A short-sighted decision about school librarians

As a library and information science professor at Saint Catherine University, I have dedicated my career to understanding and advocating for librarians’ vital role in their communities. As a resident of St. Paul, I am deeply disturbed by the recent decision by Saint Paul Public Schools to defund and eliminate school library media specialists at elementary schools. This decision is not just an administrative adjustment; it is a short-sighted move with far-reaching consequences for our students, their future, and the city.

School librarians are not mere custodians of books; they are educators, information specialists, and literacy advocates who significantly impact student outcomes. Numerous studies have consistently shown that schools with certified library media specialists have higher student achievement across a variety of metrics.

Students who attend schools with certified teacher-librarians (CTLs) and quality library facilities perform better on standardized tests and are more likely to graduate, even after controlling for school size and student income level. The presence of a certified teacher-librarian on staff has a particularly high relationship to a school’s five-year graduation rate. A study conducted by the Colorado Department of Education found that students in schools with full-time librarians scored significantly higher on standardized reading tests than those in schools without librarians. This is no coincidence. Librarians provide students with access to a diverse range of reading materials, fostering a love for reading and developing critical literacy skills. They also collaborate with teachers to integrate literature into the curriculum, creating a more engaging and comprehensive learning experience. We have witnessed this firsthand. As SPPS has cut school librarians over the past decades, the district has also experienced significant declines in reading scores.

For decades, studies have shown a positive correlation between strong school library programs and student achievement.

Students who attend schools with certified teacher- librarians are more likely to be taught information technology skills and technology fluency skills. In today’s digital age, the ability to navigate, evaluate, and utilize information is crucial. School librarians are trained to teach information literacy, helping students discern credible sources from misinformation. This skill is particularly important in an era where students are constantly bombarded with information, massive misinformation campaigns spread like COVID, and the disruptive forces of ChatGPT are yet to be fully understood.

School librarians ensure that all students, regardless of socioeconomic status, have access to quality resources and technology. They play a crucial role in bridging the digital divide, providing access to computers, the internet, and educational software that students might not have at home. This access is vital for completing homework, conducting research, and developing technological competencies essential for future success.

Although school libraries are advantageous to all students, vulnerable populations of students see even greater benefits. Reading data from the PA School Library Project showed that where schools had full-time certified school librarians, fewer Black students, Latino students, and students with disabilities tested below basic levels in reading. The same study showed that, on average, Black and Latino students who had access to larger school library collections saw their percentages of advanced writing scores more than double and their likelihood of scoring below basic levels cut in half compared with their peers in schools with smaller collections.

While the decision to eliminate library media specialists may be driven by budgetary constraints, it is important to consider the long-term economic implications. A well-educated, literate, and information-savvy population is essential for the economic vitality of St. Paul.

The decision to defund school library media specialists in Saint Paul Public Schools is a step backward. It undermines the educational foundation necessary for our students to thrive in an increasingly complex world. I urge the Saint Paul Public Schools administration to reconsider this decision and to recognize the indispensable role that school librarians play in fostering academic success, equity and lifelong learning.

— Anthony Molaro, St. Paul

They can’t deliver hay at other times?

I happened to come across your article about Liberty Classical Academy in Hugo (“School’s expansion plans concern some neighbors,” July 7), and, though I don’t “have a dog in the fight” and have only heard the name of the school, I found the article interesting. It however seemed unbalanced on the comments from interested parties in favor of those against the school expansion. It appeared strange in particular to include a neighbor worried about getting hay wagons past the up to 800 cars a day (which seems high for 850 students if they ever reached that level). When you think about it, this seems ridiculous considering those presumptive vehicles would only be on the roads when school opens and closes for a short period of time. They couldn’t deliver hay during other times?

I feel you did not adequately represent those who may enjoy the school and what it has and could bring to the community.

— Mike Marko, Shoreview