44th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2000

REQUESTING THE NEW MEXICO STATE LIBRARY WORK WITH THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC EDUCATION ON IMPROVEMENT OF PUBLIC SCHOOL LIBRARIES.

WHEREAS, the New Mexico task force for school libraries is a collaborative effort among the New Mexico state library, the state department of public education and the New Mexico library association to improve all public school libraries; and

WHEREAS, the task force conducted a survey that examined the condition of library collections, staffing, training needs, technology, facilities and funding for library materials in New Mexico schools; and

WHEREAS, survey responses indicate significant deficiencies statewide; and

WHEREAS, educational research has clearly established the relationship between student academic achievement levels and the levels of investment in the school's library program;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the New Mexico state library be requested to work with the state department of public education to prepare a report on public school library improvement in areas including library standards, certification of staff, funding of libraries and cooperation with other types of libraries statewide and report to the legislative education study committee by November 2000; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the director of the library division of the office of cultural affairs and the superintendent of public instruction.