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First professionally trained school librarian is appointed
Mary Kingsbury is appointed to be the librarian at Erasmus High School library in Brooklyn. Image of Mary Kingsbury retrieved from https://sites.google.com/a/glastonburyus.org/ghs-lmc/ghs-library-history -
Second person appointed as a school librarian
Mary E. Hall was appointed to the Girl's High School in Brooklyn. Due to rapid expansion of activities and resources, new library facilities were being built and library classrooms were being proposed (Woolls, 2015, p. 4). Image of Girls High School of Brooklyn retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Girls%27_High_School -
Slow growth in school libraries
According to Edward D. Greenman as cited in Woolls, 2014, "Of the 10,000 public high schools in the country...not more than 250 possess collections containing 3,000 volumes or over" (p. 4). Image shows Greenville High School Library in Greenville, Mississippi from 1890. Retrieved from http://eduscapes.com/history/modern/1850.htm -
Accelerated school library growth
Due to accrediting agencies specifying the requirement for trained librarians to be present in all high schools seeking accreditation by their associations, high school libraries finally see accelerated growth (Woolls, 2014). Image of Girls High School library,Brooklyn, in 1915. Retrieved from http://eduscapes.com/history/contemporary/1920.htm -
Elementary school library standards published
Elementary school library standards are published, though many elementary schools do not have libraries or librarians. Books were kept in classrooms, and were dependent on the teacher's assignment and skill (Woolls, 2014, p. 5). Image of book of library standards. Retrieved from https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?size=75&id=mdp.39015033888887&seq=1&view=1up -
Expansion of school libraries
Standards for School Library Programs is completed, and the American Association of School Librarians receives grand to assist in the development of school libraries (Woolls, 2014, p. 6). Retrieved from https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015005726040;view=1up;seq=7 -
Reports from the U.S. Office of Education
Reports show that fewer than 50 percent of U.S. elementary schools had libraries. Cora Paul Bomar, head supervisor in the Library and Instructional Materials Section of the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (phew!) discusses with members of Congress how 10 million children go to 40,000 public schools with no library (Woolls, 2014, p. 6). Image of Cora Paul Bomar retrieved from http://www.aldirect.ala.org/sites/default/al_direct/2008/april/040908.htm -
Elementary an Secondary Education Act (ESEA)
Funds are in place to specifically purchase library materials. These funds combined with volunteer and local initiatives build elementary school libraries and expand secondary school libraries (Woolls, 2014). Image from John Evans Elementary School, 1965. Retrieved from http://www.gettyimages.com.au/detail/news-photo/keith-allan-arnold-of-clayton-college-for-boys-demonstrates-news-photo/162039682 -
Technology and Computers and slashed funding...oh my?
Funding is spent on new technology, such as microcomputers, which decreased funding for other types of materials and equipment. There was also declining federal, state and local funding. This along with the idea of "technology replacing libraries" made the future of school libraries questionable (Woolls, 2014, p. 6). Image of 1980's computer. Retrieved from http://eduscapes.com/history/contemporary/1980.htm -
Fighting for Survival
Management changes at district levels often cut the school librarian out as an "essential program" for students, and many certification requirements came under review, meaning that library staff did NOT need to hold teacher certification (Woolls, 2014). Image retrieved from https://www.flickr.com/photos/12598811@N06/1306517263 -
Revival Funding
Initiatives providing $40 million to create model elementary and middle school libraries began in the mid 1990's. These initiatives required improved library collections, facilities, full-time librarians and flexible schedules for collaboration between librarians and staff. The funding for many of these projects ended in the late 1990's, but provided a strong core for the future of libraries and librarians. Image retrieved from http://picturesofmoney.org/money-bag-filled-with-money/ -
Common Core State Standards (CCSS), Collaboration, Multiple Literacies
The CCSS and the integration of technology into schools has shaped the ways libraries and librarians function today. The use of automated library systems, online databases, and devices are standard. Collaboration guides students to becoming independent learners while promoting research skills through access to new technologies to build multiple literacies (information, digital, graphic). Image retrieved from http://www.johnston.k12.ia.us/schools/middleschool/staff/msstaff/keller/home.html -
The Future
The future of the library is one of flexible work spaces that encourage collaboration and creation. The blending of traditional research spaces, with technology and gathering spaces will enhance and build upon students' abilities to use and create using digital and hands-on tools, creating a multidimensional and multimedia experience to build students' literacies. Image of Stewart Middle Magnet School library and makerspace retrieved from http://ideas.demco.com/blog/makerspaces-in-schools/
