Need help on staffing issue

[Jeannine JJ Towler <jjtowler@PEN.K12.VA.US>]

Dear Colleagues,
     Please share with me any information you have on your school
system's, or state's, standards for staffing school library media
centers.
     At one time I had a full-time clerical aide in the library.
That position was then cut to half-time, and this year, the
school administrators decided to transfer that position entirely
out of the library media center and into the office as additional
clerical help there.  Even though I have parent volunteers and
student assistants, the absence of the library aide has greatly
diminished the quantity and quality of service that is being
provided.
     Our population at Henley Middle School (6th-8th grades) is
653 students.  Besides the usual library services, I try to
provide additional programs such as a large, annual Book Fair to
raise money to purchase materials, and the Young Readers Program
sponsored by the Virginia State Reading Association.  However, I
feel that these, and all library services, have been greatly
hampered by the reduction in personnel and support for the
library media center.
     I wish to explain to my principal the school's need for
additional assistance, but I would appreciate any information you
could provide on your situation that will support my cause.
     Thanking you for being there, I am,

Sincerely yours,
JJ Towler
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