Several scientific studies (see CVUSD Library Plan) have shown that better library staffing is related to better reading achievement. This makes sense: certificated school librarians are, in reality, Library Media Teachers (LMTs). They are information experts. They help faculty and students deal with the proliferation of information bombarding us daily, helping students develop higher-level thinking skills to access, evaluate, apply, and communicate information. LMTs are also reading experts, helping children find interesting books to read for enjoyment. Independent recreational reading is known to be a powerful means of developing literacy and, as such, is a key component of the CA English/Language Arts Standards.

California already ranks last in the US in library staffing, with one Library Media Teacher for every 4500 children, compared to the national average of one for every 900 children. This is not the time to make a bad situation even worse, analogous to eliminating metalworkers during the Iron Age. The differences between classified and certificated library staff are the same as those between teacher's aide and teacher, nurse's aide and nurse, or secretary and principal.

LMTs collaborate with classroom teachers to design quality learning experiences to meet state content standards. They teach information literacy and research skills that are critical to success in school and beyond. Practically speaking, LMTs need to be available for the entire school day to work with all a teacher's classes, if not every day.

Libraries are the verbs in the content standards. Wherever verbs such as read, research, analyze, explore, examine, compare, contrast, understand, interpret, investigate, and find appear in the standards, library media teachers and library resources are involved. LMTs assist classroom teachers to differentiate and individualize instruction.

LMTs supervise and teach in computer labs, some in the library and some out. CVUSD library staff is responsible for all audiovisual equipment and materials on campus. This includes most computers and digital equipment checked out to teachers or in classrooms.

CVUSD library staff is responsible for all textbooks at the site level, making sure that every student has the correct texts, appropriate accommodations are made for medical limitations, and all teachers have the correct materials. Some tasks related to textbooks, such as processing, repair, circulation, and inventory, can and are being done by well-trained and supervised classified personnel. Ordering, however, is much more difficult than it seems. A combination of science and art, it requires knowledge of curriculum, staff, usage patterns, return rates, and much more.
To avoid mistakes that can be costly to the educational process, as well as the CVUSD bottom line, LMTs even monitor schedule changes over the summer to adjust orders because texts are often checked out before school starts.

CVUSD library staff collects fines for damages and losses to everything on campus, including sports uniforms and equipment, cheerleading, returned checks, classroom supplies & materials, clubs, etc., as well as for library and textbooks. If kids owe the school, the library staff is responsible for following up, so losses to CVUSD students are very low compared to other districts. The library staff also provides work projects for those who can't pay for books.

Libraries provide a safe environment that nurtures learning for all students, and are open before and after school, during lunch and nutrition. Libraries are a great equalizer because they provide assistance and access to a wide variety of print and non-print materials and technology for all students.

New schools always have a space for a library. However, a library is like a kitchen. You can have the most modern facility with all the latest appliances and cookware, buy the best ingredients, and have assistants and volunteers to measure and chop. But you need a cook to make it mean anything, someone with experience, skills, knowledge, and a desire to make meals that are nutritious, filling, and tasty. The house would stand, but it wouldn't be the same without that cook. (Adapted with permission from Lucia Herndon, Philadelphia Enquirer reporter) Library Media Teachers are needed to make the connection between that investment in space and materials to real learning.

Pam Moriarty, Library Media Teacher
Chino Hills HS Library
909-606-7540, x5107