Board hears concerns that new opt‑in rule for students may reduce equitable access to library digital resources

A board member told the advisory board that recent legislative changes have shifted public‑school students from automatic access to library digital collections to an opt‑in model, and members expressed concern that the change could reduce equitable access for students whose families are less likely to return opt‑in forms.

"Now they have to opt in," the member said, and several members described this as an added barrier. One member said the change makes access "a lot less equitable." Jason Hyatt said he had not yet received extensive patron feedback but would research usage numbers and report back at the next meeting. Hyatt noted that Asheville City Schools used a Dec. 15–Jan. 15 window for opt‑in; Buncombe County Schools required submission of opt‑in data by Oct. 1 for the fall cycle and provided an FAQ flyer for distribution.

Members discussed potential collaborative messaging with schools to increase awareness of opt‑in forms and mitigate disparities. The board did not take action at this meeting but asked staff to gather data on how the opt‑in change has affected library card issuance and digital‑collection access for students.

The discussion underscores a local concern about how administrative changes at the school/district level can alter equitable access to library resources for children and teens.