Friday, 28 September 2012
Wednesday, 26 September 2012
Vacancy of Librarian at Language at Arts and Culture Department, Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Board Hamirpur, District Hamirpur- 177001
Advertisement No. 23/2012 Dated: 15 .09.2012
Applications on the prescribed Proforma, in sealed covers, are invited for the following posts under the Government of Himachal Pradesh so as to reach the Secretary, Himachal Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Board, Hamirpur (Himachal Pradesh) PIN-177001 on or before 15.10.2012. However, for the candidates residing in Lahaul & Spiti District, Kinnaur District, Pangi & Bharmour Sub-Divisions of Chamba District and Dodra Kwar Sub-Division of Shimla District of Himachal Pradesh, the last date for receipt of applications is 30.10.2012. The applications received after these dates will not be entertained. The Board will not be responsible for delay in receipt of applications due to any reasons what so ever.
Language , Arts & Culture Department
Librarian (On Contract Basis) in Pay Band of Rs. 10300- 34800+GP3200/-. (Contractual Amount Rs. 14,450/- PM )
Gen (UR) = 01 Total= 01
Note : The requisition for the post of Librarian, if any received up to 31st December 2012 shall also be included in the present number of post.
Qualifications:
i) Bachelor’s Degree in Library Science or its equivalent from a recognized University/Institution. OR
i) Bachelor Degree or its equivalent from a recognized University/Institution. And
ii) Diploma in Library Science from a recognized University/ Institution.
Desirable: Knowledge of customs, manners and dialects of H. P. and suitability for appointment in the peculiar conditions prevailing in the Pradesh.
Mode of Selection:-
1. Objective type screening test (MCQ) consisting Syllabus of library science, General knowledge
including Himachal Pradesh, Current Affairs, Everyday Science, Logic and General English
and General Hindi of Matric standard. =200 Marks
2. Interview of those who qualify the objective type test. = 30 Marks
Details: http://himachal.nic.in/hpsssb/PDF/Advertisement15Sep2012_A1b.pdf
Two Asst. Librarian Vacancy at Public Service commission, West Bengal
Last Date:- 31 Oct 2012
Assistant Librarian - Govt. Libraries
Public Service Commission, West Bengal - Kolkata, West Bengal
Advertisement No. 7 /2012
Assistant Librarian in Govt. Libraries other than State Central Library & Kolkata Metropolitan Library having the status of District or Central Library under Department of Mass Education Extension & Library Services
Nos. of Vacancy:- 2 (TWO) (1 reserved for S.T.)
Pay Scale:- Rs. 7,100/- Rs. 37,600/- with Grade Pay Rs. 3,900/-
QUALIFICATIONS :
Essential :- (i) A Bachelor’s Degree of a recognized University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Library Science of a recognized University or its equivalent. (ii) At least 1(one) year’s experience of work in a Public or an Institutional Library of repute. (iii) Knowledge of Bengali or Nepali – Spoken and Written. Desirable :- Good handwriting.
AGE : Not more than 35 years as on 01.01.2012 relax able up to 45 years for highly qualified and experienced candidates and for persons holding substantive appointments under the Government.
Send your application to The Secretary, Public Service Commission, West Bengal, 161-A, S.P.Mukherjee Road, Kolkata – 700026 on or before 3rd October 2012
Last Apply Date:
03 Oct 2012
VACANCY AT LIBRARY IN GEMS AKADEMIA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL. KOLKATA
SOURCE: TIMES OF INDIA, 26 SEPTEMBER 2012, KOLKATA ED.
Secure your USB
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Download at: www.zbshareware.com
Tuesday, 25 September 2012
Librarian Vacancy at PSG Institute of Medical Sciences & Research, Coimbatore, (T.N)
Post: Librarian
Job Location: Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
Last Date: 06-10-2012
Source: The Hindu, 26-09-2012
Asst. Professor- Library and Info. Science Vacancy at Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University, Hyderabad, (A.P)
Position: Asst. Professor
Job Location: Hyderabad
Last Date: 19-10-2012
Source: The Hindu, 26-09-2012
Library Advisor and Librarian Vacancy at Chain of DIPS Institutions, Jalandhar, Punjab
Walk in on 30-09-2012 for Librarian
and 02-10-2012 for Library Advisor
Source: The Tribune, 26-09-2012
Librarian, Deputy Librarian and Assistant Librarian Vacancy at Thapar University, Patiala
Post: Librarian, Dy. Librarian and Asst. Librarian
Last Date: 11-10-2012
Mail Resume at- recruitment@thapar.edu
“SAARC Conference for Library & Information Professionals” during 01st to 02nd, December 2012 at Birla Institute of Management Technology ( BIMTECH), Greater Noida
Dear Professional Colleague,
I am glad to inform you that Birla Institute of Management Technology
( BIMTECH), Greater Noida in association with the SAARC Documentation
Centre, New Delhi, is going to organize “SAARC Conference for Library
& Information Professionals” during 01st to 02nd, December 2012. The
venue will be BIMTECH Campus, Greater Noida.
We request you to please participate in the conference and make it
grand success.
We also hereby announce a ‘call for paper’ from you and others to be
presented on the conference theme during the conference proceedings,
which will also be brought out in a publication.
For more details please refer to http://www.bimtech.ac.in. Soft copies
of the conference brochure and registration form are attached
herewith.
Hoping to see you at the conference.
Kind regards and best wishes.
Yours truly,
I am glad to inform you that Birla Institute of Management Technology
( BIMTECH), Greater Noida in association with the SAARC Documentation
Centre, New Delhi, is going to organize “SAARC Conference for Library
& Information Professionals” during 01st to 02nd, December 2012. The
venue will be BIMTECH Campus, Greater Noida.
We request you to please participate in the conference and make it
grand success.
We also hereby announce a ‘call for paper’ from you and others to be
presented on the conference theme during the conference proceedings,
which will also be brought out in a publication.
For more details please refer to http://www.bimtech.ac.in. Soft copies
of the conference brochure and registration form are attached
herewith.
Hoping to see you at the conference.
Kind regards and best wishes.
Yours truly,
--
Dr. Rishi Tiwari
Organising Secretary
SAARC Conference for Library & Information Professionals
Birla Institute of Management Technology
Plot No. - 5, Knowledge Park II, Greater Noida (UP)
Mo. No. - 9810583623
Vacancy of University Librarian at University of Kota - Kota, Rajasthan
Advt No. 2/2012
Last Date: 06 Oct 2012
No. of Vacant Posts: 01
Minimum Qualifications:
1. A Mater's Degree in Library Science/Information Science/documentation with at least 55% marks or its equivalent grade of B in the UGC seven points scale and consistently good academic record set out in these Regulations.
2. At least thirteen years experience as a Deputy librarian in a University library or 18 years' experience as a College Librarian.
3. Evidence of innovative library service and organization of published work.
Desirable: A. M.Phil./Ph.D. Degree in library science/information science/documentation/ archives and manuscript-keeping.
Pay Scale - (G.P. Rs. 10000 in pay band 37400-67000) Rs. 43800/- Fixed Remuneration will be paid during Probation Period.
Send your application to the office of Registrar, University of Kota, Kota on or before 6th October 2012.
For more details: http://www.uok.ac.in/documents/Application_Form_Qualifications_Adve...
No. of Vacant Posts: 01
Minimum Qualifications:
1. A Mater's Degree in Library Science/Information Science/documentation with at least 55% marks or its equivalent grade of B in the UGC seven points scale and consistently good academic record set out in these Regulations.
2. At least thirteen years experience as a Deputy librarian in a University library or 18 years' experience as a College Librarian.
3. Evidence of innovative library service and organization of published work.
Desirable: A. M.Phil./Ph.D. Degree in library science/information science/documentation/ archives and manuscript-keeping.
Pay Scale - (G.P. Rs. 10000 in pay band 37400-67000) Rs. 43800/- Fixed Remuneration will be paid during Probation Period.
Send your application to the office of Registrar, University of Kota, Kota on or before 6th October 2012.
For more details: http://www.uok.ac.in/documents/Application_Form_Qualifications_Adve...
Vacancy of Assistant Librarian at Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University - Bikaner, Rajasthan
Post--Assistant Librarian
University--Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University
Location--Bikaner, Rajasthan
No. of Posts-- 2, 1(OBC) and 1 (UR)
Qualification: - 1. A Master's degree in Library Science/Information Science/Documentation or an equivalent professional degree with at least 55% marks (or an equivalent grade in a point scale wherever grading system is followed) and a consistently good academic record with knowledge of computerization of library
The application should reach the office of the Registrar, S.K. Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner - 334 006 (Rajasthan) on or before 19-10-2012 i.e. last date.
Download:
Application form Advt No 01/2012 |
Copy of Advertisement No 01/2012 |
Monday, 24 September 2012
Library Trainee Vacancy at Central University of Bihar, Patna
Name of the Post:- Library Trainee
Qualification:-Master Degree in Library Science /
Information Science / Documentation
Monthly Emoluments:- 14,000/- per month (consolidated)
Nature of appointment:-Purely Contractual
Tenure:- 11 Months
Absent libraries, photocopied minds
What the case of the photocopying shop versus the academic presses demonstrates is the failure of the Indian library system and a parallel lack of intellectual growth
Nilanjana S Roy / New Delhi Sep 25, 2012, 00:26 IST
Once the ragging was over, freshers at Delhi University (DU) often went through a more pleasant initiation rite — the handing over of stacks of photocopied notes and chapters from books, a legacy passed down from seniors to their juniors.
Those stacks were substantial enough to qualify as quasi-books in their own right. Some of these faux anthologies had the impressive patina of age and signs of a fledgling democracy of colleges in DU: notes that had been passed down from Kirori Mal through St Stephens via South Campus colleges from generation to generation.
So when two academic presses, Oxford University Press (OUP) and Cambridge University Press (CUP), sued the small photocopying shop that operates near the Delhi School of Economics and the University of Delhi for infringement of copyright, they appeared to have threatened a venerable tradition. Students protested, threatened a boycott of the two presses, defending photocopying as their right; and an argument began over the rights and iniquities of copyright.
Both sides have merit. The academic presses are correct to demand an end to this widespread and common practice of copyright violation — they have a duty, however unpopular this may be, to the authors and the books that they publish. But the students have a point when they say academic books are often priced out of their budget, or that it’s unreasonable to expect students to buy 20 books where only a chapter or so might be cited in each.
Copyright is not the issue, though it might be the legal battleground to this case. (If OUP and CUP win their case, the photocopying shops will close shutters in DU, and open doors elsewhere. The practice is likelier to go underground than to stop.) What the case of the photocopying shop versus the academic presses demonstrates is the failure of the Indian library system and a parallel lack of intellectual growth.
The problem that university students face in Delhi (and the rest of India) is not unique: especially for less affluent students, the cost of academic journals and books is prohibitive, and buying what would be required to cover the year’s syllabus is impractical.
For many of the world’s students, from universities in America and Oxford to places with very different college cultures – Portugal, Mexico, Belarus, Singapore – the library is their parallel university. In terms of scale, and just as important, the range of books on offer and the accessibility of the reading rooms to students, the public library or college library elsewhere has been as essential a part of the university experience as the actual classes and lectures.
The average Indian student cannot imagine what using a library elsewhere might be like: the Belarus library with its 8 million items and public concerts, the massive University of Coimbra library in Portugal with its 16th century charter – livraria pública para lentes, estudantes e quaisquer pessoas outras, the public library for lecturers, students and also everyone else – quite apart from the giant public libraries that also have space for art, sculptures, performances among the books. Even the best of DU’s libraries (or any Indian national or university library) cannot compare to any of the world’s good public libraries — it’s like comparing bullock carts and auto-rickshaws, which get the job done, to subway systems, which get the same job done on a completely different scale.
The Career Librarian blog describes what it took to build the Mexican library system — currently “the largest public library system in Latin America”. It required the enthusiastic backing of the state and the government over a decade, massive grants from foundations like the Gates Foundation. Most of all, a country that has had more than its share of problems with corruption and drug wars recognised that providing access to learning, computers and books for all their citizens is an urgent priority, not a luxury.
In the absence of a library culture – a place not just to read but to explore, not just to fetishise books but to own and examine the ideas inside them – the world of the Indian student is a shockingly narrow one. The real argument against photocopying texts isn’t, perhaps, the copyright one, which is only a legal argument.
When we read as students from those photocopied “books”, we read without an understanding of how much context and history had been lost. Often, chapters from academic studies and works floated in isolation, no link connecting one photocopied chapter and the next. No one referred to the uber-texts, the actual journals or books in which they had appeared. The “books” were focused around the core of the syllabus and their purpose was only to get students through the exams.
Arguments, essays and schools of thoughts were stapled together in those books, often without any reference to the larger world where those ideas had gestated and been born. If you were lucky enough to have good professors, a better map of thinkers might have been available; if not, there are only these ersatz books and their limited world-view, shaping the way the next generation of students will negotiate their lives.
VACANCY OF LIBRARIAN AT ISLAMIA ENGLISH SCHOOL, ABU DHABI
SOURCE: HINDUSTAN TIMES, 25 SEPTEMBER 2012
An interesting online Quiz!!! Try Your hand Library Professional Friends
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Find breaking news from Wiley Publishing and search an archive of press releases in the Wiley Press Room.Sunday, 23 September 2012
Librarian and Deputy Librarian Vacancy at Indian Maritime University, Chennai
VACANCY OF SCHOOL LIBRARIAN AT Bhagatji Memorial Model School, Palla, Delhi
Name of Post- Librarian
Name of School- Bhagatji Memorial Model School, Palla, Delhi-110036
Qualification- BLib/MLib
How to apply- Apply within 7 days to Manager at the above address.
VACANCY OF LIBRARIAN IN A CONVENT SCHOOL IN DELHI CANTT
Name of Post- Librarian
Name of School- Convent School in Delhi Cantt
Qualification- BLib/MLib
Experience- 5 Years
How to apply- Email with CV, Photo and 2 References to hjchallenge50@gmail.com
OPENING FOR LIBRARIAN AT SCHOOL EDUCATION SECTOR IN NCR DELHI
SOURCE: TIMES OF INDIA, 19 SEPTEMBER 2012
VACANCY OF SENIOR LIBRARIAN AT DWARKADAS J. SANGHVI COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, MUMBAI
, SOURCE: TIMES OF INDIA, 19 SEPTEMBER 2012
WALK-IN-INTERVIEW FOR PORJECT ASSOCIATE (LS) AT INFLIBNET, AHMEDABAD
Project Associate (LS) 14,500/- Preferably below 25 Yrs.
MLISc with knowledge of computer and 6 months exp. In digital library desirable
The eligibility conditions may be relaxed in exceptional cases at the discretion of the competent authority. The post may be offered depending upon suitability and number of posts may increase or decrease.
For the further details and application form visit our website www.inflibnet.ac.in Only eligible candidates are requested to walk-in with their biodata affixed with recent passport size photograph and testimonials in original as well as one set of Xerox copy of the same on Tuesday, 9th October 2012 upto 11:00 Hrs. at the abovementioned address.
- Advt No. 05 /2012 WALK-IN INTERVIEWINFLIBNET Centre wishes to appoint purely temporary positions on contractual appointment/project basis for the period of one year
VACANCY OF LIBRARIAN AT MOUNT LITERA ZEE SCHOOL, GHAZIABAD
SOURCE: TIMES OF INDIA, 23 SEPTEMEBR 2012, DELHI ED.
Madras University Library Celebrations draw flak
The library of the University of Madras is now embroiled in yet another controversy with senior professors raising questions about the timing of the post-centenary celebrations slated for September 25.
The fete takes place even as the library has remained headless for about four years with several big ticket projects struggling to take off.
Sources in the university said that the celebrations have been organised 5 years after the library completed its centenary in 2007. About Rs 9 lakh had been sanctioned for the event. However, what has raised eyebrows is the timing, as vice-chancellor G Thiruvasagam’s tenure is set to end in October.
Speaking to Express, a senior professors said the historic library has been in neglect as far as administration is concerned. While the last full-fledged librarian retired in 2008, the post remained vacant ever since. This was despite two rounds of advertisements calling for applications. Also, there was an attempt recently by the administration to promote a deputy librarian to the post of librarian, which was defeated.
Statutes, a Syndicate member pointed out, clearly stated that the post could only be filled by direct recruitment and not through promotion.
A senior Senate member said the digitization of theses that began in 2006 was halted half way for two years and has now been restarted after negotiations with the contractor.
This apart, while an UGC notification in 2009 provided for electronic submission of theses by students through an MoU with the INFLIBNET centre, no efforts have been made to carry forward this project.
“Over 70 Universities have already done it. If MU had gone ahead, assistance would have been provided for installing anti-plagiarism software in the library, improving the overall quality of research scholars,” said a senior Senate member, who wished not to be named. While the V-C had promised the installation of the software last year, efforts on this front had been wanting, the member said.
Another project that has failed to take off is the introduction of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags for efficient cataloguing, now in place in almost all major varsities in the country.
Senior professors said while the focus should have been on recruitment of a qualified librarian and the implementation of all modernization projects, for which Rs 3.20 crore was allocated, the varsity was going ahead in a hurried manner with the celebrations, five years after the library completed its centenary. Vice-chancellor G Thiruvasagam could not be contacted for comments.
Source: Indian Express, 22 September 2012
Importance of access to library stressed
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, September 22 2012: ON THE last day of the 5-day long national awareness programme on access to library organized jointly by Manipur University (MU) and National Library Kolkata at MU Library today, Prof E Bijoykumar Singh, Dept of Economics, MU has observed that researchers in the university need not have to be made to run from pillar to post in search of information.
Delivering the Presidential address of the valedictory function, Prof Bijoykumar Singh pointed out that one of the most time-consuming in any research is searching for sources and information.
So, most research scholars have to run here and there to collect their requirements.
Now that the library at Manipur University has been equipped with world class facilities that phase of running from pillar to post in search of information would be over.
He also noted that it would be ridiculous to build up facilities only in MU Library without expanding such facilities in other institutions under the varsity.
Speaking as Chief Guest of the valedictory function, Prof Amar Yumnam maintained that a university is become significant only when its library is significant.
Moreover, there is no importance for existence of library in any institutions if users do not use the facilities correctly He pointed out that none of the Indian Universities are among the top 200 best universities of the world, and it's because of the mechanism of operating library in the country.
Delivering the Presidential address of the valedictory function, Prof Bijoykumar Singh pointed out that one of the most time-consuming in any research is searching for sources and information.
So, most research scholars have to run here and there to collect their requirements.
Now that the library at Manipur University has been equipped with world class facilities that phase of running from pillar to post in search of information would be over.
He also noted that it would be ridiculous to build up facilities only in MU Library without expanding such facilities in other institutions under the varsity.
Speaking as Chief Guest of the valedictory function, Prof Amar Yumnam maintained that a university is become significant only when its library is significant.
Moreover, there is no importance for existence of library in any institutions if users do not use the facilities correctly He pointed out that none of the Indian Universities are among the top 200 best universities of the world, and it's because of the mechanism of operating library in the country.
Read more news at: http://www.e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=16..230912.sep12
Friday, 21 September 2012
School libraries are still about teaching students to use information efficiently and ethically
By
When Sue Reinaman became Northern High School librarian 18 years ago, there were CD-ROMs and a card catalog in drawers, with the beginning of digital resources.
Today, her library has seven online databases, with the budget shifting toward buying more digital resources, including e-books.
Allyson Fea, left, and Fiona Sweeney, both freshmen, say they like to work on homework in the library at Mechanicsburg Area High School.Still, she said the emphasis is the same.
“It’s always been about teaching them how to find and use information efficiently and ethically,” Reinaman said, except in a different format.
Unlike some school districts, Reinaman said no library positions were cut at Northern this year.
That wasn’t the case in West Shore School District, which cut half of its 12 library positions, said Ryan Argot, district spokesman.
Argot said the district is expanding its digital resources, including e-books. He said the district realigned its library program “so the individual librarians are able to assist more students this year.” There are now three librarians in each of the elementary and secondary levels.
“Especially at the elementary level, libraries are an important component of what schools do to ensure students read proficiently,” Argot said, adding that school library programs help students find research materials and teach Internet safety, in conjunction with regular classroom teachers.
Cuts also were less severe at East Pennsboro Area School District, which eliminated one library position last year. As in many school districts, the two elementary librarians each travel to two schools, and the middle and high schools each have their own librarian, spokeswoman Katie Gouldner said.
Erin Siwert, one of the elementary librarians, said the reduction does affect the amount of time students receive library instruction. When she’s not in the school, there is a clerk to make sure materials are available to teachers and students.
LIBRARIAN ROLE CHANGES
In the past, the librarian was more of a selector, protector and preserver of materials, Siwert said, sharing books and fostering a love of reading.
“Today, a school library-media specialist is more of a discerning cultivator matching their patrons with the print and digital resources to meet their information needs,” she said.
Computer labs are connected to the libraries in both elementary schools, Siwert said, so students can immediately apply the skills she teaches them.
As students start doing research in third grade, Siwert said she sees them eagerly going to Google or other search engines to find the answers to questions.
“I teach them to not always trust those search results. If they are looking for facts, they need to use reliable resources,” she said, such as online encyclopedia databases and others that the district has purchased.
“It is the hub of technology — that’s definitely how we see the direction of our library,” said Capri Stiles, head librarian in Carlisle Area School District.
Technology has forced librarians to “get onboard” or not be very happy with their positions, Stiles said. Carlisle hasn’t cut its library staff, but the seven buildings have been sharing three librarians for a number of years, assisted with aides.
One of the current dilemmas is determining how e-books fit into a school environment. “Our district is addressing this very soon,” she said, as the district decides whether and how to allow students to bring their own electronic devices to school.
A BALANCING ACT
At the same time, Stiles sees high school students more interested in books than in the past, and more accustomed to having a Barnes & Noble-type environment in their library where people are discussing books.
“We certainly don’t have lattes, but we have sections of books where discussions can take place,” she said.
Books turning into movies might be generating some of the excitement, she said. “It has really inspired a lot of students to look and see what’s out there,” she said.
As in most high school libraries, Stiles doesn’t have regularly scheduled classes, but collaborates with teachers to supply materials and assist students in research.
Stiles said she knows that school districts have to make cuts, and added that the cost of books has risen drastically.
“The trends are forcing districts to be creative in spending,” Stiles said, adding “There are other ways of accessing information that don’t cost nearly as much.”
Librarians have to weigh whether it’s worth it to have an item in print form “when the same information can be accessed electronically for a fraction or free,” Stiles said.
“Just as we’re seeing newspapers struggling with the competition of an online environment, I can’t imagine that Norman Rockwell picture of the man smoking a pipe reading a newspaper — is he going to have a Kindle or smartphone in his hand reading the newspaper?” Stiles said.
“I see students who like to come in and browse across the shelf for a magazine that catches their eye, and sit back and relax and not have to worry about their connection going off” on their laptop, she said.
In Mechanicsburg Area School District, increased commitment to the school libraries has helped make up for some state library funding cuts that cause some libraries to reduce hours and cut PowerLibrary database resources, said Kirsten Zelenky, school district library coordinator.
The district has maintained four full-time librarians, and every student gets instruction in information literacy skills, Zelenky said.
LIBRARIES ARE MEDIA CENTERS
School libraries are called “information media centers,” since they offer iPads, e-book readers, DVDs and laptops, in addition to print materials. At the high school there are more than 100 titles in e-book format.
“Instead of buying encyclopedia sets, libraries purchase online databases,” Zelenky said, which students can access at home as well as school.
Students can collaborate online on programs like GoogleDocs, with the library using technology to foster online learning groups.
The library curriculum used to be about information (reference) and literacy (books), with a librarian helping students to find a book with the facts they needed.
“Today, the librarian helps by teaching a student how to develop a topic, how to narrow the search results by identifying key words, how to evaluate the results and how to give credit to the author,” she said.
Information is easy to come by today, but understanding and using it is not, Zelenky said.
“Students today must learn to be critical thinkers, they must understand how to approach learning as inquiry, they must develop the ethical behavior specific to the modern world,” Zelenky said.
At Northern, Reinaman teaches a class for ninth-graders on research but otherwise works with classroom teachers and students on a flexible schedule, as needed.
As teachers assign projects, Reinaman creates a page of resources for students to access, ranging from databases to e-books and online websites.
“There’s so much information out there. We try to balance being a school library with supplying information and teaching them how to find it,” she said.
Elaine Kern, president of the Pennsylvania School Libraries Association, said studies have shown that schools with strong library programs have higher test scores and better grades. Libraries not only teach students love of reading, it provides them with work skills. “It teaches them how to be critical thinkers, analyzers of information,” Kern said.
PSLA is working with the state Department of Education to develop a model library curriculum, and would like to see a dedicated line item for school library funding in the state budget.
The results of a new survey on 2012-13 library cuts and staffing should be available next month, along with a study correlating PSSA scores and quality of school library programs. The information will be provided to a state House education committee studying library funding.
Deb Kachel, PSLA co-chairwoman of the legislative committee, said school libraries are the most economical and efficient way to centrally provide resources to teachers and students.
“What we’re seeing in our state right now is a huge gap between the haves and have-nots,” Kachel said. “Wealthy parents can buy their kids e-books on Kindles and take them to the library and bookstores, and we have a huge amount of kids where the only library they ever know is a school library,” Kachel said.
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