The resource that I chose to use for the first reading journal entry was the March 2013 edition of the School Library Journal. I read the article, “Librarian Required” by Debra E. Kachel and Keith Curray Lance. The reason I chose this article is because the Media Center programs in my district lost a support staff member two years ago, and I am concerned with the current budget climate of my district that more cuts to staff could occur.

My article dealt with a study called the Pennsylvania School Library Study (PSLA). The PSLA looked at all types of school districts in Pennsylvania and how they funded and staffed their Media Centers. Academic standards were impacted without proper staffing of a full time librarian and support staff in the media centers, and that struggling students faltered the most.

I like to read the School Library Journal and I do quite often. Usually I am looking for new book suggestions for students, but I do also find the articles interesting. I will continue to use this resource because I feel that articles like the one I read need to be shared with our Curriculum Director and Administration to show why Media Centers should not be cut.

I think that I learned from this resource that Illinois is not alone in the budget troubles. The article also reinforced what I always have know as a student and a teacher and that is that librarians help all students. Fighting for those students that need the extra help and support is something I have always done in the classroom. I will look forward to trying to help and reach those students when I become a school librarian. One person can impact a student so much and I hope I can be that for many students that use the media center.