Published On: February 10th, 2015By Leticia Fehling

Feb. 12: Show Your Support on Library Virtual Action Day

More than 60 education and library research studies show the importance of libraries.

Funding for K-12 public libraries is on the table in the 84th Texas Legislative Session. Like public education funding, state library agencies took a $30 million reduction in 2011. The 84th Session commenced Jan. 13.

The [icons icon_name=”icon-external-link” icon_size=”14px”]Texas Library Association is hoping the state increases funding. Libraries need funds to meet the need for increased statewide resource sharing. For example, [icons icon_name=”icon-external-link” icon_size=”14px”]TexQuest is the state-funded K-12 database system public schools can use. The statewide database program provides high-quality digital research and information resources to the state’s more than 5 million public school students attending nearly 9,000 schools.

While libraries across the state are looking to regain a bit more of what they lost, TLA is looking to continue to expand programs and outreach across the state.

All types of libraries — schools, universities and public libraries — need funding. This will ensure Texas residents have access to the resources they need to be lifelong learners.

Cindy Buchanan shared information about school libraries with qualified librarians. She said that studies show that they have a positive impact on student academic achievement. She stressed that public and school libraries across the state are seeking to keep up with a growing need. Buchanan serves as the program director of library media services for Aldine ISD.

“Libraries are community hubs,” said Buchanan. “The state population is increasing. The needs of communities are also changing. Yes, there are many educational and economic reasons to expand.”

Libraries Help Communities Prosper

Johnson-Elementary-Library-Snapshot-Date

Libraries offer youth programs to improve literacy.

[ul class=”list list-search”] [li]Assistance in Economic Recovery — People visit libraries to get help with resumes and job searching. Libraries assist in economic development. They give people access to prospective employers through job fairs. Small business owners visit libraries to conduct research and even to learn how to use social media for marketing. Many public libraries provide basic computer literacy programs and workplace literacy training. Libraries work in partnership with local agencies to provide these services and programs.[/li] [li] Literacy, Language & GED Programs — Many public libraries provide support to members of the community who are seeking to better their lives. [/li][/ul]

Aldine-HS-Student-Melissa-Buruca-Mendoza-National-Hispanic-Recognition-Library-Story-2

Students use library resources to study.

[ul class=”list list-search”] [li]Computers & Wi-Fi Access — Community members can use the access to find employment. They can also conduct research for career and academic endeavors.[/li] [li] Employment & Entrepreneurship — Some folks use the library to conduct work. Entrepreneurs and small business owners use libraries’ computer resources for writing business plans, finding investors, marketing, and business administration.[/li][/ul]

[ul class=”list list-search”] [li]Youth Programming — Many libraries across the state provide unique and exciting experiences for children and teens.[/li] [li] Information Literacy Instruction Prepares Students for the 21st Century Workforce — The skills taught in libraries help students identify and find the information needed to solve a problem. They learn to use critical thinking and problem solving skills. They also improve their technology and media literacy. These skills will prepare them for a competitive workplace.[/li][/ul]

Students use school library computers to do research.

“Libraries encourage continuous learning,” said Buchanan. “Libraries help adults improve beyond whatever formal schooling they may have had. Public libraries identify and respond to the needs of the community. They enlist community representatives to help teach, mentor or exchange skills. They develop collaborative partnerships on behalf of the community’s needs. And libraries provide programs that teach skills needed for the 21st century workforce.

“Libraries and librarians fulfill an important need in the communities they serve.”

Buchanan hopes that community members will show their support for public libraries as well as school libraries. Librarians are encouraging folks to take to social media on Library Virtual Action set for Feb. 12. They can work together to create group letter-writing projects. They can submit these to their [icons icon_name=”icon-external-link” icon_size=”14px”]elected officials’ offices.

“Elected officials need to hear from their constituents,” Buchanan said. “Supporters of school libraries can write letters and emails. They can send tweets or call their elected officials. Elected officials need to hear that their constituents support library funding.

“Libraries and librarians are doing their part to improve the economy. They are helping put people back to work and they are preparing our youth for the 21st century workforce. Communities need libraries and certified librarians now more than ever.”