AISLE Library Paraprofessional Statement of Support
September 21, 2023
-
Our organizations strongly support the American Association of School Librarians’ (AASL) statement on Appropriate Staffing for School Libraries. AASL states that in addition to qualified school library professionals, highly trained technical and clerical support staff are essential for all school libraries at every grade level. To transform teaching and learning throughout the school community, it is recommended each school employ at least one full-time technical assistant, clerk, or paraprofessional to enable the school librarian to perform professional duties in the area of teaching and learning.
The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) in their Evidence-Based Funding documentation and in Illinois School Code Sec. 18-8.15 recommends not only one certified school librarian for every 600 high school students and one for every 450 elementary school students, but one library assistant for every 300 students. We encourage school districts to fully staff their school libraries with BOTH a certified library media specialist AND at least one library assistant to ensure a successful program that supports student growth and achievement.
Approved by the following organizations:
AISLE Executive Board, June 10, 2023
Illinois Library Association, September 14, 2023
iREAD Summer Reading Programs
Latest Library JobLine Listings
