Re: NEA/AFT/ALA: Reading & the Invisible Librarian

[Debra Gniewek <dgniewek@MAIL.PHILA.K12.PA.US>]

On 1/3/99 Johanna Halbeisen wrote:

>Remember the Invisible Librarian?  Do you feel like one?  I did when I read
>the articles on getting kids to read in the Jan '99 NEA Today.  NO mention
>of school libraries and the importance of a good school library in getting
>kids reading. Time to write some letters, I think.  How about it, Netters?
>And is there anyone who could write a lead article for NEA Today on what a
>good school library can do for your school?
******************

I agree with Johanna. We have to start writing letters to education
organizations about school libraries. We need to point out that a quality
school library program will raise reading scores. (Stephen Krashen's
research in The Power of Reading and Keith Curry Lance's study). Yet recent
publications of the NEA, of the AFT (American Educator, August '98) and of
ALA (American Libraries, December '98) devoted whole issues to reading and
literacy and did not once mention the school library. I think it's time
that we "invisible ones" become more vocal. Our own organizations are
ignoring us!

*******************************************************************
 Debra Lyman Gniewek                    dgniewek@phila.k12.pa.us


 School District of Philadelphia                (215) 299-7693
 Library Programs and Services                   Visit Our Home Page
 21st S. of the Parkway - Room 301B             http://www.phila.k12.pa.us
 Philadelphia, PA 19103

                Visit the Librarians Online Information Network
                 http://libertynet.org/education/schools/lion/lion.html
*******************************************************************

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=
    All postings to LM_NET are protected under copyright law.
To quit LM_NET (or set-reset NOMAIL or DIGEST), send email to:
 listserv@listserv.syr.edu         In the message write EITHER:
 1) SIGNOFF LM_NET 2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL or 3) SET LM_NET DIGEST
 3) SET LM_NET MAIL  * Please allow for confirmation from Listserv
 For LM_NET Help & Archives see:  http://ericir.syr.edu/lm_net/
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=