1. Building Support for School Libraries: A Strategy Panel Discussion April 15, 2010 Pennsylvania School Librarians Association Presented by Debra E. Kachel, Mansfield University and Cathi Fuhrman, Hempfield High School

2. Recent Events & Background  June 2007 – Elimination of Division of School Library Services, PDE  Costing Out Study of 2007 – Includes “state of the art” school library program in its calculations of what it costs each school district to educate a student per year. Currently being used as the basic education funding formula.

3. 2009-10 State Budget Cuts Total budget cuts impacting K-12 students for library services & resources = 73% total! Library Access (POWER Library databases) cut 57.1% Electronic Library Catalog (ACCESS PA Library Catalog) cut 100.0% 2,215 schools belong to ACCESS PA Library Catalog (73% of the database) reported to be the largest online catalog in the US. Classrooms for the Future cut 100.0% State Library/Commonwealth Libraries cut 50.6% LSTA federal funds will be significantly reduced.

4. Pennsylvania LSTA (Library Services & Technology Act) Funding History K-12 Grants

5. State Budget Comparisons 2008-2011

6. Other Budgetary Impacts Membership in ACCESS PA project slated to be increased Interlibrary loan services to schools decreasing or costing too much Access to electronic databases for impoverished schools gone Gap between wealthy and poor schools increases

7. State Requirements for School Libraries and Staffing

8. State Regulations for Private School Libraries – None for Public School Libraries The Pennsylvania Code (TITLE 22-EDUCATION) PART II. State Board of Private Academic Schools State Board of Private Academic Schools CHAPTER 55. ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS (GRADES 1 TO 8) - PROGRAM OF INSTRUCTION 55.33. Library/media sources. [Found at http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/022/chapter55/s55.33.html]Library/media sources. http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/022/chapter55/s55.33.html 55.33. Library/media services. (a) A school shall maintain a library/media collection which includes a variety of both print and nonprint materials and related equipment of sufficient quality and quantity to support and supplement the instructional program. (b) Certified school librarians shall provide leadership in the development and implementation of a school library/media program. (c) There shall be a minimum quantity of 1,000 items per grade of print and nonprint materials and equipment. As used in this subsection, the term ‘‘items’’ means books, films, filmstrips, tapes, records, globes, slide sets, periodicals, audio-visual equipment, maps and other items which supplement the school’s program. Books classified as textbooks may not be included as an item count except when used in limited numbers as reference books.

9. School Library Resolution # 720 Legislative Budget and Finance Committee will conduct a study to determine: Schools without school libraries Hours of access Ratio of certified librarians to students Level of support staff Access to print and electronic resources Age of collections and technology Annual funding Activities that support students and staff Rep. Longietti

10. PSLA’s Legislative Action Plan Obtain reliable data and statistics Develop advocates Make our case at hearings to legislators GOAL - Legislative action or regulatory language

11. PSLA’s Message