A call to action! Letters to New Jersey

[Mike Eisenberg <mike@ericir.syr.edu>]

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To all LM_NETTERS, library media specialists, and supporters of school
library media programs -

Jackie Mancall, President of AASL, on behalf of AASL has written to the
Governor and the Commissioner of Education in New Jersey expressing
concern that school library media specialists are being defined as
"administrators" and non-instructional personnel for the purposes of
proposed budget cuts.

Please - LM_NETTERS - take action now!!  Write letters of concern to the
following:

The Honorable Christine Whitman, Governor
New Jersey
State House
Trenton, NJ  08625

Mr. Leo Klagholz, Commissioner or Education
New Jersey Department of Education
225 E. State St. --CN 500
Trenton, NJ   08625-0500
Fax 609-777-4099

The Honorable Jack Ewing,
The Senate of the State of New Jersey
(Chair of the Joint Commission of the Public Schools
Chairman, Senate Education Committee)
State Street
Trenton, New Jersey 08625

Ms. Louise Minervino
State Librarian
225 West State Street
Trenton, New Jersey 08625

Letters from New Jersey residents would be most effective, however, a
school library media specialist should be concerned as our instructional
role is clearly defined and relates directly to student achievement.

As a profession, we cannot allow this designation to go uncontested. We
must express our concern and ask the state to reassess its decision.
Express your feelings about the professional role of library media
specialists and the recent statements.

As Jackie Mancall's letter says, "The needs of school children to become
productive, thoughtful citizens cannot be met by exposure to
classroom-centered learning experiences only.  Information is power and
your students deserve strong, professionally staffed school library media
centers in order to become effective users of ideas and informati on."

This is one of those key times to express your concern.

Thanks.

Mike