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SENATE DOCKET, NO. 1769 FILED ON: 1/16/2025
SENATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 428
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
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PRESENTED BY:
Jacob R. Oliveira
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To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:
The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:
An Act relative to school library standards.
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PETITION OF:
NAME:DISTRICT/ADDRESS :Jacob R. OliveiraHampden, Hampshire and WorcesterAngelo J. Puppolo, Jr.12th Hampden1/27/2025Lindsay N. Sabadosa1st Hampshire2/12/2025David Paul Linsky5th Middlesex2/20/2025James Arciero2nd Middlesex2/24/2025William C. Galvin6th Norfolk2/26/2025John F. KeenanNorfolk and Plymouth3/3/2025James B. EldridgeMiddlesex and Worcester3/3/2025Judith A. Garcia11th Suffolk3/3/2025Patrick M. O'ConnorFirst Plymouth and Norfolk3/5/2025 1 of 2
SENATE DOCKET, NO. 1769 FILED ON: 1/16/2025
SENATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 428
By Mr. Oliveira, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 428) of Jacob R. Oliveira, Angelo
J. Puppolo, Jr., Lindsay N. Sabadosa, David Paul Linsky and other members of the General
Court for legislation relative to school library standards. Education.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
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In the One Hundred and Ninety-Fourth General Court
(2025-2026)
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An Act relative to school library standards.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority
of the same, as follows:
1 Chapter 69 of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 1T the
2following new section:-
3 Section 1U. School Library Standards
4 As used in this section, (i) the term “school library standards” means the most recent
5edition of academic standards for school library media programs developed by the American
6Association of School Librarians (AASL) and endorsed for the commonwealth by the
7Massachusetts School Library Association (MSLA); (ii) the term “effective school library
8program” means school library programs that are staffed by certified school librarians, offer
9equitable access to a collection and other resources for all students, and provides personalized
10learning environments for students within 2 of 2
11 instruction time and across the school day; (iii) the term “schools” means all public
12schools, charter schools, private day schools, residential schools, and collaborative schools
13established and recognized under this Title.
14 Pursuant to the provisions of section 1D, the department shall adopt AASL and MSLA
15school library standards that promote effective school library programs, including, but not
16limited to: (a) a well-rounded grade-appropriate collection that supports the curriculum as well as
17independent reading and inquiry; (b) the teaching of information literacy and research skills for
18students in kindergarten to grade 12; (c) furthers reading proficiency and competencies for all
19students; and (d) integrates learning technologies across the curriculum. Pursuant to the
20provisions of section 1E, the commissioner shall guide school committees or boards of trustees
21in implementation of standards and the development of effective school library programs. School
22committees or board of trustees may incorporate the school library standards into existing
23curricula including, but not limited to, English language arts, history and social sciences, and
24technology.
25 The department shall require a study by the department relative to the implementation of
26the school library standards beginning in the third year after the enactment of said standards.
27Subject to appropriation, the department shall conduct a study in each third year following the
28initial study, including a study of employment of school librarians and staff and the type of
29school library programs being offered in schools to students. The study shall include a report to
30the public via department communication platforms on best practices and recommended
31improvements to effective school library programs for all students.