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PSLA Challenged/Jeopardized Positions Support

Is your library position, or a library position of which you know, in danger of being reduced, furloughed, eliminated, or lost through attrition?  PSLA is here to support you in this challenging time. Please see the resources below and contact us.

 

Follow PSLA’s checklist to get support and take action:

  • Learn the timeline for your district’s budget adjustment process.

  • Alert PSLA President and Board of Directors.

  • Complete this PSLA Challenged/Jeopardized Position form to notify us about the details of your situation.

  • Contact your local and state teacher's union representative

  • Contact the ALA Office of Public Policy and Advocacy to ask for advice and a letter of support signed by the ALA and AASL Presidents.

    • The Public Policy and Advocacy Office supports the efforts of new and veteran advocates working to strengthen communities through libraries of all types. Facing threats to funding, position reduction, adverse state or local legislation? Looking for strategy assistance, training, or want to launch an advocacy campaign? Contact ALA's Public Policy and Advocacy Office, [email protected].

  • Distribute and discuss library advocacy information with your building administrators, superintendent, school board, and community. See resources below.

  • Prepare a short statement outlining the consequences to students and staff of the elimination of the school librarian.

  • Collect positive statements from district teachers, parents, and students

  • Select teachers, students, and parents to commit to speaking to the School Board in support of school librarians.

  • Be persistent and do your best!

     

PSLA Position Statement in Response to School Library Program Cuts 

The Pennsylvania School Librarians Association (PSLA) Board of Directors, in alignment with the position of the American Association of School Librarians, believes that every student is entitled to an effective school library program, headed by a certified school librarian. 

Please read the full position statement, adopted by PSLA’s Board of Directors in 2020 and updated in 2024.

 

 Advocacy Information


Statements of Support

Consider asking various stakeholders for letters of support/speaking at a School Board meeting (if they can hold the privilege of the floor to speak).

From Librarians

From Parents & Students

From Teachers & Staff

Upon request, a letter of support will be provided by the PSLA President.

Parents and Students make excellent advocates.  

Consider asking for their support through letters, emails, and speaking at the School Board meeting.

Teachers and Staff are some of our most important stakeholders.

Ask them for support by sharing some personal stories of how you and the library have helped them and their students be successful.