HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.C.R. NO.	188
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024
STATE OF HAWAII

HOUSE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

 

 

urging the department of education to ensure thAT school libraries and school library media centers are staffed with licensed school librarians and licensed school library media specialists.

 

 

 

     WHEREAS, a well-equipped and staffed school library is essential for fostering student learning, personal growth, and academic success; and

 

     WHEREAS, equitable access to educational resources is a fundamental right of every student, ensuring that all learners have the tools they need for academic achievement; and

 

     WHEREAS, schools with a strong school library program and a licensed school librarian provide their students with the best chance to succeed; and

 

     WHEREAS, more than sixty education and library research studies demonstrate that strong school library programs staffed by licensed school librarians help students do better academically, even when other school variables are considered; and

 

     WHEREAS, a comprehensive and professional collection development plan is essential for the effective management and curation of library resources, ensuring that the materials available are relevant, diverse, and contribute to a well-rounded education; and

 

     WHEREAS, a central location for the school library creates an environment for expanded learning and supports diverse student interests, providing a crucial space for intellectual exploration; and

 

     WHEREAS, technology and internet access in school libraries are vital components; and

 

     WHEREAS, licensed school librarians collaborate with teachers to enhance learning with print materials, electronic books, and electronic databases; and

 

     WHEREAS, licensed school librarians provide guidance, expertise, and support in fostering a love for reading and ensure students have the necessary information literacy skills necessary for college, career development, and community engagement; now, therefore,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-second Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2024, the Senate concurring, that the Department of Education is urged to ensure that school libraries and school library media centers are staffed with licensed school librarians and licensed school library media specialists; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Education is urged to design and equip school libraries and school library media centers so that each:

 

     (1)  Ensures every student has equitable access to resources and is able to locate, access, and use resources that are organized and cataloged;

 

     (2)  Has a collection development plan that includes, but is not limited to, materials selection and deselection, a challenged materials procedure, and an intellectual and academic freedom statement; and

 

     (3)  Is housed in a central location that provides an environment for expanded learning and supports a variety of student interests; and

 

     (4)  Has technology and internet access; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Governor, Chairperson of the Board of Education, Superintendent of Education, and State Librarian.

 

 

 

	OFFERED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title: 

Department of Education; School Libraries; School Library Media Centers; Licensed School Librarian; Licensed School Library Media Specialist