Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HR168

Introduced
3/8/24  
Refer
3/14/24  
Introduced
3/8/24  
Report Pass
3/25/24  
Refer
3/14/24  
Report Pass
3/25/24  
Report Pass
4/4/24  
Refer
3/25/24  
Report Pass
4/4/24  

Caption

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.

Impact

The bill emphasizes that schools with strong library programs, supported by licensed librarians, provide students with better educational outcomes. Research shows that effective library programs lead to enhanced academic performance, with the resolution calling for structured collection development plans to manage relevant and diverse resources. Furthermore, the resolution mandates that libraries should offer technology and internet access, which are crucial for modern educational environments. This addresses the need for libraries to not only house books but also facilitate learning through digital means.

Summary

House Bill HR168, introduced in the Thirty-Second Legislature of Hawaii, is a 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. This bill highlights the importance of having well-staffed libraries as a fundamental aspect of fostering student learning and personal growth. It underscores the fact that equitable access to educational resources is essential for academic achievement and promotes the notion that well-managed school libraries can significantly contribute to students' academic performance.

Contention

While there are no explicit points of contention noted in the legislation text, the push for licensed librarians implies a standard that may challenge existing practices in some schools. The resolution seeks to centralize the staffing of libraries, which could be met with pushback from schools that may have varying staffing models. Ensuring all school libraries are equipped and staffed as proposed may require additional funding and resources, possibly leading to debates over educational budget allocations and priorities in the state.

Additional_notes

The bill calls for specific actions from the Department of Education to guarantee that libraries not only have appropriate staffing but also that physical spaces are conducive to student learning and support diverse interests. The end goal of HR168 is to create an environment that empowers students through access to resources that enhance their academic skills and personal development.

Companion Bills

HI HCR188

Same As 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.

Previously Filed As

HI HCR188

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.

HI A3446

"Freedom to Read Act"; establishes requirements for library material in public school libraries and public libraries; protects school library staff members and librarians.

HI S2421

"Freedom to Read Act"; establishes requirements for library material in public school libraries and public libraries; protects school library staff members and librarians.

HI HB59

Relating To Libraries At Public Schools.

HI HB59

Relating To Libraries At Public Schools.

HI HR23

Commends the state's libraries, librarians, and library staffers and encourages the celebration of National Library Week, April 10-16, 2011

HI SR24

Commends the state's libraries, librarians, and library staffers and encourages the celebration of National Library Week, April 10-16, 2011.

HI H5488

Creates the School Libraries Act.

HI S0639

Creates the School Libraries Act.

HI H7888

Requires every public school in Rhode Island to have a school library or library media center in a permanent and dedicated space available to students in grades K-12 with a librarian available.

Similar Bills

CA AB622

Library districts: report.

IL SB3690

SCH CD-RECRUITMENT & RETENTION

HI HB962

Relating To Education.

IA HF558

A bill for an act prohibiting certain materials in public libraries in counties and cities, authorizing civil actions, and providing civil penalties.

IA SF347

A bill for an act prohibiting certain materials in public libraries in counties and cities, authorizing civil actions, and providing civil penalties.

CA SB390

Local control and accountability plans: annual goals: state priorities: model school library standards.

CA SCR29

Postsecondary education: University of California: University Council-American Federation of Teachers.

IL HB2625

LIBRARIES-DATABASE CONTRACTS