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H.R. 2864, The SKILLs Act

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Brian Sander

This legislation, while well-intentioned, would put older librarians out of work -- many of whom are reaching retirement age. As it is written, this is a cruel law. To be fair, it should factor in existing librarians and SLOWLY phase them out, not eliminate their jobs and ignore their decades of previous experience for a group of people who could not possibly go back to school for the needed education.

Dusty Montgomery

I'm sorry, but I disagree. Our school district has a qualified, certified media specialist in every building. As they are retiring, our district is replacing them with an unqualified teacher's aide to cut costs. Their rationale is if Congress thinks qualified specialists are important, they would require them. It's time we do just that. . . .

S. Miller

This is needed legislation. Older librarians will not be put out of work. No current librarian who is certified will be let go. I think that many people have the misconception that to be a librarian, you do not have to go to school let alone be "certified". Library Media Specialists need to be certified to teach students the important skill of media literacy. I am a "teacher-librarian" who is certified and I am in a district that is trying to replace media specialists with unqualified teachers aides (some with no college at all!). Our children deserve better.

J. Jensen

I agree that this legislation is crucial for districts that wish to attain a high quality of education for their students. Certified Library Media Specialists have training in media, technology, and are teachers!
Districts that are cutting their highly qualified Library Media Specialists to save money are being very short-sighted.

K. Clemons

This legislation is incredibly important. Being a librarian is more than just checking books out and shelving items. Reader advisory, selecting age and reading level appropriate materials, providing research support for teachers and students--these are all issues that take a lot of effort and knowledge to do correctly. I, personally, have a MLS degree with a concentration in Information Needs of Youth, and I've passed the state certification test. However, I've been passed over for 3 school library jobs in 4 years because classroom teachers wanted a break from the classroom and decided to move into the library. That's not fair to someone like me who has worked hard to be qualified, and more importantly, it's not fair to the kids who have to put up with a less than qualified school librarian. At least I know what a MARC record is and how to use it--I seriously doubt those classroom teachers can claim the same.

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