School Library Systems – Advocacy Toolkit

Testimony Samples - Students, Teachers and Parents

Bayard Rustin High School for the Humanities – Student, Grade 11: “The electronic researches help me with projects that I need more information about. Without it, I won’t have access to anything. Not only me, but many students come every day to look up information about a project or homework.”

Bayard Rustin High School for the Humanities – Teacher: “I cannot imagine not having these tools in our library for our students. How in the world are they supposed to be prepared for college if they don’t have access to databases? My students (seniors) learned how to do a research paper, how to identify quality sites, how to analyze writings, how to identify bias. I feel these resources open the world of research to them, and now that they have a better understanding of them, they will be more inclined to use them.”

Bayard Rustin School for the Humanities – Student, Grade 12: “I’m very glad that we have these electronic research tools because it enables us as students to get the information we need for our projects, homework, etc. So I ask you to please don’t cut the one way we could succeed in school.”

South Jefferson Central School – Student, Grade 12: “Both interlibrary loans and the electronic research tool available at my high school library have been the backbones of my education this year. I use such resources on a daily basis for all different subjects, especially research papers.”

Tioga Central High School – Teacher: “Teaching in a small rural school district in Tioga County, N.Y., I have come to rely upon the NOVEL databases and interlibrary loan services when preparing research projects for my students. Without access to such programs, my students’ ability to complete a well-rounded research project would be stymied by the lack of resources our school would have available to them, if limited to local funding.”

Newark High School – Teacher: “I work with remedial students, and we rely on the use of electronic research tools for their research reports. We also use the interlibrary loan system for novels that interest the students. Without these systems, these students will suffer.”

Keshequa Elementary School – Teacher: “Our district is a small, rural one, and without the School Library System we would not have access to these needed programs. We need this system to supplement and enrich our students so no child is left behind in any way.”

Cambridge Central High School – Parent: “All three of my children attended and graduated Cambridge Central School, two of them with honors. The resources available through the school library system were a major factor in their success. Like many parents, I could not have afforded to give them the books and computer resources they needed and which the school library provided.”

Harrisville Central School – Teacher: “These library resources are vital to a student’s success. Many of the projects I assigned to my students would be difficult to complete without these resources. Also, familiarity with these resources is a transferable skill that will allow students to continue learning even after they leave school. They will be able to access and acquire knowledge for the rest of their lives.”

Indian River-Antwerp Primary School – Student, Grade 3: “I feel awesome about getting books from the other libraries. One story I got was Cry of the Cat, a Goosebumps story. Thank you Governor for the money for our school library system.”

Harrisville Central School – Student, Grade 9: “On days when I don’t have homework, during my study hall, I go down there to read. But when I have to do work, the library almost always has the information I need. If it doesn’t, our library orders the book from another library. Our library has helped all of us.”

Indian River-Antwerp Primary School – Teacher: “This year, more than ever, I have found it necessary to use the services of the School Library System. Even though our own primary school library has a wonderful supply of books, there are times when it does not have the materials needed to support my literature-based teaching. The Literary Collaborative teaching framework, which I am currently practicing in my classroom, suggests the use of specific titles given by authors. Often multiple copies of a book are needed as well. The School Library System has helped to meet these educational needs.”

Adirondack Central School – Teacher: “Our library is crucial for student research and for teachers to keep abreast of recent advances in education theory. As we move into the information age library services at all levels will need more support as finding and using information and new technologies becomes even more crucial for success in the modern, competitive job market.”

Indian River-Antwerp Primary School – Principal: “The availability of a wide range of literature via the school library system is a principal source of information to school administrators who are under renewed pressure to re-examine their practices and effect change toward more effective schools. Wouldn’t it make more sense to support this venue of information rather than deter its value? I believe so.”

Schoharie Elementary School – Student, Grade 5: “I read a book of that series and I liked it. So then I asked Mrs. Mollie if our school library had any more in the series. She said no, but she could order one, and I won’t forget to thank her.”

Adirondack Central High School – Teacher: “A.C.H. is a small school located in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains. Our students’ success is dependent on the highly qualified skills of our library media specialist and support staff. I teach Project for the senior class and without access to the interlibrary loan service and the Ebsco Host Database the majority of students would not have the required materials to complete the course! Programs from around the county are proving the integral role a school’s library will have in improving students’ literacy."

Lawrence High School – Student, Grade 10: “Interlibrary loan has helped me a lot. It has allowed me to get articles that I would not have been able to get without this great research tool. Thanks to the interlibrary loan, I now have many good articles that will help me for my Intel project.”

Hammondsport Central High School – Student, Grade 11: “Helpful in collaborating sources to write my essay worthy of a college scholarship award from the N.Y. Council of Humanities. Easily connected me with the multiple sources required to complete the essential framework of the essay.”

Saratoga Springs High School – Teacher: “I teach a course called Science Research to grades 10-12. This is an excellent course which closely reflects the new learning standards in place in science. Throughout the three years of this course, the student researches a topic, develops a hypothesis based on his readings, develops a research plan and ultimately carries out his own authentic research and writes a publishable paper. This program has proven to be a success and many students who have graduated and returned from college have stated that this course gave them many tools which helped them in college.

In order to “do science”, as the case here, it is imperative that the student first thoroughly research his topic. My students use the databases provided in the library on a daily basis. They also order journal articles to read through the interlibrary loan to obtain those articles. Each student orders approximately fifteen to twenty journal articles a year. They would not be able to do their research and be successful in this course if these resources were eliminated. Please do not do anything to jeopardize the student’s success in New York State. The New York State Education Department is stressing raising the standards in our schools, and we need the tools and resources available in order to achieve those higher standards.”

Warrensburg Elementary School – Parent: “My children utilize the district’s school library resources, such as the electronic research tools for all of their projects. The databases and encyclopedias are essential tools for their success in school."

Salmon River Central School – Teacher: “The New York State Standards for Music state: “Standard 4: Understanding Cultural Dimensions and Contributions of the Arts.” This includes drawing connections between music and other arts, such as literary works. I cannot fulfill this standard without the use of such tools as interlibrary loan and access to electronic media.”

Lake George High School – Student, Grade 11: “The interlibrary loan program has helped me immensely in my search for science journals for my authentic science research project. It has given me access to materials that would otherwise be unavailable to me, but are crucial in my research.”

St. Regis Mohawk School – Teacher: “There are many New York State resources as well as books, tapes, etc., that I borrow often for my class because we do not have them in our school. This has helped to increase the students’ knowledge, especially for the N.Y. State Social Studies Test.”

Saratoga Springs High School – Student, Grade 10: In my opinion, access to the interlibrary loan and an electronic research tool is a very important thing. For example, in my class, Science Research, we’re always obtaining articles or looking for a location where the article is held. In using websites such as CDLC, where we can easily access where an article is located, we can then ask a librarian to get it for us. Without this funding, it would be made impossible to continue this course and obtain articles necessary to continue our research. Not everyone is fortunate enough to get a ride constantly to get articles, thus lowering the educational opportunities and high standards of public schools in New York. Taking away these opportunities means taking away some people’s opportunities to get into college and to fulfill their curiosity. Therefore, the budget cut would negatively impact New York students in public schools.”


	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!		Testimony Samples - Students, Teachers and Parents Bayard Rustin High School for the Humanities – Student, Grade 11 “The electronic researches help me with projects that I need more information about. Without it, I won’t have access to anything. Not only me, but many students come every day to look up information about a project or homework.” Bayard Rustin High School for the Humanities – Teacher “I cannot imagine not having these tools in our library for our students. How in the world are they supposed to be prepared for college if they don’t have access to databases? My students (seniors) learned how to do a research paper, how to identify quality sites, how to analyze writings, how to identify bias. I feel these resources open the world of research to them, and now that they have a better understanding of them, they will be more inclined to use them.” Bayard Rustin School for the Humanities – Student, Grade 12 “I’m very glad that we have these electronic research tools because it enables us as students to get the information we need for our projects, homework, etc. So I ask you to please don’t cut the one way we could succeed in school.” South Jefferson Central School – Student, Grade 12 “Both interlibrary loans and the electronic research tool available at my high school library have been the backbones of my education this year. I use such resources on a daily basis for all different subjects, especially research papers.” Tioga Central High School – Teacher “Teaching in a small rural school district in Tioga County, N.Y., I have come to rely upon the NOVEL databases and interlibrary loan services when preparing research projects for my students. Without access to such programs, my students’ ability to complete a well-rounded research project would be stymied by the lack of resources our school would have available to them, if limited to local funding.” Newark High School – Teacher “I work with remedial students, and we rely on the use of electronic research tools for their research reports. We also use the interlibrary loan system for novels that interest the students. Without these systems, these students will suffer.” Keshequa Elementary School – Teacher “Our district is a small, rural one, and without the School Library System we would not have access to these needed programs. We need this system to supplement and enrich our students so no child is left behind in any way.” Cambridge Central High School – Parent “All three of my children attended and graduated Cambridge Central School, two of them with honors. The resources available through the school library system were a major factor in their success. Like many parents, I could not have afforded to give them the books and computer resources they needed and which the school library provided.” Harrisville Central School – Teacher “These library resources are vital to a student’s success. Many of the projects I assigned to my students would be difficult to complete without these resources. Also, familiarity with these resources is a transferable skill that will allow students to continue learning even after they leave school. They will be able to access and acquire knowledge for the rest of their lives.” Indian River-Antwerp Primary School – Student, Grade 3 “I feel awesome about getting books from the other libraries. One story I got was Cry of the Cat, a Goosebumps story. Thank you Governor for the money for our school library system.” Harrisville Central School – Student, Grade 9 “On days when I don’t have homework, during my study hall, I go down there to read. But when I have to do work, the library almost always has the information I need. If it doesn’t, our library orders the book from another library. Our library has helped all of us.” Indian River-Antwerp Primary School – Teacher “This year, more than ever, I have found it necessary to use the services of the School Library System. Even though our own primary school library has a wonderful supply of books, there are times when it does not have the materials needed to support my literature-based teaching. The Literary Collaborative teaching framework, which I am currently practicing in my classroom, suggests the use of specific titles given by authors. Often multiple copies of a book are needed as well. The School Library System has helped to meet these educational needs.” Adirondack Central School – Teacher “Our library is crucial for student research and for teachers to keep abreast of recent advances in education theory. As we move into the information age library services at all levels will need more support as finding and using information and new technologies becomes even more crucial for success in the modern, competitive job market.” Indian River-Antwerp Primary School – Principal “The availability of a wide range of literature via the school library system is a principal source of information to school administrators who are under renewed pressure to re-examine their practices and effect change toward more effective schools. Wouldn’t it make more sense to support this venue of information rather than deter its value? I believe so.” Schoharie Elementary School – Student, Grade 5 “I read a book of that series and I liked it. So then I asked Mrs. Mollie if our school library had any more in the series. She said no, but she could order one, and I won’t forget to thank her.” Adirondack Central High School – Teacher “A.C.H. is a small school located in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains. Our students’ success is dependent on the highly qualified skills of our library media specialist and support staff. I teach Project for the senior class and without access to the interlibrary loan service and the Ebsco Host Database the majority of students would not have the required materials to complete the course! Programs from around the county are proving the integral role a school’s library will have in improving students’ literacy." Lawrence High School – Student, Grade 10 “Interlibrary loan has helped me a lot. It has allowed me to get articles that I would not have been able to get without this great research tool. Thanks to the interlibrary loan, I now have many good articles that will help me for my Intel project.” Hammondsport Central High School – Student, Grade 11 “Helpful in collaborating sources to write my essay worthy of a college scholarship award from the N.Y. Council of Humanities. Easily connected me with the multiple sources required to complete the essential framework of the essay.” Saratoga Springs High School – Teacher “I teach a course called Science Research to grades 10-12. This is an excellent course which closely reflects the new learning standards in place in science. Throughout the three years of this course, the student researches a topic, develops a hypothesis based on his readings, develops a research plan and ultimately carries out his own authentic research and writes a publishable paper. This program has proven to be a success and many students who have graduated and returned from college have stated that this course gave them many tools which helped them in college. In order to “do science”, as the case here, it is imperative that the student first thoroughly research his topic. My students use the databases provided in the library on a daily basis. They also order journal articles to read through the interlibrary loan to obtain those articles. Each student orders approximately fifteen to twenty journal articles a year. They would not be able to do their research and be successful in this course if these resources were eliminated. Please do not do anything to jeopardize the student’s success in New York State. The New York State Education Department is stressing raising the standards in our schools, and we need the tools and resources available in order to achieve those higher standards.” Warrensburg Elementary School – Parent “My children utilize the district’s school library resources, such as the electronic research tools for all of their projects. The databases and encyclopedias are essential tools for their success in school." Salmon River Central School – Teacher “The New York State Standards for Music state: “Standard 4: Understanding Cultural Dimensions and Contributions of the Arts.” This includes drawing connections between music and other arts, such as literary works. I cannot fulfill this standard without the use of such tools as interlibrary loan and access to electronic media.” Lake George High School – Student, Grade 11 “The interlibrary loan program has helped me immensely in my search for science journals for my authentic science research project. It has given me access to materials that would otherwise be unavailable to me, but are crucial in my research.” St. Regis Mohawk School – Teacher “There are many New York State resources as well as books, tapes, etc., that I borrow often for my class because we do not have them in our school. This has helped to increase the students’ knowledge, especially for the N.Y. State Social Studies Test.” Saratoga Springs High School – Student, Grade 10 In my opinion, access to the interlibrary loan and an electronic research tool is a very important thing. For example, in my class, Science Research, we’re always obtaining articles or looking for a location where the article is held. In using websites such as CDLC, where we can easily access where an article is located, we can then ask a librarian to get it for us. Without this funding, it would be made impossible to continue this course and obtain articles necessary to continue our research. Not everyone is fortunate enough to get a ride constantly to get articles, thus lowering the educational opportunities and high standards of public schools in New York. Taking away these opportunities means taking away some people’s opportunities to get into college and to fulfill their curiosity. Therefore, the budget cut would negatively impact New York students in public schools.”

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School Library Systems - Advocacy Toolkit

Testimony Samples - Students, Teachers and Parents