School Library Systems – Advocacy Toolkit

Summary of Legislative Issues

The 21st century learner needs digital information resources like databases, access to quality information, integrated technology, information inquiry skills, the ability to develop and investigate meaningful questions, communicate and collaborate. School Library Systems are agents of 21st century resources and skills for ALL of New York’s learners.
In 2008 an increase of $7.4 million is needed in the 2008 budget to bring every library system up to the 20% increase needed to close the gap created by inflation and years with flat funding. $280,000 are needed for merger aid for School Library Systems.
In 2008 $8 million in supplemental system aid included in the 2007 budget needs to be made permanent.
Prior to 2006, state funding to school library systems had not been increased for 13 years, was cut by 5% in 2004, faced cuts in 2003 which were restored, and has ignored inflation which diminishes their support to New York’s learning community.
The value of School Library Systems lies in EQUITY of access to quality information resources, ECONOMY through resource sharing, and a proven contribution to SUCCESS for all of New York’s learners.
29,052 serial titles and 32,541,200 books are accessible to New York’s learners and teachers through School Library System supported sharing, online union catalogs, and regional interlibrary loan networks.
School Library Systems optimize public funding through wide scale sharing of resources with an estimated $3 of value for every budget dollar.
Equity is a central and prominent issue in education in New York. Funding dedicated to School Library Systems is funding that guarantees equitable access to information resources for every child. Through resource sharing and CONNECTIONS to free or low cost databases, every child has the resources needed for success.
School Library Systems serve 3,000,000 students and 4,436 school library media centers in New York.
School Library Systems provided 1,127,172+ interlibrary loans of information resources and literature in 2005-2006.
The Learning Standards are built on the foundation of inquiry and resource based learning. Achieving these higher standards without access to shared information resources is impossible.
Extensive research in TWENTY states, including Texas, California, Michigan and Ohio, now documents the correlation between student achievement and quality information resources along with instruction in information literacy by a qualified school library media specialist, even when poverty or other at risk factors are in place.
Additional action needed: $5 million a year for NOVEL, increase per pupil library materials aid from $6.25 to $10.

October 2007
(MBR/SLSA)


	School Library Systems - Advocacy Toolkit “It is not enough to care. You must act.” “In the budget equation, remember all learners.”


ALERT - Be part of the Sunflower Avalanche! ADVOCATE NOW! Sunflower Action Plan for School Library Systems 2008 ADVOCACY - Getting the ACTION started Introduction What are the Issues? Budget Hearing on Elementary and Secondary Education Contact NY Decision Makers How can I frame my message? School Libraries Do Make a Difference to KIDS Outcomes 21st Century Skills, the Workforce and School Libraries System Director's Legislative Visits Resources Brochures & Flyers Strategies Testimony Forms & Samples Advocacy Links AASL Standards for the 21st Century Learner Survey Results of School Libraries Count!		Summary of Legislative Issues The 21st century learner needs digital information resources like databases, access to quality information, integrated technology, information inquiry skills, the ability to develop and investigate meaningful questions, communicate and collaborate. School Library Systems are agents of 21st century resources and skills for ALL of New York’s learners. In 2008 an increase of $7.4 million is needed in the 2008 budget to bring every library system up to the 20% increase needed to close the gap created by inflation and years with flat funding. $280,000 are needed for merger aid for School Library Systems. In 2008 $8 million in supplemental system aid included in the 2007 budget needs to be made permanent. Prior to 2006, state funding to school library systems had not been increased for 13 years, was cut by 5% in 2004, faced cuts in 2003 which were restored, and has ignored inflation which diminishes their support to New York’s learning community. The value of School Library Systems lies in EQUITY of access to quality information resources, ECONOMY through resource sharing, and a proven contribution to SUCCESS for all of New York’s learners. 29,052 serial titles and 32,541,200 books are accessible to New York’s learners and teachers through School Library System supported sharing, online union catalogs, and regional interlibrary loan networks. School Library Systems optimize public funding through wide scale sharing of resources with an estimated $3 of value for every budget dollar. Equity is a central and prominent issue in education in New York. Funding dedicated to School Library Systems is funding that guarantees equitable access to information resources for every child. Through resource sharing and CONNECTIONS to free or low cost databases, every child has the resources needed for success. School Library Systems serve 3,000,000 students and 4,436 school library media centers in New York. School Library Systems provided 1,127,172+ interlibrary loans of information resources and literature in 2005-2006. The Learning Standards are built on the foundation of inquiry and resource based learning. Achieving these higher standards without access to shared information resources is impossible. Extensive research in TWENTY states, including Texas, California, Michigan and Ohio, now documents the correlation between student achievement and quality information resources along with instruction in information literacy by a qualified school library media specialist, even when poverty or other at risk factors are in place. Additional action needed: $5 million a year for NOVEL, increase per pupil library materials aid from $6.25 to $10. October 2007 (MBR/SLSA)

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School Library Systems - Advocacy Toolkit

Summary of Legislative Issues