American Library Association and American Association of School Librarians Endorse Washington SB 5102

Abstract

The American Library Association (ALA) and American Association of School Librarians (AASL) applaud the introduction of SB 5102 and urge its passage by the Washington legislature. Washington’s administrative code RCW 28A. 320.240 establishes quality criteria for school library programs that support student learning goals and state standards. It also identifies integrating information literacy, critical thinking, digital citizenship, and technology skills instruction across the curriculum, as well as promoting a community-wide culture of reading, as key responsibilities of certified school librarians. As schools’ only certified information professionals, school librarians are uniquely qualified to ensure that these critical skills and dispositions are taught.