Fear and Loathing in the Library

Apologies to the late Hunter S. Thompson, but that is the best term I can find to describe my reaction to President Obama’s budget proposal. His proposed budget, which the Republicans don’t feel is nearly draconian enough, would eliminate all funds for the Improving Literacy for School Libraries grant program, the only federal funding for school libraries. With state budgets in crisis, this almost ensures that school libraries will receive little or no funding for the next school year. In Oklahoma this year, schools are not required to expend any funds for library materials or equipment. The same will be true for next school year. The state legislature also attempted to exempt them from having certified school librarians, but a last minute lobbying effort saved those positions. Chances are excellent that legislation to eliminate school librarians will be proposed again during this legislative session.


Do politicians, both at the state and national level, have no idea what a school librarian does? I believe they have a mental image of a lady in sensible shoes with a bun and glasses sitting behind a desk all day and stamping books. They need to spend a day in a school library and see what takes place. School librarians are teaching digital literacy – showing students how to find relevant, reliable information online; instructing students on how to stay safe online and avoid jeopardizing their own privacy; using Web 2.0 tools to promote literacy; creating book trailer videos; showing students how to use publishing tools; collaborating with teachers to make assignments more relevant…. Oh, and occasionally, they do check out a book, as well as selecting appropriate materials for their collections, cataloging them, and promoting them.

School libraries are also the only source of not just books, but also computer access for many poor students. It seems we are entering an age where the only concern is to hold onto every cent you have and the only response to those less fortunate is scorn. Of course, some of these poor kids may be lucky enough to have a public library near where they live. Of course, the Obama budget proposal is also cutting funds for those. The Institute of Museum and Library Services would receive $23.3 million less, and the Library Services and Technology Act would get $122.3 million less.

I’m lucky enough to have the money to buy the books I want to read and to have Internet access at home. I feel, however, that it’s important for those who aren’t so fortunate to have access to those things. That’s why I am contacting my Senators and Representatives and telling them library funding is important, both for schools and for communities. Maybe you should do the same thing.