Staffing
Before we begin with a discussion on library staffing, check out the Nearpod slideshow below. Take a guess on how many certificated teacher librarians are employed in public schools in each state. Click "Preview" to see the answers!
Statistics taken 2014 data gathered at https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d16/tables/dt16_213.20.asp?current=yes
Schools in much of the United States are rapidly losing full-time credentialed teacher librarians.
For example, according to the California Department of Education, the ratio of librarians to students in California during the 2014-2015 school year was 1:7,187. During the 2000-2001 school year, it was 1:4,306 for the same state. Some of this is due to rising populations without a subsequent rise in library personnel. Some of it is due to an actual reduction of the work force. Also according to the CDE, in 2000-2001, there were 1387 certified teacher librarians in California; In 2014-2015, there were only 859 certified teacher librarians.
But if you're in a position to request staffing, here's an ideal situation.
Certified teacher librarians:
You'll want a full-time certified teacher librarian for every 785 students. If you're at a school with fewer than 785, a full-time librarian is still a essential. But if your school has more than 785 students, you'll want more than one. 3,200 students at your school? You're going to want at least four. Yes, this will be a tough sell in many states. No, it is not asking for too much.
Certified teacher librarians have a variety of resources at hand, know the current research, provide access to information and expertise, and will find a way to get the library holdings circulating.
Classified paraprofessional assistant:
You'll want at least one full time assistant, regardless of the size of your library. Swing for more than one. The more assistants you have, the more time the teacher librarians are freed up to teach, prepare book lists, review and order materials and programs, plan and organize library events, raise funds, and seek community support.
Paraprofessional assistants check books in and out, shelve, pull books from lists, manage student assistants, and help students with the catalog. They are vital to the circulation of a library.
Certified teacher librarians:
You'll want a full-time certified teacher librarian for every 785 students. If you're at a school with fewer than 785, a full-time librarian is still a essential. But if your school has more than 785 students, you'll want more than one. 3,200 students at your school? You're going to want at least four. Yes, this will be a tough sell in many states. No, it is not asking for too much.
Certified teacher librarians have a variety of resources at hand, know the current research, provide access to information and expertise, and will find a way to get the library holdings circulating.
Classified paraprofessional assistant:
You'll want at least one full time assistant, regardless of the size of your library. Swing for more than one. The more assistants you have, the more time the teacher librarians are freed up to teach, prepare book lists, review and order materials and programs, plan and organize library events, raise funds, and seek community support.
Paraprofessional assistants check books in and out, shelve, pull books from lists, manage student assistants, and help students with the catalog. They are vital to the circulation of a library.
California State Department of Education. (2011). Model school library standards for California public schools:Kindergarten through grade twelve. Retrieved from http://www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/documents/librarystandards.pdf
EdFacts: School Libraries (2016, August). CalEdFacts. Retrieved from http://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/cr/cf/cefschoollibraries.asp
EdFacts: School Libraries (2016, August). CalEdFacts. Retrieved from http://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/cr/cf/cefschoollibraries.asp