District 34 must cut the budget by 3.2 million dollars. The proposed scenario includes completely eliminating all the librarians, all of the technology teachers, and instructional coaches—20 positions in all. Their proposed reductions can be found here: http://www.boarddocs.com/il/gsd34/Board.nsf/files/8R5KHW51E876/$file/strategic_budgeting_info_packet.pdf Instead of librarians or tech teachers, each library would have a full time associate to check books out to students. “Learning coaches” would work with teachers in the classroom, combining the positions of librarian, technology, and instructional coach. The librarians and technology teachers can apply along with anyone else in the district. No special training or education is required, except for a classroom teaching certificate. One central person would be responsible for purchasing and maintaining all eight libraries throughout the district, covering the preK through eighth grade, a difficult task to administer equitably. However, studies have shown a direct correlation between full-time access to school libraries with qualified librarians and improved test scores. www.ala.org/additup

Specifically, take a look at the talking points and the supporting research for School Libraries and their impact on children in elementary and middle schools

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