At the 2009 Annual Meeting of the Massachusetts Teachers Association (April 30 to May 3), MSLA representatives Heather MacPherson and Claire O’Neill presented a resolution in support of school libraries and ushered it to its eventual passage. Patsy Divver was helpful in offering supporting information. The resolution was written by the MSLA Advocacy co-Chair, Judi Paradis.

Background Success in the 21st century requires that our students are literate, comfortable in a multicultural world, and able to access and evaluate information efficiently.  School libraries that are well-staffed and have adequate resources ensure student success.

Resource-rich school libraries and licensed school librarians play key roles in promoting information literacy. They help students acquire critical thinking skills and increase their global awareness.  More than 19 studies have demonstrated that the services of professional school librarians, well-funded collections, and rich digital resources enhance student achievement. These research studies show that, when classroom teachers collaborate with full-time, credentialed school librarians to design, implement, and assess instruction, student achievement increases significantly (see collected data from studies )  Yet, Massachusetts has no leadership within the Department of Education, no clear plan for improving school library programs, no requirement for licensed school library teachers in its schools, and no statewide standards for school library programs.

The Massachusetts Teachers Association recognizes that all students need equal access to school libraries that provide 1) full-time, licensed professionals; 2) adequate resources that reflect multiple perspectives; and 3) opportunities for classroom teachers and school librarians to collaborate.

Resolution Given the lack of support for library programs in Massachusetts and the need for strong literacy and library programs that lead to students’ overall academic success, be it resolved that the Massachusetts Teachers Association

Supports our members in the  Massachusetts School Library Association in their efforts to petition the Massachusetts Board of Education to appoint a study group to develop a long-range plan for school libraries in Massachusetts;

urges the Governor, members of the Board of Education, state legislators, and local elected officials to increase funding for credentialed school library teachers, books, online resources, and other library materials;

promotes policies that ensure access to library resources for all learners;

supports professional development opportunities for school librarians and classroom teachers consistent with local, state, and national standards; and

encourages collaboration between classroom teachers and school librarians to enrich student learning.

Judi Paradis is the Library Teacher at Plympton Elementary in Waltham and co-Chair of the MSLA Advocacy Committee;

Claire O'Neil is Library Teacher at Groton-Dunstable Middle School;
Heather MacPherson is Library Teacher at Roderick Elementary School in Wrentham and MSLA co-Director of the Southeast Region;

Patsy Divver is Library Teacher at Millis Middle/High School and co-Editor of MSLA Forum