources available immediately at the point of need. Substituting the public library for the school library will necessitate the student waiting until after school for needed materials … if they can even get to the library. Many children may never make it to the public library, as parents are working or may not have the transportation needed to make sure the student gets there.
Most college teaching staff say that they can tell after only a few minutes of working with students whether the school they attended had a library available for them to use. How? By the quality of their library/literacy skills. Those with libraries and full-time school librarians in their school buildings come to college knowing how to use a library and how to do the research they need. It is vital that we support the retention of school libraries and school library media specialists. A well-staffed school library is the learning heart of the school. Without that heart, it is just a matter of time before the education provided by the school is inadequate and the students achieve less than their potential.
Sincerely,
Christie Brandau
State Librarian of Kansas
It makes me angry that it was even necessary to write such a letter. When did it become okay to devalue the school library? When did it even enter the state and national conversation that school libraries were a luxury that could be expended when times got tough?
I will continue to do what I can at my level, but I can only do so much. The real powerhouses are you – the school librarians. Let the administration know that it wouldn’t work to substitute the public library and why. Let them know how you contribute to education and toot your horn loud and clear about the importance of school libraries.
And the best thing you can do, of course, is to make the service you provide in your library so good, that everyone can “expect excellence.” Thank you.
