Statewide census finds many Minnesota school libraries understaffed; report urges tighter use of school library aid

A statewide census of school libraries released to the Minnesota Senate Education Finance Committee found that 46% of K–12 schools do not have a licensed library media specialist and that nearly half of media centers report annual budgets under $5,000.

The finding comes from a 2024 census conducted by the seven multi-county, multi-type library systems and analyzed by Wilder Research. "The survey was completed in spring of 2024," said Anna Granias, a researcher at Wilder Research, summarizing the project and its representativeness. The census solicited responses from 1,528 of 1,777 eligible public and charter schools.

Why it matters: Licensed media specialists hold educator licenses issued by the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board and, the presenters said, provide specialized instruction, curriculum collaboration and professional development that supports student literacy and research skills. "We're asking that you make slight modifications to improve the integrity of the school library aid program and identify ways to support school and district leaders to build up their school library programs and hire licensed professionals," said Ashley Dress, school…