School Libraries Essential to Good Academics

By Deanna Rodriguez Root

The school library and credentialed librarians are essential to the academic standards of a school district.

As the Superintendent of Public Instruction since 1994, Delaine Eastin has consistently spoken about the need for strong school libraries.

I was involved and participated in the process of applying for a library improvement grant in the 1996-97 school year so our junior high school would have a library. We were awarded the grant money for the library, thanks to the expertise and guidance of our credentialed district librarian.

Undr the California Public School Library Act of 1998, "The legislature finds and declares that school libraries that are staffed by qualified librarians and have adequate numbers of up-to-date library books, resource materials and media centers are a valuable resource for teachers and pupils.

"School libraries provide students access to information that helps them meet the academic standards established for them and to become independent and lifelong learners. School libraries also provide teachers access to resources that can help improve teaching strategies, enhance staff development and implement curriculum objectives in core subject areas."

Statistics indicate tha the national average of students to school librarians is one librarian for every 722 students. In California, the average is much higher.

California ranks among the lowest of the states as far as the number of school libraries. I am not an expert, but common sense would indicate to me that this is also why we rank among the lowest in reading. If a child cannot read, how can they learn anything else?

Dr. Stephen Krashen has done much research on why students can't read. His research has documented how a lack of reading materials, lack of well-stocked school libraries and lack of qualified credentialed librarians relate to quality reading achievement.

I felt so good when I read in the recent newspaper reports that the governor's budget calls for ongoing funding for school libraries. Assembly Bill 862 provides $158.5 million for purchasing materials for school libraries. This amounts to about $28 to $30 for each student in California.

This is certainly a positive step toward providing students with ample reading materials and helping improve reading scores.

Many families in our Kern County communities cannot afford to buy books or have libraries at home. Students depend on the school library to fulfill their reading needs.

I don't know how long it will be before these funds come to our local schools, but our communities can look forward to yearly funding to meet a very obvious need. The library and credentialed librarin are essential to the academic standards of a school district.

Deanna Root Community Voices, Bakersfield Californian, Thursday, October 1, 1998.