ALAWON: American Library Association Washington Office Newsline
Volume 10, Number 8
February 15, 2001

In this issue:

[1]  School Library Media Bill Introduced In Senate

[1] School Library Media Bill Introduced In Senate 

On February 14, Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), joined by a number of his colleagues 
introduced S. 327, The Improving Literacy Through School Libraries Act of 2001. 
The bill would amend Title II of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and 
would provide up-to-date school library media resources and well-trained, 
professionally certified school library media specialists for elementary and 
secondary schools.  

Joining Senator Reed in co-sponsorship were Senators Thad Cochran (R-MS); Ted 
Kennedy (D-MA); Tom Dodd (D-CT); Jeff Bingaman (D-NM); Paul Wellstone (D-MN); 
Patty Murray (D-WA); Barbara Mikulski (D-MD); Hillary Clinton (D-NY); Lincoln 
Chafee (R-RI); John Rockefeller (D-WV); Harry Reid (D-NV); Paul Sarbanes (D-MD); 
and Max Baucus (D-MT).   As of this date, the bill is not yet posted on THOMAS, 
but the Congressional Record of 2/14/01 lists sponsors and the bill number and 
title (S1399-1402).

This bi-partisan list of supporters includes eight of the nine Democrats on the 
authorizing committee (Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee).  
Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) is the only minority member of the committee not yet 
sponsoring the bill.


ACTION NEEDED: Thanks to all school library supporters who contacted the 
above sponsors.  Please call and thank them for their sponsorship of the 
legislation. (Capitol Switchboard number is (202) 224-3121.  School library 
media supporters should contact Senators, asking them to sponsor and support S. 
327.  The Improving Literacy Through School Libraries Act of 2001 is the missing 
ingredient needed for student success.  Now is the time to alert Senators to 
local school library needs.  The latest research conducted by Keith Curry Lance 
et al (www.lrs.edu) can be used to show how an investment in school libraries 
can lead to increased student achievement.  Please help us make the case that 
funds dedicated to improving school libraries will benefit children in 
individual states.  Use examples from studies done in your state, or needs in 
your own school library.  There is no time to lose, since the Administration is 
pushing for action on ESEA reauthorization this spring as a first priority and 
the Senate will be working quickly.   


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