From the Director's DeskNovember 30, 2007 |
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Telling the Library Story - Part 4Sometimes we are asked to tell not the story of our own library, but the story of another library. This is such a time. The Illinois State Board of Education, (ISBE) has issued a proposed language change in the rules covering Library and Media programs in the schools. Comments about this proposed language are to be sent either via e-mail (addressed to rules@isbe.net or via standard mail (address to Sally Vogl, Agency Rules Coordinator, ISBE, 100 North First Street – S-493, Springfield, Illinois 62777-0001.) What does this proposed language state? It gives a definition of a library program that includes a collection and staff. It requires a specific space in each attendance center for a library, and staffing of a full-time library information specialist in each high school and a library information specialist assigned to each of the other centers. There is also a financial resources requirement. You can see the full text of the proposed language online (pdf) pages 21-23. The underlined portions of the text indicate the new language. This is quite a departure from the rules now that just say “Each attendance center shall provide a program of media services to meet the curricular and instructional needs of the school.” The Illinois School Library Media Association (ISLMA) has put out a call (pdf) requesting librarians to send comments in support of these rule changes to ISBE. The ILA Board, which passed a motion approving this rule change, has addressed this issue. The Illinois Library Systems Directors have also passed a motion favoring the rule change. The RPLS Board, at its meeting Nov. 20, passed a resolution (pdf) in support of the rule changes. The resolution will be sent to ISBE, along with a letter. I hope that all school librarians have already sent comments to the ISBE, or that you plan to do so very soon, and I encourage all other librarians, whether public, special, or academic, to submit comments to ISBE in support of this rule change. The deadline for submissions is December 24. All of us know that school libraries are not a luxury item. They help students achieve academically and aid in the development of learning skills that will last students a lifetime. When you write, be sure to do these two things:
This new language is being challenged by the Statewide School Management Alliance, a group of superintendents, principals, and school boards. You can read their objections online. Rolling Prairie Library System |
