Increase Student Access to School Librarians

This bill requires that public school districts ensure all New Jersey public school students have access to trained School Library Media Specialists (SLMS) and a highly effective school library program that supports teachers and the curriculum.

Equity of Opportunity Concerns

• SFRA’s Educational Adequacy Report shows that the intent of New Jersey’s educational system is that ALL students have access to certified SLMS as part of a comprehensive, thorough and efficient education.

• The passage of recent legislative bills (Information Literacy Standards, Literacy Initiatives, and Freedom to Read Act) emphasize the contributions and value that a certified SLMS provide in increasing critical thinking skills, cultivating social emotional learning, and enhancing literacy skills.

• New Jersey students are disadvantaged by school districts eliminating certified SLMS or  by downgrading the position to make it less than effective.

School Library Media Specialists (SLMS) are trained and certified to provide instruction in information literacy, foster a love of reading, develop and coordinate school library media center programs and resources, and help students develop vital critical thinking and research skills. 

These skills prepare students to become career-and-college-ready as well as informed and productive citizens of a democratic society.