In an era where school librarian positions are increasingly vulnerable to budget cuts and contentious cultural debates, Courtney Pentland, president of the American Association of School Librarians, underscores the critical role these professionals play in nurturing student literacy and intellectual growth. Despite mounting challenges, from reduced budgets to censorship pressures, Pentland champions librarians as pivotal in fostering diverse perspectives and supporting educational resilience. She emphasizes the urgent need for educational stakeholders to prioritize and empower librarians with adequate resources and professional support. Pentland’s advocacy calls for a cultural shift towards recognizing the expertise and dedication of school librarians, ensuring they can effectively curate inclusive collections and provide essential educational support amidst evolving educational landscapes.
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“School librarians are an incredible asset to their school communities—if they’re given the time and resources to do the job that they know they can do,” said Courtney Pentland, president of the Chicago-based American Association of School Librarians. “There’s a lot of talent and knowledge and expertise that I feel is wasted or underutilized. There needs to be a shift in educational culture.”
