The Experts

'At Multnomah County Library, we are aware that several studies link well-staffed, well-stocked school libraries to higher student achievement. Yet Oregon school libraries often lack the staff and resources to meet student needs. According to the Oregon State Library's 2007 Quality Education Model (QEM) Report, only 1% of Multnomah County schools (Madison High School and Beach Elementary School) meet the QEM standards for adequate school library staffing and expenditures on books and other library resources (down 5% from 2006). Only 5% of Oregon's schools (61 out of 1249) meet these standards. If funding does not improve, more school libraries will likely be run by aides and volunteers. This leaves a majority of students without adequate access to current, quality school library books; online research tools and books for independent reading; and certified school librarians to provide library and research instruction in using these books and online tools. Since these students are current and future users of Multnomah County Library, we strongly support efforts to improve school library funding.'

 Molly Raphael, Director of Libraries, Multnomah County, Portland, Oregon.