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Position StatementsPosition Statement on Removal Of School LibrariansThe full html text is below the statement. The North Carolina School Library Media Association (NCSLMA) upholds the principle that a certified School Librarian's role is indispensable for any educational institution's success. This position is supported by substantial research indicating that the presence of certified School Librarians within schools correlates with improved academic performance, nurturing empathetic student bodies, and cultivating information-literate citizens. School librarians are not just the managers of the school library program but also literacy leaders and instructional support for all the teachers and students in a building. April, recognized as National School Library Month, is a time to celebrate the essential contributions of school librarians. It is a month to honor all of the amazing work school librarians do. The unconscionable decision that Franklin County Schools made to remove all of their certified School Librarians and deprive every student in Franklin County of a certified School Librarian is one that weighs heavy on all of us. It is particularly disheartening that Franklin County Schools chose this period to eliminate certified School Librarian positions, thereby denying students the benefits of their expertise. In a recent video, Superintendent Dr. Rhonda Schuler announced that Franklin County Schools intend to sustain their library programs by employing media assistants. However, it must be noted that these assistants lack the Master's level education and specific state-mandated training essential for a licensed School Library Media Specialist. As certified instructional personnel, school librarians are specialists in information literacy, a competency increasingly recognized as critical to student success in higher education and the workforce. The decision by Franklin County Schools to proceed without certified School Librarians threatens to disadvantage its students relative to their peers, both within North Carolina and nationally, in these crucial educational domains—an outcome we find deeply concerning. Despite Franklin County Schools' professed commitment to their staff, the reality that every School Librarian within the district has been relieved of their professional duties starkly contrasts with this avowed dedication. The rationale behind this targeted displacement of School Librarians remains unclear; however, what is clear is NCSLMA's unwavering determination to advocate for and support School Librarians. NCSLMA is committed and dedicated to supporting our fellow school librarians and to preserving the integrity of school libraries and librarians. We are deeply disturbed by the actions of Franklin County Schools. Because of this, we feel compelled to take action. We are partnering with EveryLibrary, an organization created to support all libraries in the US, and we are committed to bringing publicity to not only Franklin County Schools' decision, but to any and every district in North Carolina that is considering similar action. School librarians are essential to every school, especially in this era of information overload. It is oft-said that libraries and librarians are the heart of the school. It is vital to have a qualified librarian managing the collection to best suit the needs of the students and the staff. In the 2022 NCDPI Digital Learning Plan, districts are penalized for not having fully certified, full-time school librarians in their libraries. These districts cannot receive more than a rating of “developing”, which is the lowest rating in the Human Capacity section, per Goal 2. Eliminating a librarian who is specifically educated on how to manage the heart of a school is short-sighted, at best, and at worst, damaging to the students, teachers, district, and community. School librarians play a critical role in promoting equity, literacy, and a host of necessary skills ranging from information and digital literacy to digital citizenship and research methodologies. NCSLMA maintains its steadfast belief in the fundamental necessity of certified school librarians to foster successful educational environments. We are committed to advocating for the reinstatement and recognition of school librarians' vital roles and supporting our peers throughout North Carolina in safeguarding the future of school libraries. Sign the petition at SaveSchoolLibrarians.org to help save the jobs of school librarians in Franklin County Schools. Position Statement on SB49 |
The North Carolina School Library Media Association (NCSLMA), as an affiliate chapter of the American Association of School Libraries, firmly believes in the right to a student’s privacy in regards to the optional reading materials they check out from the school library. NCSLMA acknowledges that not every book is for every reader, and that parents have the right to determine what is best for their child in setting restrictions and reading parameters. However, parents do not have the right to set restrictions or reading parameters for children who are not their own. We also believe children have a right to read about topics housed in the school library that interest them, free from subjectivity.
According to NC GS 125-19 Confidentiality of Library User Records, “A library shall not disclose any library record that identifies a person as having requested or obtained specific materials, information, or services, or as otherwise having used the library.” Senate bill 49 would put school librarians in direct violation of a law that is already established.
https://www.ncleg.gov/Laws/GeneralStatuteSections/Chapter125
The state legislature in Senate bill 49 is also asking school librarians to violate the American Library Association Bill of Rights, which says, in part, “All people, regardless of origin, age, background, or views, possess a right to privacy and confidentiality in their library use. Libraries should advocate for, educate about, and protect people’s privacy, safeguarding all library use data, including personally identifiable information.”
NCSLMA also stands with and adheres to ALA’s statement. “When students enter a school library, two expectations of privacy should be guaranteed:
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The right to read and borrow library materials free from scrutiny regardless of age, and
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The right to seek information and have the subject of academic and personal research remain private”
The School Library is a safe place for all students, regardless of their identity, where they can come to learn about issues they may not feel comfortable asking anyone else. We stand firmly against violating a student's right of their freedom to read the optional reading choices they select as well as against the exclusion of any type of person in the school library collection.
Position Statement on Censorship of Books in North Carolina Libraries
Full Text of statement is listed below for those who use screen readers and cannot access the embedded PDF.
Text of Position Statement: Position Statement on Censorship of Books in North Carolina School Libraries The North Carolina School Library Media Association (NCSLMA) firmly supports the Freedom to Read for all students. NCSLMA supports the professionally trained school library media coordinators, curriculum specialists, and classroom teachers who work to provide every child with books that support their individual educational and personal needs and interests. NCSLMA acknowledges that not every book is for every reader, and that parents have the right to determine what is best for their child in setting restrictions and reading parameters. However, no individual or group has the right to make decisions for all children. We strongly condemn any form of censorship and oppose attempts to remove materials from classrooms and school libraries for all readers without following approved policies and procedures. We encourage all parents, educators, school and district administrators to defend students’ First Amendment rights to access information as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. NCSLMA stands in full support of our members and affirms their professional expertise in selecting materials. |
ABOUT US NCSLMA is a professional organization dedicated to supporting, promoting, and empowering school librarians across the state as they transform their school communities. | JOIN US Membership is $50 per year and comes with numerous benefits and professional development opportunities. | CONTACT US Mailing address: | CONNECT WITH US We provide various ways to connect with librarians across the state. |