Advocacy
EMAIL Massachusetts Legislators
Ask for a census of school libraries Letter and Links, below |
10/3/2022: MTA Member Legislative Proposals for 2023-2024
Background:
When Massachusetts enacted the Education Reform Act of 1993, the state eliminated a requirement for every school to provide students with a library staffed by a licensed school library teacher. This has resulted in an ongoing loss of school libraries and licensed school library teachers in the state of Massachusetts. Although these cuts have occurred across all types of school districts, they have been much deeper in urban and rural lower-income communities and communities of color.
Two different studies have gathered data to highlight these inequities. The first was an extensive study completed by a Rutgers University professor and leaders in the Massachusetts school library community for a Massachusetts legislative commission. In March 2018 the commission released its report on the findings, and this report provided ample data to confirm that there was inequitable access to school libraries and licensed school library teachers. The report also showed disparities between suburban districts and urban or rural districts. (For more information, visit Salem State University’s Massachusetts School Library Research Project website via bit.ly/maslresearchproject.)
After the Commission's report was released, some MTA members formed a School Library Task Force and completed a preliminary analysis of access to school libraries and licensed school library teachers based on socioeconomic, ethnic, racial, and second-language demographic data. This study discovered stark inequities in access to licensed school library teachers between the highest-median income Massachusetts cities and towns and the 26 Gateway Cities and Boston, where we find the highest numbers of low-income residents and students of color in the state.
When we consider what both of these studies have found about where students do have access to library resources and licensed school library teachers versus where they don’t, we can see clear and ongoing inequities that mirror the inequities we find for low-income students, students of color, and ELL students in other areas of education. (For more information about both of these studies, see “Background on School Libraries in Massachusetts” via bit.ly/mtasltfbg.)
Why this is a problem:
1. Inequitable access to school library resources and staffing provides educational advantages to some students while having a detrimental impact on others. Numerous studies point to the positive impacts of well-funded library programs staffed by licensed school library teachers on students’ growth in literacy, academics, and SEL areas. (For some of this research, see bit.ly/lsltresearch.) Denying this valuable resource to some students while providing ample access for others is an example of how institutional racism and classism functions to create and maintain educational injustice in our state.
2. The ongoing loss and elimination of licensed school library teachers has led to a deprofessionalization of the school library field and a loss of MTA members. In many schools, ESPs have replaced licensed school library teachers. Expecting ESPs to perform the same duties as licensed staff for much less pay is exploitation. In addition, the ongoing loss of licensed school library teacher positions results in fewer union members and an overall lower standard of living for library staff compared to some other fields in public education.
3. This ongoing loss of libraries and licensed school library teachers coincides with attacks on democracy and free speech that are currently happening in a digital misinformation environment. Libraries advance free speech, intellectual freedom, information literacy, critical thinking, and equitable access to information. We are living in a misinformation and disinformation age where information literacy skills are more critical than ever, and we need all the tools and resources at our disposal to combat this.
Estimate of how many members are affected
While it may appear that this problem impacts just the segment of the MTA membership who work in school libraries, every PK-12 MTA member is impacted when there is a lack of equitable access to fully-funded school libraries, licensed library teachers, and support staff.
Licensed school library teachers who work in schools with adequate funding for libraries are able to procure, curate, and provide educators and students with direct access to current, high quality books, multimedia, and digital tools and resources to support schoolwide curriculum and literacy goals. Licensed school library teachers are also experts in the information and digital literacy skills needed to navigate a complex information landscape and collaborate with classroom teachers, curriculum teams, and other groups to ensure that students are developing the skills needed in this environment. The presence of school libraries and school library teachers provides a richer and deeper learning experience for all students and enhances the work of other educators.
Proposed solution(s) if known.We are proposing legislation to be filed in the 2023-24 session with three objectives:
1. Require that every public school student in Massachusetts has equitable access to an effective school library program (that is housed in a dedicated space), one that is staffed by a licensed school library teacher, is adequately funded, and has a responsive school library schedule. Rationale: Requiring that all students have access to fully funded school libraries and licensed library staff is an important step towards addressing and correcting the current inequities.
2. Designate someone at DESE to oversee school libraries and library programs. Rationale: DESE currently has no staff or support for library education, curriculum, or professional learning. And even if we create regulations requiring school libraries and licensed school library teachers, without oversight state requirements can be meaningless. This proposal will help advance equitable access to school libraries and licensed staff by ensuring that districts are working to provide it and by working on curriculum and professional development.
3. Establish a School Library Advisory Council at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Rationale: As we work to rebuild school library programs, an Advisory Council can be an important tool for gathering stakeholder input and advocating for curriculum, programming, funding, and more for school libraries. This proposal will help ensure that educators, library professionals, community members, and other stakeholders have a voice at DESE and are able to help influence policies, guidelines and regulations regarding school libraries.
Our proposed legislation will help advance the objectives outlined by the Legislative Special Commission on School Library Services in Massachusetts in its 2018 report to the legislature. The very first item in the report calls for improving access to school libraries and licensed school library teachers. The Commission was first formed in 2014, and almost ten years have passed without measurable improvement equitable access to school library resources. (The report can be accessed via bit.ly/maslresearchproject.) It’s time for the legislature to take concrete steps to address these inequities.
When Massachusetts enacted the Education Reform Act of 1993, the state eliminated a requirement for every school to provide students with a library staffed by a licensed school library teacher. This has resulted in an ongoing loss of school libraries and licensed school library teachers in the state of Massachusetts. Although these cuts have occurred across all types of school districts, they have been much deeper in urban and rural lower-income communities and communities of color.
Two different studies have gathered data to highlight these inequities. The first was an extensive study completed by a Rutgers University professor and leaders in the Massachusetts school library community for a Massachusetts legislative commission. In March 2018 the commission released its report on the findings, and this report provided ample data to confirm that there was inequitable access to school libraries and licensed school library teachers. The report also showed disparities between suburban districts and urban or rural districts. (For more information, visit Salem State University’s Massachusetts School Library Research Project website via bit.ly/maslresearchproject.)
After the Commission's report was released, some MTA members formed a School Library Task Force and completed a preliminary analysis of access to school libraries and licensed school library teachers based on socioeconomic, ethnic, racial, and second-language demographic data. This study discovered stark inequities in access to licensed school library teachers between the highest-median income Massachusetts cities and towns and the 26 Gateway Cities and Boston, where we find the highest numbers of low-income residents and students of color in the state.
When we consider what both of these studies have found about where students do have access to library resources and licensed school library teachers versus where they don’t, we can see clear and ongoing inequities that mirror the inequities we find for low-income students, students of color, and ELL students in other areas of education. (For more information about both of these studies, see “Background on School Libraries in Massachusetts” via bit.ly/mtasltfbg.)
Why this is a problem:
1. Inequitable access to school library resources and staffing provides educational advantages to some students while having a detrimental impact on others. Numerous studies point to the positive impacts of well-funded library programs staffed by licensed school library teachers on students’ growth in literacy, academics, and SEL areas. (For some of this research, see bit.ly/lsltresearch.) Denying this valuable resource to some students while providing ample access for others is an example of how institutional racism and classism functions to create and maintain educational injustice in our state.
2. The ongoing loss and elimination of licensed school library teachers has led to a deprofessionalization of the school library field and a loss of MTA members. In many schools, ESPs have replaced licensed school library teachers. Expecting ESPs to perform the same duties as licensed staff for much less pay is exploitation. In addition, the ongoing loss of licensed school library teacher positions results in fewer union members and an overall lower standard of living for library staff compared to some other fields in public education.
3. This ongoing loss of libraries and licensed school library teachers coincides with attacks on democracy and free speech that are currently happening in a digital misinformation environment. Libraries advance free speech, intellectual freedom, information literacy, critical thinking, and equitable access to information. We are living in a misinformation and disinformation age where information literacy skills are more critical than ever, and we need all the tools and resources at our disposal to combat this.
Estimate of how many members are affected
While it may appear that this problem impacts just the segment of the MTA membership who work in school libraries, every PK-12 MTA member is impacted when there is a lack of equitable access to fully-funded school libraries, licensed library teachers, and support staff.
Licensed school library teachers who work in schools with adequate funding for libraries are able to procure, curate, and provide educators and students with direct access to current, high quality books, multimedia, and digital tools and resources to support schoolwide curriculum and literacy goals. Licensed school library teachers are also experts in the information and digital literacy skills needed to navigate a complex information landscape and collaborate with classroom teachers, curriculum teams, and other groups to ensure that students are developing the skills needed in this environment. The presence of school libraries and school library teachers provides a richer and deeper learning experience for all students and enhances the work of other educators.
Proposed solution(s) if known.We are proposing legislation to be filed in the 2023-24 session with three objectives:
1. Require that every public school student in Massachusetts has equitable access to an effective school library program (that is housed in a dedicated space), one that is staffed by a licensed school library teacher, is adequately funded, and has a responsive school library schedule. Rationale: Requiring that all students have access to fully funded school libraries and licensed library staff is an important step towards addressing and correcting the current inequities.
2. Designate someone at DESE to oversee school libraries and library programs. Rationale: DESE currently has no staff or support for library education, curriculum, or professional learning. And even if we create regulations requiring school libraries and licensed school library teachers, without oversight state requirements can be meaningless. This proposal will help advance equitable access to school libraries and licensed staff by ensuring that districts are working to provide it and by working on curriculum and professional development.
3. Establish a School Library Advisory Council at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Rationale: As we work to rebuild school library programs, an Advisory Council can be an important tool for gathering stakeholder input and advocating for curriculum, programming, funding, and more for school libraries. This proposal will help ensure that educators, library professionals, community members, and other stakeholders have a voice at DESE and are able to help influence policies, guidelines and regulations regarding school libraries.
Our proposed legislation will help advance the objectives outlined by the Legislative Special Commission on School Library Services in Massachusetts in its 2018 report to the legislature. The very first item in the report calls for improving access to school libraries and licensed school library teachers. The Commission was first formed in 2014, and almost ten years have passed without measurable improvement equitable access to school library resources. (The report can be accessed via bit.ly/maslresearchproject.) It’s time for the legislature to take concrete steps to address these inequities.
May 27, 2022
Congratulations! Together, we have closed the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Dear Appropriator letters with record bipartisan support for library funding in Congress. Every single call, email, and meeting with members of Congress has added up to record support for libraries, library workers, and those we serve.
With your help, we have made it clear to Congress: library funding is indespensible. In the House of Representatives, 100 members signed in support of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) and 85 signed in support of the Innovative Approaches to Literacy program (IAL), while 47 Senators signed in support of LSTA and an all-time high of 36 Senators signed in support of IAL.
We've gotten off to an amazing start, but the FY 2023 #FundLibraries campaign isn't finished yet. Follow the pathway to Congressional appropriations by following us on Twitter @LibraryPolicy. Our team will alert you when your voice matters most in the process - which is likely to involve some twists and turns!
The 2022 midterm elections provide a chance for elected leaders at every level of government to demonstrate their support for libraries - but advocates like you need to make the first move. Stay tuned for ALA resources to help you make the most of those opportunities. We love working with you and look forward to the adventures ahead!
-ALA Public Policy and Advocacy Team
Congratulations! Together, we have closed the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Dear Appropriator letters with record bipartisan support for library funding in Congress. Every single call, email, and meeting with members of Congress has added up to record support for libraries, library workers, and those we serve.
With your help, we have made it clear to Congress: library funding is indespensible. In the House of Representatives, 100 members signed in support of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) and 85 signed in support of the Innovative Approaches to Literacy program (IAL), while 47 Senators signed in support of LSTA and an all-time high of 36 Senators signed in support of IAL.
We've gotten off to an amazing start, but the FY 2023 #FundLibraries campaign isn't finished yet. Follow the pathway to Congressional appropriations by following us on Twitter @LibraryPolicy. Our team will alert you when your voice matters most in the process - which is likely to involve some twists and turns!
The 2022 midterm elections provide a chance for elected leaders at every level of government to demonstrate their support for libraries - but advocates like you need to make the first move. Stay tuned for ALA resources to help you make the most of those opportunities. We love working with you and look forward to the adventures ahead!
-ALA Public Policy and Advocacy Team
January 23, 2022
Have you ever wished there was an MSLA letter directed to communities describing the value of certified school library teachers?
MSLA Advocacy is creating an open letter that can be tailored to an individual community, association, newspaper or other organizations when there is a need to advocate for certified school library teachers (CSLT). Recognizing that the role of CSLT’s is different between school districts, MSLA Advocacy is crowdsourcing for everyone’s input. Our goal is to capture the most salient points that should be expressed when advocating for CSLT’s.
Won’t you help. Link into the Google Document link supplied. It is open to all.
Please enter your thoughts on what should be contained in the letter. Because the link is open to all, please be careful not to delete another CSLT’s suggestion.
Open Letter Suggestions
Have you ever wished there was an MSLA letter directed to communities describing the value of certified school library teachers?
MSLA Advocacy is creating an open letter that can be tailored to an individual community, association, newspaper or other organizations when there is a need to advocate for certified school library teachers (CSLT). Recognizing that the role of CSLT’s is different between school districts, MSLA Advocacy is crowdsourcing for everyone’s input. Our goal is to capture the most salient points that should be expressed when advocating for CSLT’s.
Won’t you help. Link into the Google Document link supplied. It is open to all.
Please enter your thoughts on what should be contained in the letter. Because the link is open to all, please be careful not to delete another CSLT’s suggestion.
Open Letter Suggestions
January 23, 2021
Has the position of a Certified School Library Teacher changed in the past 10 years? How about the past two years?
MSLA Advocacy is creating a current Certified School Library Teacher Job Description, specific to Massachusetts. Our goal is to use the job description to support grassroots advocacy for employing certified school library teachers in every Massachusetts district. All students should have the benefits of a certified school library teacher. Help us to advocate for equity by describing what you do!
Please provide information on the Google Document linked below. Once you review the list of contributions, please add something new to the list. Feel free to add your name to a job description point that is already suggested.
Job Description
Has the position of a Certified School Library Teacher changed in the past 10 years? How about the past two years?
MSLA Advocacy is creating a current Certified School Library Teacher Job Description, specific to Massachusetts. Our goal is to use the job description to support grassroots advocacy for employing certified school library teachers in every Massachusetts district. All students should have the benefits of a certified school library teacher. Help us to advocate for equity by describing what you do!
Please provide information on the Google Document linked below. Once you review the list of contributions, please add something new to the list. Feel free to add your name to a job description point that is already suggested.
Job Description
JULY 23, 2021
On June 14th, Senator Eric Lesser and 35 other MA legislators sent a letter to Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Commissioner Riley. The letter asked that a census be conducted to better understand public school library resources and employees. Senator Lesser noted that MA funding for library resources (databases, ebooks & more) was not accessible to all, creating an inequity within our public schools.
A census is the first step in not only taking stock of the state of school libraries but also gaining important support for future decisions. Because of the efforts of Senator Lesser and those who signed the letter the MSLA Advocacy Committee is asking all members to write one or more thank you emails. Would you consider writing?
Because your time is important we have put together linked resources to facilitate your email writing process. The sample email provided will force a copy with customizable places for your information. If you chose not to use the sample email please read to get a sense of the intended content. In addition to the sample email, three lists of legislator emails are provided. The first list offers all legislators who signed Senator Lesser’s letter. The other lists are for all Senators and Representatives should you want to share the letter of Senator Lesser and ask for additional support. Finally, we ask that you complete the form asking for the names of those who will be receiving your thank you emails. This record helps us to ensure all have received recognition.
Thank you for supporting this MSLA effort. If you have any questions, please email Georgina Trebbe at gtrebbe@maschoolibraries.org
On June 14th, Senator Eric Lesser and 35 other MA legislators sent a letter to Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Commissioner Riley. The letter asked that a census be conducted to better understand public school library resources and employees. Senator Lesser noted that MA funding for library resources (databases, ebooks & more) was not accessible to all, creating an inequity within our public schools.
A census is the first step in not only taking stock of the state of school libraries but also gaining important support for future decisions. Because of the efforts of Senator Lesser and those who signed the letter the MSLA Advocacy Committee is asking all members to write one or more thank you emails. Would you consider writing?
Because your time is important we have put together linked resources to facilitate your email writing process. The sample email provided will force a copy with customizable places for your information. If you chose not to use the sample email please read to get a sense of the intended content. In addition to the sample email, three lists of legislator emails are provided. The first list offers all legislators who signed Senator Lesser’s letter. The other lists are for all Senators and Representatives should you want to share the letter of Senator Lesser and ask for additional support. Finally, we ask that you complete the form asking for the names of those who will be receiving your thank you emails. This record helps us to ensure all have received recognition.
- Copy of the Original Lesser Letter
- Sample customizable letter for MA State Legislators
- View Only: List of MA State Representatives who signed Senator Lesser’s Letter.
- Form for Members to complete to keep a record of letters sent
- View Only: List of all MA State Representatives
- View Only: List of all MA State Senators
Thank you for supporting this MSLA effort. If you have any questions, please email Georgina Trebbe at gtrebbe@maschoolibraries.org
January 8, 2021: AASL Letter to the Biden-Harris Transition Team
Today, the American Association of School Librarians (AASL), the American Library Association (ALA), 48 state-level school library associations, and the leadership of the AASL Chapters Assembly sent a letter to President-Elect Joe Biden's transition team stressing how school librarians are an equity-oriented solution to some of the most pressing concerns facing educators at this moment. The full letter can be read here.
Today, the American Association of School Librarians (AASL), the American Library Association (ALA), 48 state-level school library associations, and the leadership of the AASL Chapters Assembly sent a letter to President-Elect Joe Biden's transition team stressing how school librarians are an equity-oriented solution to some of the most pressing concerns facing educators at this moment. The full letter can be read here.
The letter asks President-Elect Biden and incoming Education Secretary Miguel Cardona to include the following priorities as they lay the groundwork for a Department of Education focused on equity for all learners:
- provide Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) guidance that addresses the role of school librarians
- improve National Center for Education Statistic (NCES) data collection to accurately reflect the presence of a certified school librarian at the building level
- adjust the NCES definition of school librarian to reflect their instructional role and national standards
- ensure that, as teachers, school librarians are eligible for the same federal supports as their colleagues
July 7, 2020 - Advocacy Tool Kit for at Risk Libraries and Positions
As a result of the Covid-19 crisis, many school districts are heading into uncertain times. In anticipation of a possible increase in budget cuts, which may put libraries and librarian positions in jeopardy, MSLA has created a form to streamline the collection of data about positions that are at-risk. Additionally we will continue to provide our members with materials for advocacy in your school and school district.
As a result of the Covid-19 crisis, many school districts are heading into uncertain times. In anticipation of a possible increase in budget cuts, which may put libraries and librarian positions in jeopardy, MSLA has created a form to streamline the collection of data about positions that are at-risk. Additionally we will continue to provide our members with materials for advocacy in your school and school district.
- Advocacy Request Form- MSLA leadership is collecting information about staffing changes in school libraries across Massachusetts this school year. Please complete this form if your position or physical library has changed in ways that impede your teaching and programming. We will not share this with anyone or contact your school or district unless you request it. If you indicate you are seeking assistance in advocating for school library services and/or school library positions, the Massachusetts School Library Association stands ready to assist!
- An Advocacy letter from MSLA - A statement that can be presented to school boards and administrators in support of school library programs.
- Everyday Advocacy page - Offers ideas for advocacy throughout the school year with links to studies, research and opportunties to get involved.
May 20, 2020 - Call to Action! from President Laura Luker (excerpted from her letter to members)
Last week nearly 400 Massachusetts library workers and supporters gathered virtually to urge state legislators to support the Library Legislative Agenda the Commonwealth’s libraries at Virtual Library Legislative Day. There was a strong sense of urgency because school and public libraries - vital and essential institutions - need support. State support for libraries more important than ever, especially to school libraries with support for online databases and ebooks.
- Ask your State Representatives and Senators for your home and school’s location to support all of the lines in the Library Legislative Agenda to the best of their ability. Let’s make sure state funding for libraries is supported as use increases during the current economic crisis.
- We’re urging you to call upon your elected officials to support libraries! We suggest including information about why you believe that libraries are important in your message.
- You can find contact information for your State Legislators at LINK to call their office or send them an email, or
- You can visit the Massachusetts Library Association’s Engage site to send a prepared message that you can customize with a sentence about your library. It only takes a minute! at LINK.
April 14, 2020: Congressional leadership has started work on a new COVID-19 relief package, and we are working to ensure libraries of all types are included. Today, we need your help to get the library message to Congress.
Reps. Andy Levin (D-MI), Don Young (R-AK), and Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) are circulating a Dear Colleague letter calling for $2 billion in emergency funding for libraries through the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The funding would be available through the Library Services and Technology Act grants to states program, ensuring that libraries everywhere will have access to support. Please email your representative in the House and urge them to sign and support America's libraries.
Reps. Andy Levin (D-MI), Don Young (R-AK), and Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) are circulating a Dear Colleague letter calling for $2 billion in emergency funding for libraries through the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The funding would be available through the Library Services and Technology Act grants to states program, ensuring that libraries everywhere will have access to support. Please email your representative in the House and urge them to sign and support America's libraries.
Feburary 1, 2020 - There are important upcoming library advocacy events that would greatly benefit from MSLA member participation, such as Library Legislative Day and Legislative Breakfasts. Consider:
- Hosting a Legislative Breakfast
- Attending a Legislative Breakfast (See schedule)
- Attend Legislative Day (April 2, 2020).
- Submit a proposal for Library Legislative Day (due by Feb. 14, 2020)
Sen. Amy Kloubuchar (D-MN) has introduced a bill outlining the importance of digital and media literacy and providing potential funding for states! There are seven senate sponsors, but none from Massachusetts. Contact Senators Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren and ask them to add their names to the list! Find out more about the bill here.
As of January 6, 2020, Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) is offering more resources. This is the result of the national increase in funding for the Institute of Museum & Library Services (read more below). What this means for your library:
Read detailed descriptions below. To get links for these resources go to MBLC Website.
- Opposing Viewpoints (Gale) is back!
- Career Transitions (Gale)
- HeritageQuest Online (ProQuest)
- Science Database (ProQuest)
- Research Companion (ProQuest)
Read detailed descriptions below. To get links for these resources go to MBLC Website.
FROM ALA Advocacy 1/3/2020:
The American Library Association advocacy called on you frequently in 2019 - to tweet, to email, to act, and to give. In the first few days of 2020, we wanted to be sure to report back, to let you know how it went, and to thank you.
As you know, our goal was to restore library funding after the White House proposed elimination for the third time last March. Short version: we did it and got a record increase!
Here are some quick highlights:
- We secured a $10 million increase for the Institute of Museum and Library Services, including $6.2 million for the Library Services and Technology Act - the largest increase in LSTA funding in 12 years.
- We protected the Innovative Approaches to Literacy program from elimination, safeguarding $27 million in funding for school libraries.
- New advocates from all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and Washington D.C. joined the #FundLibraries campaign.
- Every member of Congress heard from ALA and our advocates about the importance of libraries and their impact in communities across the country. Without a doubt, this is the reason why library funding has steadily grown over the past three years.
We really just want to say thank you.
We say it a lot, but that's because it's true: we couldn't do any of this without you.
A big congratulations to you, ALA advocates, for these impressive and hard-fought victories. Thanks to your year-round advocacy, you have made these successes possible.
Let's get 2020 off to a strong start by thanking your elected officials for supporting library funding and sharing ALA's 2020 Congressional Calendar with your colleagues and planning how you can continue to engage year-round with your elected officials!
We look forward to building on these accomplishments in 2020 and seeing you at National Library Legislative Day in May.
Thanks again,
The ALA Advocacy Team
PS - Please take a minute to send a tweet to your elected officials today, thanking them for their work to #FundLibraries.
Page Editor: Ann Perham webmaster@maschoolibraries.org