The State of Library Services in Sacramento County Public Schools

Recommendations 4

• R1
  School Districts should adopt the recommendations of the 2010 Model School Library Standards to the fullest extent possible: The Model School Library Standards for California Public Schools (2010) are intended to provide students with “the skills and knowledge essential for students to be information literate.” This includes the skills to “effectively access, evaluate, use, and integrate information into their lives” and to “apply responsible research practices.” The standards also describe recommended educational standards for students at each grade level in addition to the level of library staffing and resources necessary for student achievement.
• R2
  School Districts Should Collaborate with Public libraries: Districts should partner with Sacramento County’s two public library systems, (the Sacramento Public Library System or the Folsom Public Library) to provide library services to schools within their district.
• R3
  School Districts Should Review Use of Contract Organizations that Provide Library Services: Districts should continually identify and seek the supplementary support of Contract organizations for applicable services.
• R4
  Districts Should Constantly Be Aware of Local Fund Raising and Volunteerism Opportunities: To the extent possible, School Districts should continue to make use of support and/or funding from private organizations and directly affected groups such as parents and students. Conclusion: The ability to provide library services is problematic due to lack of funding. Innovation and creativity are necessary to address the current situation. School Districts should continue to be open to new and innovative ways to allow volunteers to help with their time, talent, and/or funds. The LCAP process is an avenue to encourage local participation in the budgeting process of the school district or school. This mechanism may be a way to incubate new methods and means of volunteerism as well as procurement of outside funding. 60