Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

Minnesota House Bill HF4967

Introduced
3/14/24  

Caption

State school librarian established.

Impact

The implementation of HF4967 is expected to impact state laws concerning educational support and library services. By formalizing the role of a state school librarian, the bill seeks to address gaps in resources available to school libraries, particularly in rural areas or districts with limited access to educational technology and literacy programs. This could lead to improved student literacy outcomes and enhanced access to information resources for students and educators alike.

Summary

House File 4967 proposes the establishment of a state school librarian position within the Minnesota Department of Education. This role is intended to provide technical assistance and support to licensed school library media specialists and librarians across the state, ensuring that they are equipped with the necessary resources and training to foster effective literacy programs in schools. The bill aims to enhance the educational infrastructure by promoting collaboration and guidance on academic standards and intellectual freedom in school libraries.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support from educational advocates who see the value in providing centralized support for school librarians, there may be points of contention regarding the allocation of funding for this position and how it fits into the existing educational budget. Some stakeholders might express concerns about whether the establishment of a state school librarian will lead to additional bureaucratic overhead or if it will genuinely improve the functioning of school libraries. Discussions around balancing centralized support with local control of library resources may further underline the debate surrounding HF4967.

Companion Bills

MN SF3471

Similar To State School Librarian establishment

Previously Filed As

MN SF3471

State School Librarian establishment

MN A3446

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

MN S2421

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

MN AB782

Requiring public schools and private schools participating in a parental choice program to employ a full-time librarian and a school district revenue limit adjustment for the cost of employing full-time librarians. (FE)

MN SB758

Requiring public schools and private schools participating in a parental choice program to employ a full-time librarian and a school district revenue limit adjustment for the cost of employing full-time librarians. (FE)

MN SB1700

Schools; school libraries; books; prohibition

MN 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.

MN HR168

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.

MN H5488

Creates the School Libraries Act.

MN S0639

Creates the School Libraries Act.

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