Fifty Years of Supporting

Children’s Learning

A History of Public School

Libraries and Federal

Legislation From 1953 to 2000

U.S. Department of Education

Institute of Education Sciences

NCES 2005–311

National Center for

Education Statistics

NCES

Schools and Staffing Survey

SASS



	




National Center for

Education Statistics

NCES

U.S. Department of Education

Institute of Education Sciences

NCES 2005–311

Schools and Staffing Survey

SASS



	





Fifty Years of Supporting

Children’s Learning

A History of Public School

Libraries and Federal

Legislation From 1953 to 2000

March 2005

Joan S. Michie

Westat

Barbara A. Holton

National Center for 

Education Statistics
U.S. Department of Education

Margaret Spellings

Secretary

Institute of Education Sciences

Grover J. Whitehurst

Director

National Center for Education Statistics

Jeffrey Owings

Associate Commissioner

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) is the primary federal entity for collecting, analyzing,

and reporting data related to education in the United States and other nations. It fulfills a congressional

mandate to collect, collate, analyze, and report full and complete statistics on the condition of education in the United States; conduct and publish reports and specialized analyses of the meaning and significance of such statistics; assist state and local education agencies in improving their statistical systems; and review and report on education activities in foreign countries.

NCES activities are designed to address high priority education data needs; provide consistent, reliable,

complete, and accurate indicators of education status and trends; and report timely, useful, and high

quality data to the U.S. Department of Education, the Congress, the states, other education policymakers,

practitioners, data users, and the general public.

We strive to make our products available in a variety of formats and in language that is appropriate to a

variety of audiences.You, as our customer, are the best judge of our success in communicating information effectively. If you have any comments or suggestions about this or any other NCES product or report,

we would like to hear from you. Please direct your comments to:

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Institute of Education Sciences

U.S. Department of Education

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Washington, DC 20006–5651

March 2005

The NCES World Wide Web Home Page address is: http://nces.ed.gov

The NCES World Wide Web Electronic Catalog is: http://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch

Suggested Citation

Michie, J. S. and Holton, B. A. (2005). Fifty Years of Supporting Children’s Learning: A History of Public

School Libraries and Federal Legislation From 1953 to 2000 (NCES 2005–311). U.S. Department of

Education. National Center for Education Statistics. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office.

For ordering information on this report, write:

U.S. Department of Education

ED Pubs

P.O. Box 1398

Jessup, MD 20794-1398

Call toll free 1-877-4ED-Pubs or order online at http://www.edpubs.org

Content Contact:

Barbara Holton

(202) 219-7095

Barbara.Holton@ed.gov
iii

Acknowledgments

he work of many people went into the preparation of this historical compilation.

Daniel Kasprzyk, formerly of NCES, secured the funding for the project. Kathryn Chandler, Director of

the Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS) at NCES, provided guidance in helping to shape the report’s 

contents. Tai Phan, Marilyn Seastrom, Tom Snyder, Bruce Taylor, and Jeffrey Williams, all of NCES,

made significant contributions to this report with their advice and comments. The authors are grateful to

Karen O’Conor, formerly of NCES, for her advice and invaluable assistance. We also thank Anne

Ricciuti of the Institute for Education Sciences (IES) for her careful review of this report.

The staff of the National Library of Education (NLE) provided indispensable support for this project. 

Chris Dunn and Vance Grant were valuable sources of historical information about school libraries and

statistics. Ellen Sweet and Michele Worthington, former NLE government documents librarians, played a 

vital role in the creation of this report. Denise Rosenblatt and George Diez, NLE reference librarians,

also supported this report with their research. The ability of the NLE librarians to research, identify, and

locate relevant government documents was critical in providing context for the historical library statistics 

in this compilation.

This report has benefited from a great deal of editorial and technical review from the Education Statistics 

Services Institute (ESSI). Sally Dillow, Ruth Atchison, and Mike Planty provided helpful editorial

suggestions. Elina Hartwell developed the creative cover design that evokes the report contents.

Several Westat staff made significant contributions to this report. Carl Setzer prepared the tables and kept 

track of technical notes concerning the data. Peter Wobus did the programming for the SASS data. 

Anjali Pandit prepared the state summary descriptions. Sylvie Warren did the word processing for the

document, and Carol Litman edited it.

Consultants Danny Callison of Indiana University and Ann Weeks of the University of Maryland

provided guidance in the selection of key variables and in tracking down source materials. We want to

thank Michelle Brown from Pinkerton Computer Consultants, Inc., for her technical assistance with some 

of the calculations.

A great debt is owed to the pioneers of national school library statistics and school library grant programs, 

including Nora Beust, Richard Darling, Milbrey Jones, Mary Helen Mahar, and Louise Sutherland, whose 

work is reflected in this report. The generosity of Yvonne Carter in spending an evening reminiscing

about the beginnings of what became the Office of Library Programs at the U.S. Department of Education 

is greatly appreciated.

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v

Executive Summary

he past 50 years have seen a dramatic change in the status of the school library. Since the early

1950s, almost 30,000 new school libraries have been established, and thousands of federally funded

development and collection expansion projects have enhanced existing libraries in public elementary and

secondary schools. At the same time, school libraries have evolved from having a primary focus on

books to providing the rich array of resources found in the information centers of today.

This report provides basic information on school libraries from 1953–54 to 1999–2000. It describes some 

of the key variables for which data were available over this nearly 50-year timeframe. While not a

comprehensive history of library media centers in this country, the report provides a wealth of

information drawn from more than 50 sources, the majority of which are federal surveys and reports. 

Most of the data in the report have been previously published, but the older reports are not easily

accessible to the general public. Data in the tables of this document come from nine federally sponsored

reports or databases of national data on school libraries. Only datasets that include national-level data

were considered for this compilation. The data come from sample surveys that were self-administered. 

In addition to school library data, the report presents information about the evolving nature of federal

legislation, regional school accreditation standards, and other factors relevant to the establishment,

financial support, and minimum requirements of public school libraries. 

The federal share of revenue for public elementary and secondary education was 4.5 percent in 1953–54 

and 7.3 percent in 1999–2000 (National Center for Education Statistics 2002). State and local legislative 

and funding efforts that were also occurring during the time period are not discussed because they are

beyond the scope of this report. The efforts at all three levels—federal, state, and local—need to be kept 

in mind when the descriptive data on the characteristics of libraries across the timespan are considered.

Highlights

The following findings were excerpted from the nearly 50-year span of data on characteristics of public

school libraries:

• At the national level, there were approximately 129,000 public schools in 1953–54 and 84,000 

in 1999–2000 (table 1-1). School consolidation was a major factor in the reduction in the

number of public schools (National Center for Education Statistics 2002). At the same time, in 

1953–54, approximately 27.7 million students attended public schools in the United States. In

1999–2000, the number of students attending the nation’s public schools was about 45.0

million.

• In 1953–54, 36 percent of all public schools had library media centers, but these schools

contained 59 percent of all public school students (table 1-1). In 1999–2000, 92 percent of all

public schools had a school library; these schools contained 97 percent of all public school

students.

• At the national level, 40 percent of public schools had a librarian in 1953–54 (table 1-1). In

1999–2000, 86 percent of public schools had a librarian.

• Nationally, for all public school students there were 3 school library books per pupil in 1953–

54 and 17 books per pupil in 1999–2000 (table 1-1).

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vi

• In 1953–54, excluding salaries, per pupil expenditures for public school libraries were $6 (in

adjusted 1999–2000 dollars; table 1-1). In 1999–2000, per pupil expenditures for public school 

libraries, excluding salaries, were $15.

• The percent of public schools with a librarian ranged from 17 percent in the New England

accreditation region to 62 percent in the Western accreditation region in 1953–54 (tables 2-1 

through 2-6). In the other accreditation regions, librarians were employed in public school

libraries as follows: Middle States (36 percent), North Central (39 percent), Southern

(42 percent), and Northwest (50 percent).

• In 1999–2000, the percent of public schools with a librarian ranged from 61 percent in the

Western accreditation region to 93 percent in the Southern accreditation region (tables 2-1 

through 2-6). In the other accreditation regions, librarians were employed in public school

libraries as follows: Northwest (79 percent), New England (86 percent), Middle States

(92 percent), and North Central (86 percent).

• In 1953–54, 24 percent of elementary public schools and 95 percent of secondary public

schools had a school library media center (tables 3-1 and 3-2). In 1999–2000, 95 percent of

elementary public schools and 87 percent of secondary public schools had a school library

media center. 

• In 1953–54, the percent of public schools with library media centers ranged from 13 percent in 

West Virginia to 80 percent in North Carolina (tables 4-1 through 4-51). In 1999–2000, 

the percent of public schools with library media centers ranged from 73 percent in South

Dakota to 100 percent in Hawaii, Vermont, and Wisconsin.

• In 1953–54, the percent of public schools with a librarian ranged from 7 percent in Vermont

and the District of Columbia to 80 percent in Delaware (tables 4-1 through 4-51). In 1999–

2000, the percent of public schools with a librarian ranged from 59 percent in West Virginia to 

100 percent in Hawaii. 

Organization and Content 

This report is divided into four sections that present categories of historical data about public school

library media centers. In the order shown in the report, the categories are as follows:

• national-level data; 

• regional-level data; 

• school-level data; and 

• state-level data. 

The first section provides national data. The second section provides regional data tables and summarizes 

the history of standards for school libraries in each region. The states included in each region—defined in 

terms of the regional accrediting associations—are constant throughout the time period covered in this

report.
vii

The third section includes both elementary and secondary school data. In the final section on state data,

the accompanying text provides information on school library services from reports on federal programs

that supported school libraries. Also included in state summaries are services provided by state libraries

to school libraries between 1996 and 2000 that involved funding, standards or guidelines, and

development staff; these services are included because they relate specifically to the key variables in this

report.

This report also includes four appendixes: Per Pupil Measures, Adjusting Dollars Using the Consumer

Price Index, States in Regional Accrediting Associations, and Standard Error Tables. Since standard

errors were not available for the older datasets used in this compendium, only the standard errors from

1990–91, 1993–94, and 1999–2000 are presented in the tables.

Key Variables

The main factors considered in the selection of variables were the importance of the variable, sufficiency

of the data over the 50 years covered in the report, and comparability of the data. All tables of library

data in the report contain the following 11 key variables:

• number of public schools; 

• number of pupils in public schools; 

• number of public schools with library media centers;

• percent of public schools with library media centers; 

• number of pupils in schools with library media centers; 

• percent of pupils in schools with library media centers; 

• number of schools with a librarian; 

• percent of schools with a librarian; 

• books per pupil; 

• library expenditures (excluding salaries) per pupil; and

• book expenditures per pupil. 

The first two listed variables—number of public schools and number of pupils in public schools—were 

included to provide a context for the other data that are specific to school libraries.

Two of the most basic variables are the number and percent of public schools with library media centers. 

The number of public schools with a library media center or school library depends on the definition of a 

school library. That definition has changed over the years covered in this report to reflect changes in the 

concept of a school library. In this historical compilation, data on formal, organized libraries have been

included because they are similar conceptually to what was later known as a library media center. Data

from classroom collections have been excluded.
viii

Regarding the staffing variables, number and percent of schools with a librarian, the number of schools

with a librarian depends on the definition of a librarian. That definition has also changed a great deal over 

the past 50 years. Factors that have been incorporated into the definition over this time period include the 

number of semester hours in library science and state certification in the field of library media. In this

report, the prevailing definition of a school librarian at the time was used for each school year presented.1

Holdings are an important part of a school library, and several holdings variables were considered for this 

compilation. Books per pupil was selected because it is a school library measure of the educational

resources available to students, and it was available in most of the reports reviewed. Only books in

formal, organized libraries were included; those in classroom collections were excluded. The total

number of books held in the school library was used, not just those books purchased during the previous

year. 

For this historical report, enrollment data for all public school pupils, not just pupils in public schools

with school libraries, was selected. During the past 50 years, the number of public schools with library

media centers has approached or reached 100 percent in many states. Using a denominator that represents 

100 percent of public school pupils provides a broader context to observe change in the number of library 

books per pupil, a proxy for societal support for school libraries.

Two other holdings variables considered were the number of periodical subscriptions and the number of

titles of audiovisual materials. Comparability of data was a problem in both cases. For example, for

some years it was not clear if microform subscriptions were being counted under microforms or

subscriptions. Types of materials varied considerably over the years. Similarly, data regarding 

computers were not comparable, even for the most recent years.

To obtain library expenditures (excluding salaries) per pupil and book expenditures per pupil, only

library expenditure data for formal, organized libraries were used in this report. Library expenditures

included books and subscriptions, and also in more recent years, video materials and CD-ROMs for

formal, organized school libraries. Expenditures for computer hardware and audiovisual equipment were 

excluded in order to provide comparable data for the years presented.

Enrollment data used to calculate per pupil expenditures included all public school pupils, not just pupils

in public schools with school libraries. For this historical report, it was useful to examine per pupil

library expenditures in the context of all public school pupils in the categories presented in the tables. 

These measures of per pupil library and book expenditures allow the reader to observe change and to

perceive the overall support for school libraries over time. For both of these expenditure variables, the

Consumer Price Index was used to adjust all dollar amounts to the 1999–2000 school year (see appendix

B). 

 

1

 The education level of librarians was considered but excluded as a variable because of the great variation in how education level has been

defined and reported over these years. The lack of comparability in the definitions of other library staff resulted in exclusion of this category as 

a variable.
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Table of Contents

Page

Acknowledgments...................................................................................................................... iii

Executive Summary.................................................................................................................... v

Highlights......................................................................................................... v

Organization and Content................................................................................. vi

Key Variables................................................................................................... vii

Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 1

Background ...................................................................................................... 1

School Libraries Before 1953........................................................................... 2

History of Federal Funding for School Libraries............................................. 2

Other Federal Legislation Impacting School Libraries.................................... 6

National Standards ........................................................................................... 7

Sources of Data and Content............................................................................ 9

Variables and Definitions................................................................................. 10

Defining School Library...................................................................... 10

Defining School Librarian................................................................... 11

Defining Number of Pupils and Number of Public Schools............... 12

Defining Number of Books Per Pupil ................................................. 12

Defining Library Expenditures Per Pupil............................................ 13

Defining Region and School Level ..................................................... 13

Data Years........................................................................................... 14

Structure of This Report................................................................................... 14

1 National-Level Data ...................................................................................................... 15

2 Regional-Level Data...................................................................................................... 19

3 School-Level Data......................................................................................................... 33

4 State-Level Data ............................................................................................................ 39

Sources for State-Level Data......................................................................................... 143

References.................................................................................................................................. 145
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List of Appendixes

Appendix Page

A Per Pupil Measures........................................................................................................ A-1

B Adjusting Dollars Using the Consumer Price Index ..................................................... B-1

C States in Regional Accrediting Associations................................................................. C-1

D Standard Error Tables.................................................................................................... D-1

List of Tables

Page

A Authorizations and appropriations for Title II of the Elementary and Secondary 

Education Act: FY 1966 to FY 1975............................................................................ 4

1 National-Level Data

1-1 Historical summary of public school library media center statistics, various years, 

1953–54 to 1999–2000: National ................................................................................. 17

2 Regional-Level Data

Historical summary of public school library media center statistics, various years, 

1953–54 to 1999–2000: 

2-1 New England Region ............................................................................... 21

2-2 Middle States Region ............................................................................... 23

2-3 North Central Region ............................................................................... 25

2-4 Northwest Region..................................................................................... 27

2-5 Southern Region....................................................................................... 29

2-6 Western Region........................................................................................ 31

3 School-Level Data

Historical summary of public school library media center statistics, various years, 

1953–54 to 1999–2000: 

3-1 Elementary ............................................................................................... 35

3-2 Secondary................................................................................................. 37
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List of Tables—Continued

Page

4 State-Level Data

Historical summary of public school library media center statistics, various years, 

1953–54 to 1999–2000:

4-1 Alabama ................................................................................................... 41

4-2 Alaska....................................................................................................... 43

4-3 Arizona..................................................................................................... 45

4-4 Arkansas................................................................................................... 47

4-5 California.................................................................................................. 49

4-6 Colorado................................................................................................... 51

4-7 Connecticut .............................................................................................. 53

4-8 Delaware .................................................................................................. 55

4-9 District of Columbia................................................................................. 57

4-10 Florida ...................................................................................................... 59

4-11 Georgia..................................................................................................... 61

4-12 Hawaii ...................................................................................................... 63

4-13 Idaho......................................................................................................... 65

4-14 Illinois ...................................................................................................... 67

4-15 Indiana...................................................................................................... 69

4-16 Iowa.......................................................................................................... 71

4-17 Kansas...................................................................................................... 73

4-18 Kentucky .................................................................................................. 75

4-19 Louisiana.................................................................................................. 77

4-20 Maine........................................................................................................ 79

4-21 Maryland .................................................................................................. 81

4-22 Massachusetts........................................................................................... 83
xii

List of Tables—Continued

Page

3 State-Level Data—Continued

Historical summary of public school library media center statistics, various years, 

1953–54 to 1999–2000:

4-23 Michigan .................................................................................................. 85

4-24 Minnesota................................................................................................. 87

4-25 Mississippi................................................................................................ 89

4-26 Missouri.................................................................................................... 91

4-27 Montana.................................................................................................... 93

4-28 Nebraska................................................................................................... 95

4-29 Nevada...................................................................................................... 97

4-30 New Hampshire........................................................................................ 99

4-31 New Jersey ............................................................................................... 101

4-32 New Mexico............................................................................................. 103

4-33 New York................................................................................................. 105

4-34 North Carolina.......................................................................................... 107

4-35 North Dakota............................................................................................ 109

4-36 Ohio.......................................................................................................... 111

4-37 Oklahoma ................................................................................................. 113

4-38 Oregon...................................................................................................... 115

4-39 Pennsylvania ............................................................................................ 117

4-40 Rhode Island............................................................................................. 119

4-41 South Carolina.......................................................................................... 121

4-42 South Dakota............................................................................................ 123

4-43 Tennessee ................................................................................................. 125

4-44 Texas........................................................................................................ 127
xiii

List of Tables—Continued

Page

4 State-Level Data—Continued

Historical summary of public school library media center statistics, various years, 

1953–54 to 1999–2000:

4-45 Utah.......................................................................................................... 129

4-46 Vermont.................................................................................................... 131

4-47 Virginia .................................................................................................... 133

4-48 Washington .............................................................................................. 135

4-49 West Virginia ........................................................................................... 137

4-50 Wisconsin................................................................................................. 139

4-51 Wyoming.................................................................................................. 141

List of Appendix Tables

Appendix A

A-1 Historical summary of public school library media center statistics with two 

approaches for estimating per pupil measures, various years, 1953–54 to 1999–

2000: National .............................................................................................................. A-4

A-2 Historical summary of public school library media center statistics with two 

approaches for estimating per pupil measures taken to two decimal places, various 

years, 1953–54 to 1999–2000: National....................................................................... A-5

A-3 Historical summary of public school library media center statistics with two 

approaches for estimating per pupil measures, estimates, and standard errors for 

1993–94 and 1999–2000: National .............................................................................. A-6

Appendix B

B-1 Gross domestic product deflator, Consumer Price Index, education price indexes, 

and federal budget composite deflator: 1919 to 2001 .................................................. B-4
xiv

List of Appendix Tables—Continued

Appendix D Page

D-1 Standard errors for school and library characteristics, by state and selected 

characteristics: 1990–91 ............................................................................................... D-4

D-2 Standard errors for school and library characteristics, by state and selected 

characteristics: 1993–94 ............................................................................................... D-6

D-3 Standard errors for school and library characteristics, by state and selected 

characteristics: 1999–2000 ........................................................................................... D-8
1

Introduction

he purpose of this report is to provide basic information on public school libraries over a nearly 50-

year period. The data presented here—national level, regional level, school level, and state level—

describe characteristics of public school libraries from 1953 to 2000. The data are not exhaustive,

however. Only historical datasets that include national-level data were used in this compilation, and only 

selected variables for which comparable data were available over the time period are presented. Most of

the data in the report have been previously published, but the older reports are not easily accessible to the 

general public.

The federal share of revenue for public elementary and secondary education was 4.5 percent in 1953–54 

and 7.3 percent in 1999–2000 (National Center for Education Statistics 2002). State and local legislative 

and funding efforts that were also occurring during the time period are not discussed because they are

beyond the scope of this report. The efforts at all three levels—federal, state, and local—need to be kept 

in mind when the descriptive data on the characteristics of libraries across the timespan are considered.

It is hoped that this report will be a starting point in a review of school libraries over the past 50 years. 

The reader is encouraged to use the information presented as a foundation on which to build. Some

researchers may want to explore additional variables; others might want to review state reports and

datasets to develop a more detailed look at a particular state.

The information in this report was drawn from more than 50 sources, most of which are federal surveys

and reports. Data in the 60 tables of library data in this report come from nine federally sponsored reports 

or databases containing national data on school libraries. To gain insights from so much data, it is useful 

to begin with some background information about school libraries.

Background

This report begins with the 1953–54 school year, before federal funds became available to school libraries 

through the National Defense Education Act of 1958. Congress put school libraries on the education map 

when it passed the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA), providing $100 million

specifically for school libraries. Until then they had been a “. . . stepchild of the library profession, and

regarded by some school administrators as an appendage to the educational process rather than an integral 

part . . ,” according to Louise Sutherland, a program manager for school library programs in the

Department of Health, Education, and Welfare’s Office of Education (Sutherland 1970, p. 192).

Some 20 years later, federal appropriations for school libraries had been folded into block grants and

libraries had to compete with other school programs for funds, with mixed success. At the same time, the 

status of the school library had been elevated from stepchild and appendage to the “information base of

the school,” according to the congressional testimony of Marilyn Miller (1988, p. 122), former president

of the American Association of School Librarians.

The school library is the information base of the school. The school library serves as a

point of voluntary access to information and ideas and equally as a learning laboratory for 

students as they acquire critical thinking and problem solving skills needed in a

pluralistic society. Good school librarians work closely with teachers to integrate

information seeking and use activities into curriculum units that are designed to deliver

content as well as to equip students to locate, evaluate, and use effectively a broad range

of resources: print, audio, video, tactile, and now electronic data systems.

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2

Today, school library media centers are more directly addressed in federal education legislation and

discussion, as seen in the inclusion of the Improving Literacy through School Libraries Program in the No 

Child Left Behind Act of 2001, and the White House Conference on School Libraries held in 2002.

Congress’ approach to school libraries has evolved over the past 50 years. The concept of the school

library has also undergone a transformation. Today, a public school library represents a point on the

continuum from a basic collection of books and periodicals to a sophisticated multimedia resource center. 

To better understand how far school libraries have progressed, it is useful to begin with some historical

information about school libraries in the first half of the 20th century, prior to the first federal legislation

affecting school libraries.

School Libraries Before 1953

Library service to schools has evolved since the late 1800s from public or state library book wagons

delivering books to schools, to informal classroom collections, to the formal library media center common 

in schools today. The Report of the Commissioner of Education for the Year 1899–1900 (City 1901)

described an emerging movement, which had begun in New England, of great city public libraries

providing library services to public schools. The Providence Free Library of Rhode Island created

collections of clippings and reading lists for teachers and students. The Public Library of Worcester,

Massachusetts, organized class visits to the public library, under the supervision of the teacher. In

Newark, New Jersey, there was a proposal to establish a “library station,” consisting of 50 volumes, in

each of the city schools.

By 1934, when library service to schools in rural areas had become available, it was provided by the

extension service of the state library agency or by state universities (Lathrop 1934). Books, magazines,

and newspaper clippings were lent to schools for periods ranging from 6 weeks to a school year. These

traveling libraries could consist of up to 500 books on general topics. Package libraries were compiled of 

books, pamphlets, and newspaper clippings on a specific subject matter, upon request. Some state

libraries also sent reproductions of paintings, stereographs, and other visual aids to schools.

Less than 10 years later, 7 percent of schools reported using loan collections (Beust and Foster 1945). 

Nationwide, 40 percent of schools indicated the presence of classroom collections, a group of library

books permanently housed in a single classroom and not administered from a central location. 

Eighteen percent of public schools reported having centralized libraries, which were more prevalent in

city schools (48 percent) than rural schools (12 percent). 

By the middle of the century, the school library was gaining prominence and the use of classroom

collections in lieu of a library was diminishing. It was at this stage in the evolutionary process that the

federal government began to fund school libraries.

History of Federal Funding for School Libraries

ederal funding for school libraries first became available through the National Defense Education Act 

(NDEA) of 1958, which was passed by Congress in response to the launch of Sputnik by the Soviet

Union during the previous year (Mathews 1998). The purpose of the legislation was to improve U.S.

education, especially in the areas of science, mathematics, and foreign languages, in order to produce a

better trained workforce to meet the defense needs of the country (U.S. Department of Health, Education, 

and Welfare 1959). NDEA came at a time of rapid growth in the school population. As a result, some

F
3

districts were focusing their attention on the construction of new schools and finding qualified new

teachers and were able to give only secondary consideration to the provision of instructional equipment

and materials.

Title III of NDEA provided financial assistance for strengthening science, mathematics, and modern

foreign language instruction (U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare 1959). Funds were

available for acquiring equipment and minor remodeling. The types of equipment that could be

purchased included audiovisual materials and equipment, laboratory equipment, and printed materials

other than textbooks. Funds were distributed to states based on a formula that reflected the size of the

school-age population and the relative income per school-age child within the state. States, in turn, used

the funds to help finance local projects. States had to match the federal money on a dollar-for-dollar basis 

with state and/or local funds. 

NDEA funds could be used to purchase books and other instructional materials in science, mathematics,

and modern foreign languages, but libraries were not specifically mentioned in the legislation. As a

result, three major issues arose with regard to the implementation of NDEA Title III from the perspective 

of school librarians (Gaarder 1966; Graham 1961; Mathews 1998). First, in some school districts, none

of the books or materials purchased with NDEA funds were placed in school libraries. Second, some

school administrators and librarians did not see libraries as having a primary instructional role, but rather 

as having a supportive role for principals and teachers. Finally, selection of materials was not handled

well in some localities. These issues were later addressed through program guidelines (U.S. Department

of Health, Education, and Welfare 1967a) as well as a booklet published by the Office of Education

(Mahar and Remer 1965) that described the ways that school library personnel could assist the Title III

program. 

A number of changes were made to NDEA over the years. The 1964 amendments expanded the content

areas in which support could be provided to include history, civics, geography, English, and reading (U.S. 

Department of Health, Education, and Welfare 1969a). They also contained a provision for the

acquisition of specialized equipment for audiovisual libraries. In subsequent years, economics, industrial 

arts, the arts, and the humanities were added (U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare 1970b). 

During the 1970s, each state formulated its own goals for the program, taking into account minimum

standards, quantity and quality of materials and equipment, the need to improve instruction in the

academic subject areas, and the need to support special and experimental programs (U.S. Department of

Health, Education, and Welfare 1975). In addition, funding uncertainties presented implementation

challenges during the 1970s.

The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965 was part of President Lyndon Johnson’s

Great Society program to improve the quality of life for all Americans. Title II provided, for the first

time, direct federal assistance for the acquisition of school library resources, textbooks, and other

instructional materials (U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare 1967b). The legislation

defined library resources as books, periodicals, documents, audiovisual materials, and other related library

materials. Funds were provided to states based on the number of public and private school students

enrolled in the state. To receive the funds, states had to submit a plan to the U.S. Office of Education for 

approval. The state plan was to include the development and revision of standards relating to library

resources, textbooks, and other printed and published materials. Amendments to the legislation in 1966

permitted states to use 5 percent of their grants, or $50,000, whichever was greater, to finance the

administration of the program. Many states coordinated their ESEA Title II programs with their NDEA

Title III programs in addition to other federal programs.
4

Louise Sutherland (1970, p. 192), a school library program specialist at the U.S. Office of Education,

described the importance of Title II.

When the monumental Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) was passed in

April 1965, it seemed that the school library would at last have its day in the sun. Long

the stepchild of the library profession, and regarded by some school administrators as an

appendage to the educational process rather than an integral part, the existence of the

school library was formally recognized by the wording of Title II of the act which made

possible “a program for making grants for the acquisition of school library resources,

textbooks and other printed and published instructional materials for the use of children

and teachers in public and private elementary and secondary schools.” 

When Congress establishes a new program, the authorizing legislation may contain recommended

spending levels for the program. Separate appropriation legislation provides the funding for the program. 

In many cases the authorized amount differs from the appropriation. The authorizations and

appropriations for the Title II program are shown in table A.

Table A. Authorizations and appropriations for Title II of the Elementary

and Secondary Education Act: FY 1966 to FY 1975

Dollars, in millions

Authorization Appropriation

Fiscal year Current dollars1 Constant dollars2 Current dollars1 Constant dollars2

1966 ................................................................................................ $100.0 $475.2 $100.0 $475.2

1967 ................................................................................................ 125.0 600.5 102.0 490.0

1968 ................................................................................................ 150.0 689.8 99.2 456.2

1969 ................................................................................................ 162.5 704.4 50.0 216.7

1970 ................................................................................................ 200.0 818.4 42.5 173.9

1971 ................................................................................................ 200.0 768.4 80.0 307.4

1972 ........................................................................................ 210.0 757.6 90.0 324.7

1973 ................................................................................................ 220.0 759.0 100.0 345.0

1974 ................................................................................................ 210.0 664.5 90.3 285.7

1975 ................................................................................................ 210.0 604.0 95.3 274.1

1Current dollars reflect actual values prevailing during the specified year.

2Constant dollars have been adjusted to the federal fiscal year 1999.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, 1975.

According to Jones (1977), ESEA Title II provided the momentum and the funding for states to develop

or revise their standards for school libraries. Title II administrative funds were used for the salaries of

state department of education staff who provided leadership in the preparation of standards, including the 

conduct of workshops and conferences for disseminating and interpreting the standards. As school media 

collections grew and school and district media staff were added, the quantitative standards were revised

upwards (Jones 1977). In addition, school district and school media staff gained new responsibilities as a 

result of Title II and were expected to serve in leadership roles in selecting, acquiring, organizing, and

using instructional materials (U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare 1972).
5

Jones (1977) found that between 1965 and 1974, the 50 states and the District of Columbia had either

developed or revised standards for school library resources in elementary and secondary schools or used

the standards of a professional organization. These standards had to be frequently evaluated and revised

to address the changing needs and use of media. In addition, some states had developed minimum-level 

as well as advanced-level standards. According to Jones, Title II had a major effect on the introduction of 

a variety of audiovisual and other media into the classrooms. She suggested that Title II was a factor in

the development of standards for these media. In addition, some states added criteria for selecting

materials, such as recency of information, quality of content, and relevance to the instructional program

and educational level.

During the first 3 years of ESEA Title II, 12 percent of all public schools (11,680 schools) established a

school library (U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare 1971). These new libraries served

approximately 5.6 million students. In addition, about 193,600 library expansion projects were funded

between 1965–66 and 1967–68. A 1968 survey of 483 school districts and 1,996 public schools produced 

estimates regarding the effect of ESEA Title II (U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare

1972). Altogether, 49 percent of all public schools reported that ESEA Title II had a substantial influence 

on the establishment and growth of school libraries, and an additional 33 percent said that the legislation’s 

influence was moderate. Additional support for the attribution of much of this change to Title II was

provided by the fact that the increases during these 4 years at the beginning of the Title II program were

almost four times greater than the changes during the previous 4 years (1958–59 to 1962–63) (U.S.

Department of Health, Education, and Welfare 1972). According to the second annual report on ESEA

Title II (U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare 1969b), many school libraries were also

established with state and local funds as well as funds from ESEA Title I, a program for low-achieving 

students in low-income areas.

In the Education Amendments of 1974, aid to school libraries was provided under Title IV, Part B,

Libraries and Learning Resources, which combined the former ESEA Title II, school library resources;

the former NDEA, educational equipment; and the former ESEA Title III, guidance, counseling, and

testing (Hopkins and Butler 1991). In 1978, Title IV, Part B was renamed Instructional Materials and

School Library Resources, and funds under this program could no longer be used for guidance,

counseling, testing, and remodeling. ESEA, Title IV, Part B funds were distributed on a formula basis. 

In the 1981–82 school year, districts received a total of $134.5 million from ESEA, Title IV-B. 

Altogether 92 percent of all districts received funds in 1981–82, and those that did not receive funds

tended to be districts with fewer than 600 students enrolled (Knapp et al. 1986).

Chapter 2 of the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981 (ECIA) consolidated 32 former

categorical programs into a “block” of funds that could be used for any of the purposes designated in the 

prior programs (Knapp et al. 1986). One of the programs consolidated into the Chapter 2 block grant was 

School Library Resources, ESEA, Title IV, Part B. In the year prior to the implementation of Chapter 2, 

School Library Resources represented one-third of the total funding provided through all the programs

consolidated into the block grant. The main goals of Chapter 2 were to improve education, reduce the

administrative burden at the local level, enhance local discretion, provide for the participation of parents

and school staff in the allocation of funds and the development of programs, and ensure the equitable

participation of private school students. 

Chapter 2 funds were distributed to states on a formula basis in proportion to their school-age population. 

States were required to distribute at least 80 percent of their grants to all the districts in the state. Each

state was to develop its own allocation formula, based on total district enrollment and the number of

students whose education was more costly than average, such as students from low-income families and

students living in sparsely populated areas. Districts could choose to use their Chapter 2 grants for many 
6

purposes, including library resources. In a study of the implementation of Chapter 2 at the local level

(Knapp et al. 1986), it was found that in 1984–85 the most common use of Chapter 2 funds was for

computer applications (72 percent of all districts), followed by support for libraries (68 percent of all

districts). In addition, in 1984–85, 29 percent of the local block grant funds were being used for

library/media center support.

From the enactment of ESEA in 1965 until the adoption of ECIA in 1981, federal categorical programs

provided assistance specifically to school libraries. After the enactment of the Chapter 2 block grant,

there were no federal programs that provided assistance specifically to school libraries. Chapter 2

allowed districts to use the federal money for school libraries, but did not require it (Riddle 1987).

According to Hopkins and Butler (1991, p. 34), 

When education programs were consolidated, school library media programs became

competitors for funding at the local and state levels with many other programs. Although 

many school library media programs received funding in the consolidated laws, the

consolidation of education programs ended the consistent growth of library media

programs throughout the nation. What has resulted is a “haves” and “have-nots” 

existence of programs. 

The Hawkins-Stafford Elementary and Secondary School Improvement Amendments of 1988 repealed

ECIA Chapter 2 and replaced it with Chapter 2 of Title I. In the 1988 legislation, one area in which

assistance could be targeted was the acquisition and use of instructional and educational materials,

including library books, reference materials, computer software and hardware for instructional use, and

other curricular materials. 

U.S. Senator Jack Reed recognized the need to improve school libraries. In February 2001, along with

Senator Thad Cochran, he introduced a bill that would provide $500 million for new books and advanced 

technology for local school libraries, training for librarians, and supports that would enable the libraries to 

stay open for more hours. Senator Reed expressed the need for this legislation as follows:

Too many books on school library shelves across the country contain harmful stereotypes 

and inaccurate material. The reason for this horrible state of affairs is the loss of targeted 

national funding for libraries—20 years ago dedicated school library funding was rolled

into a block grant. By block granting funds to the states we abandoned a national

commitment to improving school libraries 

(http://reed.senate.gov/schoollibraries/schoollibraryrelease.htm, accessed 8/22/2001).

The Reed-Cochran bill was incorporated into the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 as the Improving

Literacy through School Libraries (LSL) Program. It is one part of the reading skills improvement grants. 

Local school districts in which at least 20 percent of the students served are from families with incomes

below the poverty line are eligible to apply for grants under this program. In FY 2002, the first year of

the program, $12.5 million was available for awards, and 94 grants were awarded.

Other Federal Legislation Impacting School Libraries

Beginning in 1964, federal support for public libraries was provided through the Library Services and

Construction Act (LSCA). Included in the purpose of LSCA was the promotion of interlibrary

cooperation and resource sharing among all types of libraries. Similarly, the 1966 amendments to ESEA 
7

Title II called for the coordination of Title II programs with programs conducted under the LSCA at both 

the state and local levels (U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare 1969b). As a result, some

states had representatives from the LSCA staff or State Library serve on the Title II advisory committees

and vice versa. At the local level, cooperative planning was done by local school and public library

administrators in some communities. 

Federal support to libraries changed in 1996, when the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA)

replaced LSCA. The purposes of LSTA were 

(1) to consolidate Federal library service programs; (2) to stimulate excellence and

promote access to learning and information resources in all types of libraries for

individuals of all ages; (3) to promote library services that provide all users access to

information through State, regional, national, and international electronic networks; (4) to 

provide linkages among and between libraries; and (5) to promote targeted services to

people of diverse geographic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds, to individuals

with disabilities, and to people with limited functional literacy or information skills

(P.L. 104-208, Section 212).

LSTA funding is provided to State Library Agencies through a population-based formula. State Library

Agencies may use their appropriations for statewide initiatives and services. In addition, they may

distribute the funds to public, school, academic, research, and special libraries through competitive

subgrants or cooperative agreements. Funding priorities are activities that use technology for information 

sharing and programs that make library resources more accessible to urban, rural, or low-income 

residents, and others who have difficulty using library services.

National Standards

The first set of school library standards appeared in a report, Standard Library Organization and

Equipment for Secondary Schools of Different Sizes, which was prepared by the Committee on Library

Organization and Equipment within National Education Association’s (NEA’s) Department of Secondary 

Education (Gann 1998). The report was adopted by the NEA in 1918 and by the American Library

Association (ALA) in 1920. ALA then published the report as standards for secondary school libraries. 

According to Gann (1998), these standards were quantitative and established many of the basic ideas

about the school library, the role of the school librarian, and professional training of the school librarian. 

In 1925, NEA and ALA jointly prepared a set of standards for elementary school libraries. It should be

noted that the NEA and ALA standards were recommended standards from professional associations and

were not mandatory. However, these standards served as guides to states in preparing their own standards 

and probably influenced the development of regional standards as well.

The national school library standards that were in place during the 1950s, the starting point for this report, 

were published in 1945 by the ALA in the document School Libraries for Today and Tomorrow (Gann

1998). The standards contained six major sections: the school library in education; service to pupils and

teachers; standards of personnel; book collection and other library resources; housing the library; and

administration, supervision, and extension. Although quantitative measurements were used in the 1945

standards, there was an attempt to link these to the quality of library service. Quantitative staffing 

specifications were given based on school enrollment (Beust 1954). For both elementary and secondary

schools, the standards for the size of the book collection ranged from 2,000 volumes with 1,700 titles for

a school with 200 students to 15,000 volumes with 8,000 titles for a school with 5,000 students. 

Quantitative standards were also given for magazine and newspaper subscriptions, but not for audiovisual 
8

materials. The standard for minimum annual budget for print materials was $300 ($2,853 in 1999–2000 

dollars) for schools with 200 students or less and $1.50 per student ($14.27 in 1999–2000 dollars) for

larger schools. 

In 1960, the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) prepared a new set of standards to

reflect new developments in school library services and to update the quantitative standards (Gann 1998). 

They were published by ALA as Standards for School Library Programs. The three parts of the 1960

standards document were the school library as an educational force, planning and implementing school

library programs, and resources for teaching and learning. The standards broadened the scope of the

school library program by incorporating audiovisual materials to a greater extent, although few

quantitative standards were developed for them. Quantitative staffing standards were given based on

school enrollment (Darling 1964b). The standard for the book collection was a minimum of 6,000 to

10,000 books for schools with 200 to 999 students; 10 books per student was the standard for schools 

with 1,000 or more students. The standard for the book budget was at least $1,000 to $1,500 ($5,759 to

$8,638 in 1999–2000 dollars) for schools with 200 to 249 students and at least $4.00 to $6.00 ($23.03 to

$34.55 in 1999–2000 dollars) per student for schools with 250 or more students. Other standards

addressed the budget for supplementary and audiovisual materials.

According to Jones (1977), the 1960 Standards for School Library Programs have had a strong influence 

on the educational community and the development of school library programs. A major factor was that

the publication of the standards was accompanied by an extensive AASL campaign to familiarize school

personnel with the importance of school library programs and the role that standards play in improving

them. A distinctive feature of the 1960 standards was the use of research to develop the quantitative

components. 

In 1969, AASL and NEA’s Department of Audiovisual Instruction (DAVI) jointly developed Standards 

for School Media Programs, which served to coordinate the requirements for school library and

audiovisual programs, and to align the standards with educational developments (Jones 1977). The 1969

standards continued to use a combination of qualitative and quantitative standards, but contained a new

approach for standards involving expenditures. Quantitative staffing standards continued to be based on

school enrollment. The standard for the book collection was a minimum of 6,000 to 10,000 titles

representing 10,000 volumes or 20 per student, whichever was greater, for schools with 250 or more

students. Quantitative standards for audiovisual materials were included in this set of standards.

Since many changes were occurring in the areas of technology and education, the standards were revised

in 1975 as Media Programs: District and School (Gann 1998). They were developed jointly by AASL

and the new independent Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT),

previously NEA’s DAVI. The focus of the document was on qualitative goals for the school and the

district, but quantitative recommendations were given for staffing, collections, and facilities. For schools 

with 500 students or fewer, a minimum collection was 20,000 items, or 40 items per student (Jones 1977). 

An item may be a book, periodical subscription, various types of audiovisual materials, or associated

equipment. Larger schools could have fewer than 40 items per student. Quantitative standards were also 

provided for each type of item. The standard for books was 8,000 to 12,000 volumes, or 16 to 24 per

user. 

Another milestone was the publication in 1988 of Information Power: Guidelines for School Library

Media Programs, prepared jointly by AASL and AECT. The text of Information Power was primarily 

qualitative with some quantitative recommendations presented in the areas of personnel and facilities. In 

addition, an appendix in Information Power presented quantitative data, based on a reanalysis of survey

data from the U.S. Department of Education. It specified levels of support being provided in high service 
9

programs in schools of varying sizes and educational levels. These were meant to be illustrative data

rather than recommendations. The qualitative approach was used in the 1998 version of the guidelines, 

Information Power: Building Partnerships for Learning (AASL and AECT 1998), which excluded the

illustrative data and put much emphasis on information literacy.

Sources of Data and Content

The four major sections of this report present, respectively, national-level data, regional-level data,

school-level data, and state-level data on the characteristics of public school libraries from 1953–54 to

1999–2000.

Data for the following years come from published reports: 1953–54, 1958–59, 1960–61, 1962–63, 1978, 

and 1985–86. These reports, in chronological order, are as follows:

• Beust, N.E., and Foster, E.M. (1957). Statistics of Public-School Libraries, 1953–54. 

Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office.

• Mahar, M.H., and Holladay, D.C. (1960). Public School Library Statistics, 1958–59. (OE15020). Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare.

• Mahar, M.H., and Holladay, D.C. (n.d.). Statistics of Public School Libraries, 1960–61. 

Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, Office of Education.

• Darling, R.L. (1964a). Public School Library Statistics, 1962–63. (OE-15020-63). 

Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, Office of Education. 

• Heintze, R.A., and Hodes, L. (1981). Statistics of Public School Libraries/Media Centers,

Fall 1978. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education

Statistics. 

• Center for Education Statistics. (1987). Statistics of Public and Private School Library Media 

Centers, 1985–86 (with historical comparisons from 1958–1985). Washington, DC: U.S.

Department of Education.

Data for the 3 most recent years, 1990–91, 1993–94, and 1999–2000, come from the Schools and Staffing 

Survey (SASS).1 Some of the SASS data appeared in previous published reports; others were the results 

of analyses conducted for this compendium. Standard error tables for 1990–91, 1993–94, and 1999–2000 

data are shown in appendix D. Standard errors for other years were not available.

It is customary for reports published by NCES to analyze estimates, often by making comparisons, and to 

draw conclusions based on the results of statistical tests. The text of reports, therefore, is based largely on 

the estimates in the tables presented. NCES standards require that assertions of differences or changes

over time be verified using the estimates, their standard errors, and an appropriate statistical test. The 

standard errors are made available to the reader for independent confirmation of the results. 

 

1

 The Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS) is the nation’s largest sample survey of America’s public and private schools, districts, principals,

teachers, and library media centers. The SASS public school sample includes approximately 10,000 schools and more than 56,000 teachers. 

The U.S. Census Bureau collects these data for the National Center for Education Statistics. 
10

The historical nature of this report presented challenges to this traditional approach. For the earlier years 

appearing in this report, the data files no longer exist and the accompanying reports did not contain

standard errors. From 1990–91 on, however, the microdata and standard errors are available, making the 

previously mentioned statistical tests possible. Given that the data from the later years, but not the earlier 

ones, could be analyzed, NCES decided that it was preferable to present all the data without analyzing

them. The concern was that a reader might assume that if a small difference were significant for 2 later 

years, such a difference would also represent a significant difference between estimates for earlier years.

That assumption, however, would not be supportable by any facts. Rather than lead the reader into the

belief that differences can be determined informally, based on differences elsewhere in the table, those

analyses were avoided altogether. Instead, information that gives context to the estimates in the table is

provided.

Variables and Definitions

All tables in this report contain the following variables: (1) number of public schools; (2) number of

pupils in public schools; (3) number of public schools with library media centers; (4) percent of public

schools with library media centers; (5) number of pupils in schools with library media centers; (6) percent 

of pupils in schools with library media centers; (7) number of schools with a librarian; (8) percent of

schools with a librarian; (9) books per pupil; (10) library expenditures (excluding salaries) per pupil; and

(11) book expenditures per pupil.

Definitions used for this compilation were shaped by the following requirement: to obtain comparable,

reliable data for the time period covered that will be useful to the U.S. Department of Education, the

Congress, the states, other education policymakers, practitioners, data users, and the general public. 

Defining School Library

Defining a variable such as the number of public schools with a library media center or school library

clearly depends on the definition of a school library. In this report, the terms school library media centers

and school libraries are used interchangeably and refer to formal, organized school libraries. Data were

included for both centralized school libraries, which are located in one area in one building, and

decentralized libraries, in which collections or services are available in more than one location on a

campus or in another building. Data on classroom collections have been excluded from this report. This 

choice was made to obtain comparable data over time. 

The definitions of school libraries in the historical reports generally mention the holdings in the library. 

In 1953–54, only books were mentioned. Reports from the late 1950s and early 1960s mention books and 

other library materials. Beginning in the 1970s, audiovisual materials were mentioned in the definition,

and in the 1990s computer resources were incorporated. The 1999–2000 Schools and Staffing Survey

(SASS) Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire (http://nces.ed.gov/surveys/SASS/pdf/

9900/ls1a.pdf) defines a library media center as “an organized collection of printed and/or audiovisual

and/or computer resources which is administered as a unit, is located in a designated place or places, and 

makes resources and services available to students, teachers and administrators.”

The method of data collection can also affect the determination of whether or not a school has a library. 

For example, in the 1990–91 SASS, the Public School Questionnaire contained one question that asked if 

the school had a library/media center, but no explicit definition of a library/media center was provided. 

This survey was generally completed by the school principal or an office staff member. In contrast, the
11

1999–2000 SASS contained a separate Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire, which was

generally completed by the school librarian and contained the definition of a library media center shown

in the previous paragraph. 

Defining School Librarian

The definitions of a school librarian used in the years reported in this compilation are shown below. 

1953–54 A professionally trained school librarian is defined as a person who is generally

educated as a teacher and has special training in library science (not less than 15

semester hours, or its equivalent, in a program planned for school librarians). A

second category of librarian is a person with little or no library training.

1958–59 School librarians are defined as full-time personnel employed by the school board who 

have more than half of their workload devoted to service as school librarians.

1960–61 School librarians are defined as full-time certified personnel employed by the school

board who have not less than 6 hours of library science, and who have more than half 

of their workload devoted to service as school librarians. They may serve in more

than one school.

1962–63 School librarians are defined as certified personnel employed by the school board who 

have not less than 6 semester hours of library science, and who are assigned at least

half of the regular work week to service as school librarians.

1978 No definition of a school librarian was provided in the 1978 report.

1985–86 A school librarian is defined as a staff member doing work that requires professional

training and skill in the theoretical and/or scientific aspect of library work, as distinct

from its mechanical or clerical aspect. For the purposes of this report, both statecertified librarians and other professional library staff were included in the definition

of a school librarian.

1990–91 School librarians/library media specialists are defined as professional school staff

members who are assigned to school library media center responsibilities, such as

handling books and other materials as well as planning and guiding the use of the

library and media services by students, teachers, and others. Training or certification

level of staff is not considered in the definition.

1993–94 The estimates for library media specialists/librarians were derived from the school file, 

which does not take the training or certification level of staff into consideration. Only 

professional staff were included in the estimates; library media center aides were

excluded.

1999–2000 The estimates for library media specialists/librarians were derived from the school file, 

which does not take the training or certification level of staff into consideration. Only 

professional staff were included in the estimates; library media center aides were

excluded.
12

In addition to the librarian-related variables included in this report (number and percent of schools with a 

librarian), a variable that was considered but not included was the number of librarians. It was excluded

because of issues regarding the definition of a librarian, as indicated above, as well as variations in how

librarians were counted. Many reports contained separate counts of full-time and part-time librarians,

which could not easily be combined. Other reports provided the number of librarians in terms of full-time 

equivalents (FTE). Thus, comparability of data was a problem with this variable. Therefore, only data on 

the number and percent of schools with a librarian were included.

The educational level of librarians was considered but excluded because the approach for showing the

educational level of school librarians has changed during the past 50 years. Reports from the 1950s and

1960s defined educational level in terms of the number of semester hours of library science. Beginning in 

the 1970s, educational level was presented in terms of degrees. However, the categories of degrees have

varied over time. For example, a 1974 survey asked only about the highest degree, and the specified

categories were as follows: less than a bachelor’s degree, bachelor’s degree, and graduate degree in

specified fields relating to library science. In 1993–94, field of study for each degree earned was

collected; respondents with a master’s degree were to indicate if the degree had been earned in an

American Library Association (ALA) accredited program. Certification requirements have changed over 

the years and were beyond the scope of this report.

Defining Number of Pupils and Number of Public Schools

Definitions of the number of pupils in public schools showed some variation in the reports and datasets

used for this report. Number of students was variously defined as number of students enrolled, number of 

pupils on active rolls, and average daily membership. These variables were used as proxies for total

number of pupils because they were what was available in the reports.

Comparable data for the number of public schools were available for all the years covered in the report.

Defining Number of Books Per Pupil

Holdings are an important part of a school library, and several holdings variables were considered for this 

compilation. Books per pupil was selected because it is a school library measure of the educational

resources available to students, and it was available in most of the reports reviewed. Only books in

formal, organized libraries were included; those in classroom collections were excluded. The total

number of books held in the school library was used, not just those books purchased during the previous

year. 

For this historical report, enrollment data for all public school pupils, not just pupils in public schools

with school libraries, were selected. During the past 50 years, the number of public schools with library

media centers has approached or reached 100 percent in many states. Using a denominator that represents 

100 percent of public school pupils provides a broader context to observe change in the number of library 

books per pupil, a proxy for societal support for school libraries. Appendix A contains further

information about the per pupil measures used in this report and offers an alternative measure of resources 

for pupils in schools with libraries.

Two other holdings variables considered were the number of periodical subscriptions and the number of

titles of audiovisual materials. Comparability of data was a problem in both cases. For example, for

some years it was not clear if microform subscriptions were being counted under microforms or
13

subscriptions. Types of materials varied considerably over the years. Similarly, data regarding

computers were not comparable, even for the most recent years.

Defining Library Expenditures Per Pupil

To obtain library expenditures (excluding salaries) per pupil and book expenditures per pupil, only

library expenditure data for formal, organized libraries were used in this report. Library expenditures

included books and subscriptions, and also in more recent years, video materials and CD-ROMs for

formal, organized school libraries. Expenditures for computer hardware and audiovisual equipment were 

excluded in order to provide comparable data for the years presented. The book expenditures per pupil

for 1993–94 include only locally budgeted expenditures. Federal gifts and grants were excluded, but

these were not defined in the survey instrument or backup documentation.

Enrollment data used to calculate per pupil expenditures included all public school pupils, not just pupils

in public schools with school libraries. For this historical report, it was useful to examine per pupil

library expenditures in the context of all public school pupils in the categories presented in the tables. 

These measures of per pupil library and book expenditures allow the reader to observe change and to

perceive the overall support for school libraries over time. For both of these expenditure variables, the

Consumer Price Index was used to adjust all dollar amounts to the 1999–2000 school year (see appendix

B). Library expenditures may vary greatly from one survey to the next, due to the receipt of grants or

gifts by the library media center.

Defining Region and School Level

The states included in the New England, Middle States, North Central, Northwest, Southern, and Western 

Regions are defined in terms of the regional accrediting associations and are constant through the years

for which data are presented. Appendix C shows the states included in each region.

The section of the report that shows data by school level contains two levels—elementary and secondary. 

Data for schools with combined elementary and secondary grades have not been included.2 The

definitions of elementary and secondary showed some variations during the years covered by the report,

but these variables have been included because they were what was available in the reports. The

definitions used in the 1999–2000 Schools and Staffing Survey are shown below.

Elementary A school is classified as elementary if it has one or more of grades K–6 and does 

not have any grade higher than grade 8; for example, schools with grades K–6, 

1–3, or 6–8 are classified as elementary. Schools with only kindergarten or

prekindergarten were not included.

Secondary A school is classified as secondary if it has one or more of grades 7–12 and does 

not have any grade lower than grade 7; for example, schools with grades 9–12, 

7–9, 10–12, or 7–8 are classified as secondary.

 

2

 Enrollment of public school students in combined schools was 2.0 percent in 1999–2000 (Holton et al. 2004).
14

Data Years

The earliest report used as a source for the data tables in this compilation contains data from the 1953–54 

school year, and the most recent data come from the 1999–2000 school year. Data from a 1974 report

have not been included because the categories used in it were not consistent with those used in the other

reports. 

The national-level table presents data from all nine reports or datasets, reflecting nine different school

years. The number of years for which data are presented in the other sections varies based on the

availability of relevant data in the reports. 

Structure of This Report

The 60 tables in this report contain data on schools and school libraries. Following each table is a set of 

bullets highlighting some of the data in the table.

The report is divided into four sections. The first section of the report contains national-level data. 

Regional data are shown in the second section. The states included in each region—defined in terms of

the regional accrediting associations—are constant throughout the time period covered in this report. To

provide a context for the regional data tables, the history of standards for school libraries in each region is 

discussed. The third section includes both elementary and secondary school data. Information on

accreditation standards and data from reports on federal programs involving school libraries accompany

the school-level data.

The final section contains state-level data. The accompanying text provides information on school library 

services from reports on federal programs that support school libraries. These reports were prepared

during the 50 years covered by this compendium and provide data on the implementation of federal

programs. These reports were not designed to coincide with the library surveys that were used to prepare 

the state-level tables. Therefore, the years in the tables and those in the accompanying text differ. Also

included in state summaries are services provided by state libraries to school libraries between 1996 and

2000 that involve funding, standards or guidelines, and development staff; these services are included

because they relate specifically to the key variables in this report.
15

1. National-Level Data
16
17

Table 1-1. Historical summary of public school library media center statistics, various 

years, 1953–54 to 1999–2000: National

Characteristic 1953–54 1958–591

1960–61 1962–6311978 1985–86 1990–91 1993–94 1999–2000

Number of public schools ................................ 128,831 82,222 102,487 83,428 83,044 78,455 79,885 80,740 83,824

Number of pupils in public 

schools................................ 27,652,365 33,716,309 35,952,711 37,252,102 43,576,906 40,122,882 40,103,699 41,621,660 45,035,115

Number of public schools 

with library media 

centers ................................ 46,8802 41,4632 47,5462 49,1582 70,854 73,352 76,544 77,218 76,807

Percent of public schools 

with library media 

centers ................................ 36 50 46 59 85 93 96 96 92

Number of pupils in 

schools with library 

media centers................................ 16,276,1812 23,046,0722 25,300,2432 27,671,1052 40,606,100 39,146,923 39,429,143 40,884,333 43,599,096

Percent of pupils in schools 

with library media 

centers ................................ 59 68 70 74 93 98 98 98 97

Number of schools with a 

librarian ................................ 51,498 34,845 33,401 33,4782 — 62,1413

62,845 67,350 71,817

Percent of schools with a 

librarian ................................ 40 42 33 40 — 79 79 83 86

Measures of library resources for all public school students in the U.S.

Books per pupil................................ 3

4, 5 44 44 54 12 15 — 186 177

Library expenditures 

(excluding salaries) per 

pupil8

................................ $6 — $12 — — $16 — $156 $157

Book expenditures per 

pupil8................................ $49 $6 $89 $9 $11 $8 — $86, 10 $107

— Not available.

1

Includes only public schools in districts with 150 or more students.

2

Includes only schools with formal, organized libraries; schools with classroom 

collections only or other types of library services are not included.

3National total was recalculated from individual state data.

4

Includes only books in formal, organized libraries.

5Book data include only schools reporting book stock.

6Book and expenditure data are from the 1992–93 school year.

7Book and expenditure data are from the 1998–99 school year.

8Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

9

Includes books and pamphlets.

10Includes only locally budgeted expenditures; excludes federal gifts and grants.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare: Statistics of Public School Libraries, 1953–54 and 1960–61, and Public School Library Statistics, 

1958–59 and 1962–63. U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics: Statistics of Public School Libraries/Media Centers, Fall 1978; 

Statistics of Public and Private School Library Media Centers, 1985–86; Digest of Education Statistics 2001; and Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS), “Public 

School Questionnaire,” 1990–91, 1993–94, and 1999–2000, “Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire,” 1993–94 and 1999–2000, and 1999–2000 Schools 

Without Libraries Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.

Highlights of table 1-1 include the following:

• The United States had approximately 129,000 public schools in 1953–54 and 84,000 in 1999–

2000. At the same time, in 1953–54, approximately 27.7 million students attended public

schools in the United States. In 1999–2000, the number of students attending the nation’s

public schools was about 45.0 million.

• In 1953–54, 36 percent of all public schools had library media centers, but these schools

contained 59 percent of all public school students. In 1999–2000, 92 percent of all public

schools had a school library; these schools contained 97 percent of all public school students.

• In 1953–54, 40 percent of public schools in the United States had a librarian. In 1999–2000, 

86 percent of public schools had a librarian.
National

(continued)

18

• Nationally, for all public school students there were 3 school library books per pupil in 1953–

54 and 17 books per pupil in 1999–2000.

• In 1953–54, excluding salaries, per pupil expenditures for public school libraries were $6 (in

adjusted 1999–2000 dollars). In 1999–2000, per pupil expenditures for public school libraries, 

excluding salaries, were $15.
19

2. Regional-Level Data
20
21

Table 2-1. Historical summary of public school library media center 

statistics, various years, 1953–54 to 1999–2000: New England 

Region

Characteristic 1953–54 1985–86 1990–91 1993–94 1999–2000

Number of public schools ................................................................ 6,025 4,299 4,488 4,432 4,506

Number of pupils in public schools.................................................. 1,388,929 1,892,333 1,868,864 1,847,687 2,128,956

Number of public schools with library media centers ...................... 1,3291 3,861 4,219 4,057 4,205

Percent of public schools with library media centers........................ 22 90 94 92 93

Number of pupils in schools with library media centers................... 500,2921 1,813,007 1,822,338 1,787,237 2,066,691

Percent of pupils in schools with library media centers.................... 36 96 98 97 97

Number of schools with a librarian .................................................. 1,005 2,9442 3,126 3,200 3,900

Percent of schools with a librarian ................................................... 17 68 70 72 86

Measures of library resources for all public school students in the region

Books per pupil................................................................................ 1

3,4 16 — 205 196

Library expenditures (excluding salaries) per pupil7........................ $3 $16 — $165 $19

6

Book expenditures per pupil7........................................................... $28 $8 — $95, 9 $11

6

—Not available.

1

Includes only schools with formal, organized libraries; schools with

classroom collections only or other types of library services are not

included.

2Number was derived from the percentage of schools with library

media centers that had a librarian. 

3

Includes only books in formal, organized libraries.

4Book data include only schools reporting book stock.

5Book and expenditure data are from the 1992–93 school year.

6Book and expenditure data are from the 1998–99 school year.

7Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

8

Includes books and pamphlets.

9

Includes only locally budgeted expenditures; excludes federal gifts

and grants.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare: Statistics of Public School Libraries, 1953–54. U.S. Department of Education, 

National Center for Education Statistics: Statistics of Public and Private School Library Media Centers, 1985-86; and Schools and Staffing 

Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” 1990–91, 1993–94, and 1999–2000, “Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire,” 1993–

94 and 1999–2000, and 1999–2000 Schools Without Libraries Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.

Highlights of table 2-1 include the following:

• The percentage of schools with library media centers ranged from 22 percent in 1953–54 to

94 percent in 1990–91.

• Thirty-six percent of students attended schools with library media centers during the 1953–54 

school year, and 97 percent of students attended public schools with libraries in 1999–2000.

• The percentage of schools with a librarian ranged from 17 percent in 1953–64 to 86 percent in 

1999–2000.

• In 1953–54, there was 1 school library book per pupil; in 1993–94, there were 20 books per

pupil.

• Book expenditures per pupil were $2 (in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars) in 1953–54 and $11 in

1999–2000.
New England Region

(continued)

22

he New England Association of Schools and Colleges consists of the following states: Connecticut,

Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

In 1954, the New England Association did not accredit its member schools (Beust 1954). By 1964, the

New England Association had set standards, which consisted of general rather than specific standards. 

Qualitative statements were provided to school evaluation committees (Darling 1964b). 

The standards in place in 1977 consisted of several qualitative statements that contain a reference to an

adequate collection of books and other resource material (Jones 1977). Expenditures were not mentioned 

in the standards. 

In the standards that became effective in 2000, library technology and media services are contained in the 

section on school resources for learning. These qualitative standards address meeting student needs

through a wide range of materials and information resources. Separate standards have been developed for 

elementary, middle, and high schools.

T
23

Table 2-2. Historical summary of public school library media center 

statistics, various years, 1953–54 to 1999–2000: Middle States 

Region

Characteristic 1953–54 1985–86 1990–91 1993–94 1999–2000

Number of public schools..................................................... 14,427 10,621 10,777 10,741 11,034

Number of pupils in public schools...................................... 5,010,600 6,230,113 6,070,188 6,434,001 6,918,245

Number of public schools with library media centers........... 6,903110,251 10,340 10,229 10,264

Percent of public schools with library media centers............ 48 97 96 95 93

Number of pupils in schools with library media centers....... 3,266,32216,076,268 5,910,983 6,261,167 6,559,871

Percent of pupils in schools with library media centers........ 65 98 97 97 95

Number of schools with a librarian....................................... 5,211 9,75929,698 9,804 10,142

Percent of schools with a librarian........................................ 36 92 90 91 92

Measures of library resources for all public school students in the region

Books per pupil..................................................................... 3

3,4 17 — 185

166

Library expenditures (excluding salaries) per pupil7............ $5 $14 — $155$146

Book expenditures per pupil7................................................ $38$8 — $85,9 $96

—Not available.

1

Includes only schools with formal, organized libraries; schools with

classroom collections only or other types of library services are not

included.

2Number was derived from the percentage of schools with library

media centers that had a librarian. 

3

Includes only books in formal, organized libraries.

4Book data include only schools reporting book stock.

5Book and expenditure data are from the 1992–93 school year.

6Book and expenditure data are from the 1998–99 school year.

7Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

8

Includes books and pamphlets.

9

Includes only locally budgeted expenditures; excludes federal gifts

and grants.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare: Statistics of Public School Libraries, 1953–54. U.S. Department of Education, 

National Center for Education Statistics: Statistics of Public and Private School Library Media Centers, 1985–86; and Schools and Staffing 

Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” 1990–91, 1993–94, and 1999–2000, “Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire,” 1993–

94 and 1999–2000, and 1999–2000 Schools Without Libraries Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.

Highlights of table 2-2 include the following:

• The percentage of schools with library media centers ranged from 48 percent in 1953–54 to

97 percent in 1985–86. 

• In 1953–54, 65 percent of students attended public schools with libraries. Ninety-five percent of

students attended public schools with libraries in 1999–2000. 

• Thirty-six percent of public schools had a librarian in 1953–54; 92 percent of public schools had a 

librarian in 1999–2000.

he Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools accredits schools in the following states: 

Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia.

Beginning in 1920, the school library was included in secondary school standards developed by the

Middle States Association (Beust 1954). These were gradually replaced by the Evaluative Criteria of the 

Cooperative Study of Secondary-School Standards. These criteria, which were first developed in 1939,

T
Middle States Region

(continued)

24

used a qualitative approach for the evaluation of library staff, organization and administration of the

school library (including financial provisions), selection of materials, and use of the library by teachers

and students (Cooperative Study of Secondary School Standards 1940). The approach used to determine

the adequacy of the book collection contained some quantitative components (Eells 1939). It called for

computing three scores: number of titles, recency, and general adequacy, which was related to need and

the classification of the book. Profiles were provided for a median school, the best school, the poorest

school, an upper quartile school, and a lower quartile school. This information was considered to be

norms, not standards. 

In 1954, the Middle States Association used the 1950 edition of the Evaluative Criteria, which contained 

updated criteria but followed the same approach as the earlier version (Beust 1954; Cooperative Study of 

Secondary School Standards 1950). Similarly, in 1964, the 1960 edition of the Evaluative Criteria was

used (Darling 1964b; National Study of Secondary School Evaluation 1960).

According to Jones (1977), the Middle States Association had separate standards for high schools and

junior high/middle schools in 1977 and was in the process of developing elementary school standards. 

The media standards consisted of a single paragraph with questions relating to seven categories of

standards. They contained qualitative statements saying that resources and expenditures should be

adequate to meet needs.

In spring 2001, the Middle States Association approved a single set of standards for elementary and

secondary schools. The standards consist of qualitative statements that reflect best practices. One of the

12 standards focuses on Learning Media Services and Technology. Among the qualitative indicators

developed for this standard are ones that address adequacy of resources and funding.
25

Table 2-3. Historical summary of public school library media center 

statistics, various years, 1953–54 to 1999–2000: North Central 

Region

Characteristic 1953–54 1985–86 1990–91 1993–94 1999–2000

Number of public schools..................................................... 64,669 31,125 30,798 30,841 31,307

Number of pupils in public schools...................................... 9,745,908 13,442,826 12,516,505 13,056,522 13,701,300

Number of public schools with library media centers........... 19,651128,277 29,292 29,657 28,979

Percent of public schools with library media centers............ 30 91 95 96 93

Number of pupils in schools with library media centers....... 5,448,468112,948,003 12,216,561 12,822,819 13,334,259

Percent of pupils in schools with library media centers........ 56 96 98 98 97

Number of schools with a librarian....................................... 25,441 23,544223,227 25,595 26,991

Percent of schools with a librarian........................................ 39 76 75 83 86

Measures of library resources for all public school students in the region

Books per pupil..................................................................... 3

3,4 17 — 225

206

Library expenditures (excluding salaries) per pupil7............ $6 $18 — $175$166

Book expenditures per pupil7................................................ $48$9 — $85,9 $106

—Not available.

1

Includes only schools with formal, organized libraries; schools with

classroom collections only or other types of library services are not

included.

2Number was derived from the percentage of schools with library

media centers that had a librarian. 

3

Includes only books in formal, organized libraries.

4Book data include only schools reporting book stock.

5Book and expenditure data are from the 1992–93 school year.

6Book and expenditure data are from the 1998–99 school year.

7Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

8

Includes books and pamphlets.

9

Includes only locally budgeted expenditures; excludes federal gifts

and grants.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare: Statistics of Public School Libraries, 1953–54. U.S. Department of Education, 

National Center for Education Statistics: Statistics of Public and Private School Library Media Centers, 1985–86; and Schools and Staffing 

Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” 1990–91, 1993–94, and 1999–2000, “Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire,” 1993–

94 and 1999–2000, and 1999–2000 Schools Without Libraries Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.

Highlights of table 2-3 include the following:

• The percentage of public schools with library media centers ranged from 30 percent in 1953–54 

to 96 percent in 1993–94. 

• In 1953–54, 56 percent of students attended schools with libraries. Ninety-seven percent of

students attended schools with libraries in 1999–2000. 

• The percentage of public schools with a librarian ranged from 39 percent in 1953–54 to

86 percent in 1999–2000.

he North Central Association consists of the following states: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, 

Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, 

Oklahoma, South Dakota, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

T
North Central Region

(continued)

26

The first set of school library standards in the United States was adopted by the Library Committee of the 

North Central Association in 1918 (Beust 1954). These highly quantitative standards were later replaced 

with standards that were less specific and more qualitative. The standards reported in 1954 were

qualitative for secondary school collections, but quantitative for expenditures, which ranged from a total

of $300 annually ($1,888 in 1999–2000 dollars) for books and other materials, excluding salaries, for

schools with 200 or fewer pupils to $0.50 per pupil ($3.15 in 1999–2000 dollars) for schools with 1,000

or more pupils. 

In 1964, quantitative standards were used for both collections and expenditures (Darling 1964b). Schools 

with enrollments up to 500 students were required to have a minimum of 1,200 books, excluding

textbooks, or at least 7 books per pupil. At least 4 additional books were to be provided for each pupil

from 500 to 2,000 enrolled, and at least 3 additional books were to be provided for each student above

2,000 enrolled. The standards for annual expenditures for books and magazines, excluding textbooks and 

audiovisual materials, ranged from $2.50 per pupil ($13.74 in 1999–2000 dollars) for the first 200 pupils

to $0.75 per pupil ($4.12 in 1999–2000 dollars) for each pupil above 500 enrolled.

In 1977, separate standards were in place for the following types of schools: junior high/middle schools,

optional and special function schools, independent college-preparatory schools, secondary schools, and

vocational/occupational secondary schools (Jones 1977). In addition, standards for elementary schools

had been drafted. Each standard of the North Central Association was introduced by a qualitative

principle that described its significance followed by the minimum standard that had to be met. Progress

criteria that described exemplary conditions were provided for many standards. Draft standards for the

minimum book collection in elementary schools were 2,000 volumes, excluding textbooks, or 10 volumes 

per child. At the junior high/middle school level, school library media centers were expected to have a

minimum of 1,200 books, excluding textbooks, or 5 per pupil, for enrollments up to 500 and 3 additional 

books per pupil above 500 pupils. At the secondary level, the minimum collection ranged from 2,500

volumes for schools with enrollments of fewer than 200 students to 11,900 volumes plus 2 books per

student over 2,000 for schools with more than 2,000 pupils. At the elementary level, the draft standard

for the minimum annual expenditure for instructional books, magazines, and audiovisual materials,

excluding textbooks and salaries, was $6.00 per pupil ($17.30 in 1999–2000 dollars) for schools with

enrollments of fewer than 400 students and $2,400 ($6,922 in 1999–2000 dollars) for the first 400 pupils, 

plus $4.00 ($11.54 in 1999–2000 dollars) for each additional pupil for schools with more than 400

students. At the junior high/middle school and secondary school levels, the minimum annual expenditure 

ranged from $4.00 per pupil ($11.54 in 1999–2000 dollars) in schools with fewer than 500 students to

$6,750 ($19,468 in 1999–2000 dollars) for the first 2,000 students plus $2.00 per pupil ($5.77 in 1999–

2000 dollars) above that for schools with more than 2,000 students.

The North Central Association’s standards for 2000–2002 have a separate section for media services. 

These qualitative standards call for a balanced collection and sufficient resources to keep it current. The

same standards apply to elementary, middle, and secondary schools.
27

Table 2-4. Historical summary of public school library media center 

statistics, various years, 1953–54 to 1999–2000: Northwest 

Region

Characteristic 1953–541

1985–86 1990–91 1993–94 1999–2000

Number of public schools..................................................... 5,429 5,506 5,676 5,976 6,324

Number of pupils in public schools...................................... 1,230,291 2,259,807 2,477,063 2,598,047 2,809,472

Number of public schools with library media centers........... 2,80925,236 5,477 5,739 5,728

Percent of public schools with library media centers............ 52 95 96 96 91

Number of pupils in schools with library media centers....... 822,89722,231,871 2,449,872 2,577,357 2,738,873

Percent of pupils in schools with library media centers........ 67 99 99 99 97

Number of schools with a librarian....................................... 2,732 4,22434,258 4,712 4,969

Percent of schools with a librarian........................................ 50 77 75 79 79

Measures of library resources for all public school students in the region

Books per pupil..................................................................... 3

4,5 18 — 196

217

Library expenditures (excluding salaries) per pupil8............ $7 $19 — $176$177

Book expenditures per pupil8................................................ $49$10 — $96,10 $127

—Not available.

1Excludes Alaska.

2

Includes only schools with formal, organized libraries; schools with

classroom collections only or other types of library services are not

included.

3Number was derived from the percentage of schools with library

media centers that had a librarian. 

4

Includes only books in formal, organized libraries.

5Book data include only schools reporting book stock.

6Book and expenditure data are from the 1992–93 school year.

7Book and expenditure data are from the 1998–99 school year.

8Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

9

Includes books and pamphlets.

10Includes only locally budgeted expenditures; excludes federal gifts

and grants.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare: Statistics of Public School Libraries, 1953–54. U.S. Department of Education, 

National Center for Education Statistics: Statistics of Public and Private School Library Media Centers, 1985–86; and Schools and Staffing 

Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” 1990–91, 1993–94, and 1999–2000, “Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire,” 1993–

94 and 1999–2000, and 1999–2000 Schools Without Libraries Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.

Highlights of table 2-4 include the following:

• Fifty-two percent of public schools had library media centers in 1953–54, and 91 percent of

public schools had library media centers in 1999–2000.

• In 1953–54, 67 percent of pupils attended schools with libraries, and 97 percent attended

schools with libraries in 1999–2000.

• The percentage of public schools with a librarian was 50 percent in 1953–54 and 79 percent in

1999–2000.

he Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges consists of the following states: Alaska, Idaho, TMontana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington.
Northwest Region

(continued)

28

Standards were adopted by the Northwest Association in 1935. In 1954, the standards for secondary

school libraries ranged from 1,000 books of which 10–20 percent could be duplicates for schools with

100 pupils or fewer to 5,000 titles for schools with 1,000 or more pupils (Beust 1954). Expenditure

standards ranged from $300 per year ($1,888 in 1999–2000 dollars) for books and periodicals for schools 

with 200 pupils or fewer to $1.00 per pupil ($6.29 in 1999–2000 dollars) or $750 per school ($4,720 in

1992–2000), for schools with more than 500 pupils. 

In 1964, quantitative standards were used for collections and expenditures at the secondary level (Darling 

1964b). The minimum number of books that school libraries were required to have ranged from 1,000

volumes including 800 titles for schools with 100 or fewer pupils to 6,000 volumes including 4,000 titles 

for schools with more than 1,000 pupils. Minimum annual expenditures for books and periodicals ranged 

from $400 ($2,199 in 1999–2000 dollars) for schools with 100 or fewer pupils to $1,000 ($5,497 in 1999–

2000 dollars) or $1.50 per student ($8.25 in 1999–2000 dollars), for schools with more than 500 students.

The Northwest Association’s standards in 1977 were stated in terms of minimum requirements (Jones

1977). Quantitative standards were used for secondary collections and expenditures. Requirements for

the book collection ranged from 2,400 volumes (1,920 titles) for schools with 200 or fewer students to

12,000 volumes (9,600 titles) for schools with more than 1,800 students. Standards for minimum annual

budget for books, periodicals, audiovisual materials and equipment ranged from $1,000 ($2,884 in 1999–

2000 dollars) for schools with 200 or fewer pupils to $6,000 ($17,305 in 1999–2000 dollars) or $3.00 per 

student ($8.65 in 1999–2000 dollars), for schools with an enrollment of more than 1,800.

Library and Information Resources is one of nine areas in the Northwest Association’s standards that

were in place in 2002. These qualitative standards contain the following sections: purpose and scope,

information resources and services, facilities and access, personnel and management, and planning and

evaluation. Supporting documentation for these standards consists of 14 required exhibits.
29

Table 2-5. Historical summary of public school library media center 

statistics, various years, 1953–54 to 1999–2000: Southern Region

Characteristic 1953–54 1985–86 1990–91 1993–94 1999–2000

Number of public schools..................................................... 33,717 20,103 20,722 21,193 22,346

Number of pupils in public schools...................................... 8,297,247 12,105,637 12,196,797 12,707,790 13,747,959

Number of public schools with library media centers........... 14,487119,751 20,194 20,434 21,044

Percent of public schools with library media centers............ 43 98 97 96 94

Number of pupils in schools with library media centers....... 5,160,639112,024,324 12,107,576 12,557,493 13,454,903

Percent of pupils in schools with library media centers........ 62 99 99 99 98

Number of schools with a librarian....................................... 14,279 18,747218,848 19,498 20,780

Percent of schools with a librarian........................................ 42 93 91 92 93

Measures of library resources for all public school students in the region

Books per pupil..................................................................... 3

3,4 14 — 155

176

Library expenditures (excluding salaries) per pupil7............ $5 $15 — $155$156

Book expenditures per pupil7................................................ $38$7 — $85,9 $106

—Not available.

1

Includes only schools with formal, organized libraries; schools with

classroom collections only or other types of library services are not 

included.

2Number was derived from the percentage of schools with library

media centers that had a librarian. 

3

Includes only books in formal, organized libraries.

4Book data include only schools reporting book stock.

5Book and expenditure data are from the 1992–93 school year.

6Book and expenditure data are from the 1998–99 school year.

7Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

8

Includes books and pamphlets.

9

Includes only locally budgeted expenditures; excludes federal gifts

and grants.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare: Statistics of Public School Libraries, 1953–54. U.S. Department of Education, 

National Center for Education Statistics: Statistics of Public and Private School Library Media Centers, 1985–86; and Schools and Staffing 

Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” 1990–91, 1993–94, and 1999–2000, “Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire,” 1993–

94 and 1999–2000, and 1999–2000 Schools Without Libraries Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.

Highlights of table 2-5 include the following:

• The percentage of public schools with library media centers ranged from 43 percent in 1953–

54 to 98 percent in 1985–86.

• In 1953–54, 62 percent of students attended schools with libraries; in 1999–2000, 98 percent of 

students were in schools with libraries.

• Forty-two percent of schools had a librarian in 1953–54; in 1999–2000, 93 percent of schools

had a librarian.

he Southern Association of Colleges and Schools consists of the following states: Alabama, Florida,

Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and

Virginia. 

In 1926, the Southern Association began working on school library standards (Beust 1954). In 1951, the 

standards for school libraries became an integral part of the accreditation program of the Association. 

T
Southern Region

(continued)

30

Standards reported in 1954 were qualitative for the high school library collection but specified library

expenditures, excluding salaries. They ranged from $.75 per pupil ($4.72 in 1999–2000 dollars) for

schools with 1,000 pupils or more to $1.25 per pupil ($7.87 in 1999–2000 dollars) for schools with 500 or 

fewer pupils.

The Southern Association was the first to set standards for elementary school libraries (Darling 1964b). 

Implementation of the elementary school library standards began in 1960. The elementary school

libraries were expected to have 10 books per pupil by December 1967. Annual expenditures for library

books and magazines were expected to be $2.50 per pupil ($13.74 in 1999–2000 dollars). High school

library standards were set at a minimum of 500 volumes or not less than 5 volumes per pupil. The

standard for library expenditures, excluding equipment and salaries, was a minimum of $350.00

($1,924.00 in 1999–2000 dollars) and a sliding scale based on school size beginning with $2.50 per pupil 

($13.74 in 1999–2000 dollars) for a school of 500 pupils or less.

When the standards for the Southern Association were reported in 1977, elementary school library media 

center standards included 10 books per pupil and $10.00 per pupil per year ($28.84 in 1999–2000 dollars) 

for instructional supplies and materials, excluding basic textbooks and salaries (Jones 1977). Secondary

school media centers were expected to have a minimum of 1,000 volumes or not less than 10 volumes per 

pupil. The standard for secondary school library expenditures remained the same as the 1965 standards.

In 2001–02, the Southern Association standards for school library media centers were a combination of

quantitative and qualitative statements. One of the 13 standards for elementary schools addresses

library/media standards. Books collections are required to include a minimum of 1,500 books or 10

books per pupil. The standard on finance for elementary schools does not specifically address school

libraries. Standards for middle and secondary school libraries call for a collection of 2,000 books or at

least 10 books per pupil. Funding for middle and secondary school libraries is addressed in a qualitative

standard.
31

Table 2-6. Historical summary of public school library media center 

statistics, various years, 1953–54 to 1999–2000: Western Region

Characteristic 1953–541

1985–86 1990–91 1993–94 1999–2000

Number of public schools..................................................... 4,564 6,802 7,424 7,554 8,306

Number of pupils in public schools...................................... 1,979,390 4,192,164 4,974,285 4,977,615 5,729,183

Number of public schools with library media centers........... 1,70125,976 7,025 7,100 6,587

Percent of public schools with library media centers............ 37 88 95 94 79

Number of pupils in schools with library media centers....... 1,077,56324,053,454 4,921,810 4,878,261 5,444,498

Percent of pupils in schools with library media centers........ 54 97 99 98 95

Number of schools with a librarian....................................... 2,830 2,92433,690 4,538 5,033

Percent of schools with a librarian........................................ 62 43 50 60 61

Measures of library resources for all public school students in the region

Books per pupil..................................................................... 2

4,5 12 — 136

137

Library expenditures (excluding salaries) per pupil8............ $10 $10 — $96$147

Book expenditures per pupil8................................................ $79$6 — $46,10 $117

—Not available.

1Excludes Hawaii.

2

Includes only schools with formal, organized libraries; schools with

classroom collections only or other types of library services are not

included.

3Number was derived from the percentage of schools with library

media centers that had a librarian. 

4

Includes only books in formal, organized libraries.

5Book data include only schools reporting book stock.

6Book and expenditure data are from the 1992–93 school year.

7Book and expenditure data are from the 1998–99 school year.

8Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

9

Includes books and pamphlets.

10Includes only locally budgeted expenditures; excludes federal gifts

and grants.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare: Statistics of Public School Libraries, 1953–54. U.S. Department of Education, 

National Center for Education Statistics: Statistics of Public and Private School Library Media Centers, 1985–86; and Schools and Staffing 

Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” 1990–91, 1993–94, and 1999–2000, “Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire,” 1993–

94 and 1999–2000, and 1999–2000 Schools Without Libraries Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.

Highlights of table 2-6 include the following:

• The percentage of public schools with library media centers was 37 percent in 1953–54, 

95 percent in 1990–91, and 79 percent in 1999–2000.

• Fifty-four percent of students attended schools with libraries in 1953–54, and 95 percent 

attended schools with libraries in 1999–2000.

• In 1953–54, 62 percent of schools had a librarian; in 1999–2000, 61 percent had a librarian.

• In 1953–54, there were 2 school library books per pupil; in 1999–2000, there were 13 books

per pupil.

• Book expenditures per pupil were $7 (in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars) in 1953–54 and $11 in

1999–2000.
Western Region

(continued)

32

he Western Association of Schools and Colleges consists of the following states: California and

Hawaii.

The Western Association did not accredit its member schools in 1954 (Beust 1954). As of 1977, the

Western Association had not developed standards for the schools that it accredited (Jones 1977). 

The accreditation criteria established by the Western Association in 2000 are general qualitative criteria 

that do not mention school library media centers.

T
33

3. School-Level Data
34
35

Table 3-1. Historical summary of public school library media center 

statistics, various years, 1953–54 to 1999–2000: Elementary

Characteristic 1953–54 1958–591

1960–61 1962–6311985–86 1990–91 1993–94 1999–2000

Number of public schools................................ 104,365 59,459 75,773 59,656 46,469 56,121 58,013 59,973

Number of pupils in 

public schools................................ — 19,654,511 21,063,893 21,428,275 18,794,273 25,086,319 26,885,626 28,906,006

Number of public schools 

with library media 

centers................................ 24,9082

20,279223,679226,5162

42,609 54,388 56,114 56,715

Percent of public schools 

with library media 

centers................................ 24 34 31 44 92 97 97 95

Number of pupils in 

schools with library 

media centers................................ 6,559,2962

9,620,210211,206,912212,384,415218,053,104 24,713,025 26,377,179 28,068,489

Percent of pupils in 

schools with library 

media centers................................ — 49 53 58 96 99 98 97

Number of schools with a 

librarian................................30,150 15,354 12,220 13,473233,235343,390 47,907 52,319

Percent of schools with a 

librarian................................ 29 26 16 23 72 77 83 87

Measures of library resources for all elementary public school students

Books per pupil................................1

4,5 24

3

4

3

4

16 — 186

187

Library expenditures 

(excluding salaries) per 

pupil8................................ — — $9 — $13 — $136

$157

Book expenditures per 

pupil8

................................ — $4 $79$6 $7 — 7

6,10 $117

—Not available.

1

Includes only public schools in districts with 150 or more students.

2

Includes only schools with formal, organized libraries; schools with

classroom collections only or other types of library services are not

included.

3Number was derived from the percentage of schools with library

media centers that had a librarian.

4

Includes only books in formal, organized libraries.

5Book data include only schools reporting book stock.

6Book and expenditure data are from the 1992–93 school year.

7Book and expenditure data are from the 1998–99 school year.

8Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

9

Includes books and pamphlets.

10Includes only locally budgeted expenditures; excludes federal gifts

and grants.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare: Statistics of Public School Libraries, 1953–54 and 1960–61, and Public School 

Library Statistics, 1958–59 and 1962–63. U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics: Statistics of Public and 

Private School Library Media Centers, 1985–86; and Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” 1990–91, 1993–94, 

and 1999–2000, “Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire,” 1993–94 and 1999–2000, and 1999–2000 Schools Without Libraries 

Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.

Highlights of table 3-1 include the following:

• The trend during the mid-20th century was to consolidate small public schools, thereby

reducing the total number of schools. The number of schools began to increase between 1990–

91 and 1999–2000 (National Center for Education Statistics 2002). During the 1953–54 school 

year, there were 104,000 public elementary schools. In 1990–91, there were 56,000

elementary schools, and, in 1999–2000, the number of elementary schools was 60,000.
Elementary

(continued)

36

• The percentage of elementary schools with library media centers was 24 percent in 1953–54 

and 95 percent in 1999–2000.

• In 1958–59, less than half of elementary students attended schools with libraries; in 1999–

2000, 97 percent of students attended elementary schools with libraries.

• The percentage of elementary schools with a librarian ranged from 16 percent in 1960–61 to

87 percent in 1999–2000.

uring 1953–54, 39 percent of schools with elementary grades had one teacher (National Center for

Education Statistics 2002). By 1999–2000, less than 1 percent of schools with elementary grades

had one teacher.

In 1954, the regional accrediting agencies did not have standards for elementary schools because they did 

not accredit them (Beust 1954). However, their activities for secondary schools and colleges had some

influence on the elementary level. At the same time, 30 states had developed elementary school library

standards or recommended standards; this was three time as many as had them in 1944. The Evaluative 

Criteria and the ALA standards for school libraries had the most influence in determining the type and

categories of standards used by the states. Changes in the concept of the elementary school library,

changes in the curriculum, and research in child growth and development were other factors that

influenced the development of elementary school library standards.

By 1964, one regional accrediting agency, the Southern Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools,

had standards for elementary school libraries (Darling 1964b). A growing number of states had also

adopted standards for elementary school libraries. However, by 1977, the Southern Association was still

the only regional accrediting agency with elementary school library standards (Jones 1977). At the same 

time, the administration of Title II in most states had focused particular attention on the need for

instructional materials at the elementary level.

During the first 3 years of ESEA Title II, 14 percent of all public elementary schools (10,277 schools)

established a school library (U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare 1971). In addition,

133,466 elementary library expansion projects were funded between 1965–66 and 1967–68. The growth

in the number of school libraries occurred especially at the elementary level because more elementary

schools than secondary schools were without formal, organized libraries prior to the passage of ESEA

(U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare 1967b). A 1968 survey of 483 school districts and

1,996 public schools produced estimates regarding the effect of ESEA Title II (U.S. Department of

Health, Education, and Welfare 1972). Altogether, 50 percent of the elementary schools reported that

ESEA Title II had a substantial influence on the establishment and growth of school libraries, and an

additional 30 percent said that the legislation’s influence was moderate. 

Despite the growth in the number of elementary school libraries, in 1970, in 15 states, more than

50 percent of the elementary schools did not have a formal, organized library (Sutherland 1970).

D
37

Table 3-2. Historical summary of public school library media center 

statistics, various years, 1953–54 to 1999–2000: Secondary

Characteristic 1953–54 1958–591

1960–61 1962–6311985–86 1990–91 1993–94 1999–2000

Number of public schools................................ 16,785 13,572 18,517 16,896 24,114 19,723 19,648 20,590

Number of pupils in public 

schools................................ — 9,511,973 11,600,448 12,482,364 18,205,588 13,692,768 13,757,801 15,227,260

Number of public schools 

with library media centers................................ 15,9242

13,120217,114216,457223,680 18,705 18,732 17,963

Percent of public schools 

with library media centers................................ 95 97 92 97 98 95 95 87

Number of pupils in schools 

with library media centers................................ 6,454,9042

9,365,979211,219,577212,197,327218,115,561 13,458,096 13,606,849 14,720,158

Percent of pupils in schools 

with library media centers................................ — 98 97 98 100 98 99 97

Number of schools with a 

librarian................................ 15,304 12,442 15,351 15,235222,639316,912 17,593 17,660

Percent of schools with a 

librarian................................ 91 92 83 90 94 86 90 86

Measures of library resources for all secondary public school students

Books per pupil................................ 5

4,5 64

6

4

6

4

14 — 196167

Library expenditures 

(excluding salaries) per 

pupil8................................................................ — — $16 — $17 — $196

167

Book expenditures per pupil8................................ — $11 $119

$15 $8 — $96,10 $97

—Not available.

1

Includes only public schools in districts with 150 or more students.

2

Includes only schools with formal, organized libraries; schools with

classroom collections only or other types of library services are not

included.

3Number was derived from the percentage of schools with library

media centers that had a librarian.

4

Includes only books in formal, organized libraries.

5Book data include only schools reporting book stock.

6Book and expenditure data are from the 1992–93 school year.

7Book and expenditure data are from the 1998–99 school year.

8Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

9

Includes books and pamphlets.

10Includes only locally budgeted expenditures; excludes federal gifts

and grants.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare: Statistics of Public School Libraries, 1953–54 and 1960–61, and Public School 

Library Statistics, 1958–59 and 1962–63. U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics: Statistics of Public and 

Private School Library Media Centers, 1985–86; and Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” 1990–91, 1993–94, 

and 1999–2000, “Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire,” 1993–94 and 1999–2000, and 1999–2000 Schools Without Libraries 

Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.

Highlights of table 3-2 include the following:

• The percentage of secondary schools with library media centers was 95 percent in 1953–54 and 

87 percent in 1999–2000.

• The percentage of high schools with librarians was 91 percent in 1953–54 and 86 percent in

1999–2000.

• In 1953–54, there were 5 school library books per pupil; in 1999–2000, there were 16 school

library books per pupil.
Secondary

(continued)

38

n 1954, standards or recommendations for secondary school libraries had been established or were

planned in all except two states (Beust 1954).

Annual state reports for NDEA Title III submitted in fiscal year 1969 indicated that secondary schools

were generally better equipped than elementary schools (U.S. Department of Health, Education, and

Welfare 1970a).

During the first 3 years of ESEA Title II, 5 percent of all public secondary schools (1,403 schools)

established a school library (U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare 1971). These new

libraries served 939,408 students. In addition, 60,147 secondary library expansion projects were funded

between 1965–66 and 1967–68. A 1968 survey of 483 school districts and 1,996 public schools produced 

estimates regarding the effect of ESEA Title II (U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare

1972). Altogether, 46 percent of the secondary schools reported that ESEA Title II had a substantial

influence on the establishment and growth of school libraries, and an additional 39 percent said that the

legislation’s influence was moderate.

The growth in school libraries at the secondary level was much smaller than the growth at the elementary 

level because more secondary schools had formal, organized libraries prior to ESEA Title II (U.S.

Department of Health, Education, and Welfare 1969b).

I
39

4. State-Level Data
40
41

Table 4-1. Historical summary of public school library media center 

statistics, various years, 1953–54 to 1999–2000: Alabama

Characteristic 1953–54 1985–86 1990–91 1993–94 1999–2000

Number of public schools..................................................... 3,443 1,293 1,243 1,274 1,329

Number of pupils in public schools...................................... 703,647 759,130 688,980 745,963 761,577

Number of public schools with library media centers........... 1,5411

1,262 1,243 1,240 1,299

Percent of public schools with library media centers............ 45 98 100 97 98

Number of pupils in schools with library media centers....... 386,3531

753,883 688,980 739,178 744,382

Percent of pupils in schools with library media centers........ 55 99 100 99 98

Number of schools with a librarian....................................... 1,378 1,1992

1,138 1,179 1,306

Percent of schools with a librarian........................................ 40 93 92 93 98

Measures of library resources for all public school students in the state

Books per pupil..................................................................... 1

3,4 14 — 145

196

Library expenditures (excluding salaries) per pupil7............ $3 $16 — $135

$146

Book expenditures per pupil7................................................ $28

$9 — $65,9 $96

—Not available.

1

Includes only schools with formal, organized libraries; schools with

classroom collections only or other types of library services are not

included.

2Number was derived from the percentage of schools with library

media centers that had a librarian. 

3

Includes only books in formal, organized libraries.

4Book data include only schools reporting book stock.

5Book and expenditure data are from the 1992–93 school year.

6Book and expenditure data are from the 1998–99 school year.

7Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

8

Includes books and pamphlets.

9

Includes only locally budgeted expenditures; excludes federal gifts

and grants.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare: Statistics of Public School Libraries, 1953–54. U.S. Department of Education, 

National Center for Education Statistics: Statistics of Public and Private School Library Media Centers, 1985–86; and Schools and Staffing 

Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” 1990–91, 1993–94, and 1999–2000, “Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire,” 1993–

94 and 1999–2000, and 1999–2000 Schools Without Libraries Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.

Highlights of table 4-1 include the following:

• The trend during the mid-20th century was to consolidate small public schools thereby

reducing the total number of schools. The number of schools began to increase between 1990–

91 and 1999–2000 (National Center for Education Statistics 2002). During the 1953–54 school 

year, Alabama had 3,400 public schools. In 1990–91, there were 1,200 public schools, and in

1999–2000, the number of schools was 1,300.

• Forty-five percent of public schools had library media centers during the 1953–54 school year, 

and 98 percent of public schools had library media centers in 1999–2000.

• In 1953–54, Alabama had 1 library book per pupil; in 1999–2000, there were 19 library books

per pupil.

n the 1957–58 school year, Alabama had state laws or regulations regarding school library materials,

services, and appropriations.1 The state employed one full-time and one part-time professional school 

library supervisor in the state department of education. In 1962, Alabama had secondary school library

standards that had been prepared by the state department of education and were a part of the general

standards for schools.2 No state standards were in place for elementary school libraries.

I
Alabama

(continued)

42

NDEA In 1960, the majority of the NDEA funds (76 percent) were spent for science

materials.3 By 1972, however, the area receiving the most funding was

English and reading (46 percent), while the natural sciences received

23 percent.4 In FY 1972, 94 percent of the districts in Alabama participated in 

NDEA; these districts contained 98 percent of the students in the state.

ESEA Title II Alabama reported that the development of many new school libraries in the 

state were due, in large part, to the emphasis placed on formal, organized

libraries by the ESEA Title II grant program.5 In FY 1967 and 1968, 188 new 

elementary and 44 secondary public school libraries were established.5, 6 At the 

same time, 3,247 public school library collection expansion projects were

undertaken. By FY 1974, 94 percent of the schools in the state (1,292 schools) 

had a school library.7

In 1966, all eligible public school students participated in ESEA Title II

(724,007 children), and 90 percent of the acquisitions money was used for

school library resources.8 By 1974, all Alabama public schools participated in 

the program (1,381 schools), and 94 percent of the acquisitions money was

used for school library resources.7

Between 1996 and 2000, the Alabama State Library, an independent agency, reported offering services to 

school library media centers.9, 10, 11, 12, 13 Services did not include LSCA or LSTA grants, state aid,

standards or guidelines, or development staff.

NOTE: Footnotes in the text refer to the state-level data sources shown at the end of this section (see

page 143).
43

Table 4-2. Historical summary of public school library media center 

statistics, various years, 1953–54 to 1999–2000: Alaska

Characteristic 1953–54 1985–86 1990–91 1993–94 1999–2000

Number of public schools..................................................... — 376 425 477 466

Number of pupils in public schools...................................... — 91,561 109,112 127,129 119,010

Number of public schools with library media centers........... — 302 418 430 366

Percent of public schools with library media centers............ — 80 98 90 79

Number of pupils in schools with library media centers....... — 87,727 108,738 120,244 113,112

Percent of pupils in schools with library media centers........ — 96 100 95 95

Number of schools with a librarian....................................... — 1721

250 296 321

Percent of schools with a librarian........................................ — 46 59 62 69

Measures of library resources for all public school students in the state

Books per pupil..................................................................... — 24 — 282273

Library expenditures (excluding salaries) per pupil4............ — $31 — $352

$183

Book expenditures per pupil4................................................ — $16 — $162,5 $113

—Not available.

1Number was derived from the percentage of schools with library

media centers that had a librarian. 

2Book and expenditure data are from the 1992–93 school year.

3Book and expenditure data are from the 1998–99 school year.

4Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

5

Includes only locally budgeted expenditures; excludes federal gifts

and grants.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare: Statistics of Public School Libraries, 1953–54. U.S. Department of Education, 

National Center for Education Statistics: Statistics of Public and Private School Library Media Centers, 1985–86; and Schools and Staffing 

Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” 1990–91, 1993–94, and 1999–2000, “Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire,” 1993–

94 and 1999–2000, and 1999–2000 Schools Without Libraries Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.

Highlights of table 4-2 include the following:

• The number of pupils in public schools in 1985–86 was 92,000; in 1999–2000, there were

119,000 public school students.

• The percentage of public schools with a librarian ranged from 46 percent in 1985–86 to

69 percent in 1999–2000.

• Library expenditures (excluding salaries) were $31 per pupil (in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars) in 

1985–86 and $18 per pupil in 1999–2000.

n the 1957–58 school year, Alaska had laws or regulations regarding secondary school library

appropriations, but did not have them for materials or services.1 Alaska did not employ any

professional school library supervisors in the state department of education. In 1962, the state had no

school library standards for elementary or secondary schools.2

I
Alaska

(continued)

44

NDEA In 1960, the majority of the NDEA funds (67 percent) were spent for science

materials.3 By 1972, however, the area receiving the most funding was

English and reading (45 percent), while the natural sciences received

17 percent.4 In FY 1972, 52 percent of the districts in Alaska participated in

NDEA; these districts contained 71 percent of the students in the state.

ESEA Title II In FY 1967 and 1968, 17 new elementary and 4 secondary public school

libraries were established.5, 6 At the same time, 529 public school library

collection expansion projects were undertaken. By FY 1974, 45 percent of the 

schools in the state (152 schools) had a school library.7

In 1966, 97 percent of eligible public school students participated in ESEA

Title II (54,948 children), and 62 percent of the acquisitions money was used

for school library resources.8 By 1974, 7 percent of Alaska public schools

participated in the program (24 schools), and all of the acquisitions money was 

used for school library resources.7

Between 1996 and 2000, the Alaska State Library, a part of the Department of Education, reported

offering services to school library media centers.9, 10, 11, 12, 13 Services included LSCA or LSTA grants,

standards or guidelines, and development staff, but not state aid.

NOTE: Footnotes in the text refer to the state-level data sources shown at the end of this section (see

page 143).
45

Table 4-3. Historical summary of public school library media center 

statistics, various years, 1953–54 to 1999–2000: Arizona

Characteristic 1953–54 1985–86 1990–91 1993–94 1999–2000

Number of public schools..................................................... 305 862 992 1,057 1,175

Number of pupils in public schools...................................... 194,347 473,670 590,529 685,518 762,672

Number of public schools with library media centers........... 2061704 942 1,031 991

Percent of public schools with library media centers............ 68 82 95 98 84

Number of pupils in schools with library media centers....... 158,8681466,877 588,821 680,000 733,524

Percent of pupils in schools with library media centers........ 82 99 100 99 96

Number of schools with a librarian....................................... 202 5632

751 906 1,052

Percent of schools with a librarian........................................ 66 65 76 86 90

Measures of library resources for all public school students in the state

Books per pupil..................................................................... 3

3,4 16 — 185

186

Library expenditures (excluding salaries) per pupil7............ $6 $17 — $155

$116

Book expenditures per pupil7................................................ $48

$10 — $105,9 $86

—Not available.

1

Includes only schools with formal, organized libraries; schools with

classroom collections only or other types of library services are not

included.

2Number was derived from the percentage of schools with library

media centers that had a librarian. 

3

Includes only books in formal, organized libraries.

4Book data include only schools reporting book stock.

5Book and expenditure data are from the 1992–93 school year.

6Book and expenditure data are from the 1998–99 school year.

7Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

8

Includes books and pamphlets.

9

Includes only locally budgeted expenditures; excludes federal gifts

and grants.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare: Statistics of Public School Libraries, 1953–54. U.S. Department of Education, 

National Center for Education Statistics: Statistics of Public and Private School Library Media Centers, 1985–86; and Schools and Staffing 

Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” 1990–91, 1993–94, and 1999–2000, “Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire,” 1993–

94 and 1999–2000, and 1999–2000 Schools Without Libraries Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.

Highlights of table 4-3 include the following:

• The number of public schools in Arizona ranged from 305 in 1953–54 to 1,200 in 1999–2000.

• The percentage of public schools with library media centers ranged from 68 percent in 1953–

54 to 98 percent in 1993–94. In 1999–2000, 84 percent of public schools had library media

centers.

• In 1953–54, 82 percent of students attended schools with libraries. During schools 1990–1991, 

100 percent of pupils were in schools with libraries.

n the 1957–58 school year, Arizona had state laws or regulations regarding school library

appropriations, but did not have them for materials or services.1 The state did not employ any

professional school library supervisors in the state department of education. In 1962, Arizona had school 

library standards that had been prepared by the state department of education and were a part of the

general standards for schools.2

I
Arizona

(continued)

46

NDEA In 1960, Arizona did not participate in NDEA.3

 However, by 1972, Arizona

was participating in NDEA, and the areas receiving the most NDEA funding

were English and reading, which received 44 percent of the funds, and the

natural sciences, which received 16 percent.4 In FY 1972, 24 percent of the

districts in Arizona participated in NDEA; these districts contained 53 percent 

of the students in the state.

ESEA Title II In FY 1967 and 1968, 16 new elementary and 2 secondary public school

libraries were established.5, 6 At the same time, 856 public school library

collection expansion projects were undertaken. By FY 1974, 88 percent of the 

schools in the state (700 schools) had a school library.7

In 1966, 74 percent of the eligible public school students participated in ESEA 

Title II (254,348 children), and 86 percent of the acquisitions money was used 

for school library resources.8 By 1974, 73 percent of Arizona public schools

participated in the program (582 schools), and 98 percent of the acquisitions 

money was used for school library resources.7

Between 1996 and 2000, the Arizona State Library, in the legislative branch of the state government,

reported offering services to school library media centers.9, 10, 11, 12, 13 Services did not include LSCA or

LSTA grants, state aid, standards or guidelines, or development staff.

NOTE: Footnotes in the text refer to the state-level data sources shown at the end of this section (see

page 143).
47

Table 4-4. Historical summary of public school library media center 

statistics, various years, 1953–54 to 1999–2000: Arkansas

Characteristic 1953–54 1985–86 1990–91 1993–94 1999–2000

Number of public schools..................................................... 1,917 1,181 1,074 1,084 1,098

Number of pupils in public schools...................................... 413,519 469,517 415,981 460,286 441,810

Number of public schools with library media centers........... 74311,170 1,074 1,084 1,089

Percent of public schools with library media centers............ 39 99 100 100 99

Number of pupils in schools with library media centers....... 230,9431

461,985 415,981 460,286 438,612

Percent of pupils in schools with library media centers........ 56 98 100 100 99

Number of schools with a librarian....................................... 712 1,1582994 1,084 1,072

Percent of schools with a librarian........................................ 37 98 93 100 98

Measures of library resources for all public school students in the state

Books per pupil..................................................................... 2

3,4 15 — 185

206

Library expenditures (excluding salaries) per pupil7............ $4 $16 — $155

$176

Book expenditures per pupil7................................................ $38

$8 — $85,9 $116

—Not available.

1

Includes only schools with formal, organized libraries; schools with

classroom collections only or other types of library services are not

included.

2Number was derived from the percentage of schools with library

media centers that had a librarian. 

3

Includes only books in formal, organized libraries.

4Book data include only schools reporting book stock.

5Book and expenditure data are from the 1992–93 school year.

6Book and expenditure data are from the 1998–99 school year.

7Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

8

Includes books and pamphlets.

9

Includes only locally budgeted expenditures; excludes federal gifts

and grants.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare: Statistics of Public School Libraries, 1953–54. U.S. Department of Education, 

National Center for Education Statistics: Statistics of Public and Private School Library Media Centers, 1985–86; and Schools and Staffing 

Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” 1990–91, 1993–94, and 1999–2000, “Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire,” 1993–

94 and 1999–2000, and 1999–2000 Schools Without Libraries Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.

Highlights of table 4-4 include the following:

• The trend during the past several decades has been to consolidate small public schools, thereby 

reducing the total number of schools (National Center for Education Statistics 2002). In 

Arkansas, there were 1,900 public schools in 1953–54; and in 1999–2000, the number of

schools was 1,100.

• In 1953–54, 39 percent of schools had libraries. In 1999–2000, 99 percent of schools had

libraries.

• The percentage of schools with a librarian was 37 percent in 1953–54 and 98 percent in 1999–

2000.

n the 1957–58 school year, Arkansas had state laws or regulations regarding school library materials,

services, and appropriations.1 The state did not employ any professional school library supervisors in

the state department of education. In 1962, Arkansas had school library standards that had been prepared 

by the state department of education and were a part of the general standards for schools.2

I
Arkansas

(continued)

48

NDEA In 1960, the majority of the NDEA funds (92 percent) were spent for science

materials.3 By 1972, however, the area receiving the most funding was

English and reading (43 percent), while the natural sciences received

41 percent.4 In FY 1972, 82 percent of the districts in Arkansas participated in 

NDEA; these districts contained 90 percent of the students in the state.

ESEA Title II In FY 1967 and 1968, 151 new elementary and 2 secondary public school

libraries were established.5, 6 At the same time, 2,716 public school library

collection expansion projects were undertaken. By FY 1974, 68 percent of the 

schools in the state (812 schools) had a school library.7

In 1966, 99 percent of eligible public school students participated in ESEA

Title II (421,262 children), and 95 percent of the acquisitions money was used 

for school library resources.8 By 1974, 97 percent of Arkansas public schools

participated in the program (1,152 schools), and none of the acquisitions 

money was used for school library resources.7

Between 1996 and 2000, the Arkansas State Library, a part of the Department of Education, reported

offering services to school library media centers.9, 10, 11, 12, 13 Services included LSCA or LSTA grants, but 

not state aid, standards or guidelines, or development staff.

NOTE: Footnotes in the text refer to the state-level data sources shown at the end of this section (see

page 143).
49

Table 4-5. Historical summary of public school library media center 

statistics, various years, 1953–54 to 1999–2000: California

Characteristic 1953–54 1985–86 1990–91 1993–94 1999–2000

Number of public schools..................................................... 4,564 6,585 7,193 7,320 8,060

Number of pupils in public schools...................................... 1,979,390 4,028,338 4,798,136 4,804,574 5,535,278

Number of public schools with library media centers........... 1,70115,759 6,796 6,871 6,340

Percent of public schools with library media centers............ 37 87 94 94 79

Number of pupils in schools with library media centers....... 1,077,5631

3,889,628 4,749,189 4,705,283 5,250,593

Percent of pupils in schools with library media centers........ 54 97 99 98 95

Number of schools with a librarian....................................... 2,830 2,70723,464 4,312 4,787

Percent of schools with a librarian........................................ 62 41 48 59 60

Measures of library resources for all public school students in the state

Books per pupil..................................................................... 2

3,4 12 — 135

136

Library expenditures (excluding salaries) per pupil7............ $10 $10 — $95

$146

Book expenditures per pupil7................................................ $78

$6 — $45,9 $116

—Not available.

1

Includes only schools with formal, organized libraries; schools with

classroom collections only or other types of library services are not

included.

2Number was derived from the percentage of schools with library

media centers that had a librarian. 

3

Includes only books in formal, organized libraries.

4Book data include only schools reporting book stock.

5Book and expenditure data are from the 1992–93 school year.

6Book and expenditure data are from the 1998–99 school year.

7Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

8

Includes books and pamphlets.

9

Includes only locally budgeted expenditures; excludes federal gifts

and grants.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare: Statistics of Public School Libraries, 1953–54. U.S. Department of Education, 

National Center for Education Statistics: Statistics of Public and Private School Library Media Centers, 1985–86; and Schools and Staffing 

Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” 1990–91, 1993–94, and 1999–2000, “Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire,” 1993–

94 and 1999–2000, and 1999–2000 Schools Without Libraries Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.

Highlights of table 4-5 include the following:

• The number of public schools in California ranged from 4,600 in 1953–54 to 8,000 in 1999–

2000.

• The percentage of public schools with library media centers ranged from 37 percent in 1953–

54 to 94 percent in 1990–91 and 1993–94. In 1999–2000, 79 percent of public schools had

libraries.

• In 1953–54, 62 percent of schools had a librarian. During 1999–2000, 60 percent of public

schools had a librarian.

n the 1957–58 school year, California had no state laws or regulations regarding school library

materials, services, or appropriations.1 The state did not employ any professional school library

supervisors in the state department of education. In 1962, California had unofficial school library

standards prepared by a state school librarians’ association.2

I
California

(continued)

50

NDEA In 1960, the majority of the NDEA funds (64 percent) were spent for science

materials.3 By 1972, however, the area receiving the most funding was

English and reading (25 percent), while the natural sciences received

17 percent.4 In FY 1972, 47 percent of the districts in California participated

in NDEA; these districts contained 82 percent of the students in the state.

ESEA Title II In FY 1967 and 1968, 638 new elementary and 93 secondary public school

libraries were established.5, 6 At the same time, 7,818 public school library

collection expansion projects were undertaken. For FY 1974, no data were

available for the percentage of schools in the state with a school library.7

In 1966, 98 percent of eligible public school students participated in ESEA

Title II (4,099,447 children), and all of the acquisitions money was used for

school library resources.8 By 1974, 7,062 public schools in California

participated in the program, and all of the acquisitions money was used for

school library resources.7

Between 1996 and 1998, the California State Library, an independent agency, reported offering services

to school library media centers.9, 10, 11 Services included LSCA or LSTA grants, but not state aid,

standards or guidelines, or development staff. In 1999, the California State Library added development

staff as a support for school library media centers, and in 2000, it provided state aid as well.12, 13

NOTE: Footnotes in the text refer to the state-level data sources shown at the end of this section (see

page 143).
51

Table 4-6. Historical summary of public school library media center 

statistics, various years, 1953–54 to 1999–2000: Colorado

Characteristic 1953–54 1985–86 1990–91 1993–94 1999–2000

Number of public schools..................................................... 1,630 1,258 1,304 1,329 1,412

Number of pupils in public schools...................................... 276,295 594,980 575,845 616,434 674,646

Number of public schools with library media centers........... 71911,213 1,276 1,303 1,355

Percent of public schools with library media centers............ 44 96 98 98 96

Number of pupils in schools with library media centers....... 169,4861587,069 572,431 609,928 666,827

Percent of pupils in schools with library media centers........ 61 99 99 99 99

Number of schools with a librarian....................................... 639 9582

1,122 1,141 1,260

Percent of schools with a librarian........................................ 39 76 86 86 89

Measures of library resources for all public school students in the state

Books per pupil..................................................................... 4

3,4 15 — 185

176

Library expenditures (excluding salaries) per pupil7............ $6 $21 — $155

$156

Book expenditures per pupil7................................................ $18

$10 — $85,9 $106

—Not available.

1

Includes only schools with formal, organized libraries; schools with

classroom collections only or other types of library services are not

included.

2Number was derived from the percentage of schools with library

media centers that had a librarian. 

3

Includes only books in formal, organized libraries.

4Book data include only schools reporting book stock.

5Book and expenditure data are from the 1992–93 school year.

6Book and expenditure data are from the 1998–99 school year.

7Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

8

Includes books and pamphlets.

9

Includes only locally budgeted expenditures; excludes federal gifts

and grants.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare: Statistics of Public School Libraries, 1953–54. U.S. Department of Education, 

National Center for Education Statistics: Statistics of Public and Private School Library Media Centers, 1985–86; and Schools and Staffing 

Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” 1990–91, 1993–94, and 1999–2000, “Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire,” 1993–

94 and 1999–2000, and 1999–2000 Schools Without Libraries Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.

Highlights of table 4-6 include the following:

• The percentage of students in schools with libraries ranged from 61 percent in 1953–54 to

99 percent in all survey years between 1985–86 and 1999–2000.

• In 1953–54, 39 percent of schools had a librarian. Eighty-nine percent of schools had a

librarian in 1999–2000.

• Book expenditures per pupil were $1 (in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars) in 1953–54 and $10 in

1999–2000.

n the 1957–58 school year, Colorado had state laws or regulations regarding school library materials,

services, and appropriations.1 The state employed one part-time professional school library supervisor

in the state department of education. In 1962, Colorado had school library standards that had been

prepared by the state department of education and were a part of the general standards for schools.2

I
Colorado

(continued)

52

NDEA In 1960, the majority of the NDEA funds (70 percent) were spent for science

materials.3 In 1972, the area receiving the most funding was the natural

sciences (27 percent).4 In FY 1972, 76 percent of the districts in Colorado

participated in NDEA; these districts contained 92 percent of the students in

the state.

ESEA Title II In FY 1967 and 1968, 80 new elementary and 14 secondary public school

libraries were established.5, 6 At the same time, 1,689 public school library

collection expansion projects were undertaken. By FY 1974, 92 percent of the 

schools in the state (1,127 schools) had a school library.7

In 1966, 99 percent of eligible public school students participated in ESEA

Title II (461,372 children), and 93 percent of the acquisitions money was used 

for school library resources.8 No data were available for 1974, for the number 

of Colorado public schools that participated in the program; however,

95 percent of the acquisitions money was used for school library resources.7

Between 1996 and 2000, the Colorado State Library, a part of the Department of Education, reported

offering services to school library media centers.9, 10, 11, 12, 13 Services included LSCA or LSTA grants,

standards or guidelines, and development staff, but not state aid.

NOTE: Footnotes in the text refer to the state-level data sources shown at the end of this section (see

page 143).
53

Table 4-7. Historical summary of public school library media center 

statistics, various years, 1953–54 to 1999–2000: Connecticut

Characteristic 1953–54 1985–86 1990–91 1993–94 1999–2000

Number of public schools..................................................... 877 928 933 964 1,009

Number of pupils in public schools...................................... 322,613 489,501 453,813 472,718 532,669

Number of public schools with library media centers........... 3611928 896 912 934

Percent of public schools with library media centers............ 41 100 96 95 93

Number of pupils in schools with library media centers....... 144,1541

489,501 446,126 467,266 525,459

Percent of pupils in schools with library media centers........ 45 100 98 99 99

Number of schools with a librarian....................................... 220 7802795 747 905

Percent of schools with a librarian........................................ 25 84 85 77 90

Measures of library resources for all public school students in the state

Books per pupil..................................................................... 1

3,4 19 — 205

216

Library expenditures (excluding salaries) per pupil7............ $5 $21 — $175

$226

Book expenditures per pupil7................................................ $28

$11 — $105,9 $146

—Not available.

1

Includes only schools with formal, organized libraries; schools with

classroom collections only or other types of library services are not

included.

2Number was derived from the percentage of schools with library

media centers that had a librarian. 

3

Includes only books in formal, organized libraries.

4Book data include only schools reporting book stock.

5Book and expenditure data are from the 1992–93 school year.

6Book and expenditure data are from the 1998–99 school year.

7Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

8

Includes books and pamphlets.

9

Includes only locally budgeted expenditures; excludes federal gifts

and grants.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare: Statistics of Public School Libraries, 1953–54. U.S. Department of Education, 

National Center for Education Statistics: Statistics of Public and Private School Library Media Centers, 1985–86; and Schools and Staffing 

Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” 1990–91, 1993–94, and 1999–2000, “Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire,” 1993–

94 and 1999–2000, and 1999–2000 Schools Without Libraries Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.

Highlights of table 4-7 include the following:

• In 1953–54, 45 percent of students attended schools with libraries; 99 percent attended schools 

with libraries in 1999–2000.

• The percentage of schools with a librarian was 25 percent in 1953–54 and 90 percent in 1999–

2000.

• Excluding salaries, library expenditures per pupil ranged from $5 (in adjusted 1999–2000 

dollars) in 1953–54 to $22 in 1999–2000.

n the 1957–58 school year, Connecticut had state laws or regulations regarding school library

materials, services, and appropriations.1 The state employed one full-time professional school library

supervisor in the state department of education. In 1962, Connecticut had school library standards that

had been prepared by the state department of education and were published separately from other school

standards.2

I
Connecticut

(continued)

54

NDEA In 1960, the majority of the NDEA funds (54 percent) were spent for science

materials.3 By 1972, however, the area receiving the most funding was

English and reading (37 percent), while the natural sciences received

27 percent.4 In FY 1972, 42 percent of the districts in Connecticut participated 

in NDEA; these districts contained 60 percent of the students in the state.

ESEA Title II In FY 1967 and 1968, 25 new elementary and 18 secondary public school 

libraries were established.5, 6 At the same time, 1,559 public school library

collection expansion projects were undertaken. By FY 1974, 97 percent of the 

schools in the state (1,144 schools) had a school library.7

In 1966, 95 percent of eligible public school students participated in ESEA

Title II (555,158 children), but data were not available for the percentage of

the acquisitions money used for school library resources.8 By 1974, 1,348

public schools in Connecticut participated in the program, and all of the

acquisitions money was used for school library resources.7

Between 1996 and 2000, the Connecticut State Library, a part of the Department of Education, reported

offering services to school library media centers.9, 10, 11, 12, 13 Services included LSCA or LSTA grants, but 

not state aid, standards or guidelines, or development staff.

NOTE: Footnotes in the text refer to the state-level data sources shown at the end of this section (see

page 143).
55

Table 4-8. Historical summary of public school library media center 

statistics, various years, 1953–54 to 1999–2000: Delaware

Characteristic 1953–54 1985–86 1990–91 1993–94 1999–2000

Number of public schools..................................................... 186 137 161 169 155

Number of pupils in public schools...................................... 28,061 87,142 96,375 107,701 102,859

Number of public schools with library media centers........... 1361133 150 159 136

Percent of public schools with library media centers............ 73 97 93 94 88

Number of pupils in schools with library media centers....... 22,7461

86,715 95,513 106,854 101,225

Percent of pupils in schools with library media centers........ 81 100 100 99 98

Number of schools with a librarian....................................... 149 1182145 155 145

Percent of schools with a librarian........................................ 80 86 90 92 90

Measures of library resources for all public school students in the state

Books per pupil..................................................................... 4

3,4 16 — 145

146

Library expenditures (excluding salaries) per pupil7............ $7 $11 — $115

$116

Book expenditures per pupil7................................................ $58

$6 — $65,9 $86

—Not available.

1

Includes only schools with formal, organized libraries; schools with

classroom collections only or other types of library services are not

included.

2Number was derived from the percentage of schools with library

media centers that had a librarian. 

3

Includes only books in formal, organized libraries.

4Book data include only schools reporting book stock.

5Book and expenditure data are from the 1992–93 school year.

6Book and expenditure data are from the 1998–99 school year.

7Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

8

Includes books and pamphlets.

9

Includes only locally budgeted expenditures; excludes federal gifts

and grants.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare: Statistics of Public School Libraries, 1953–54. U.S. Department of Education, 

National Center for Education Statistics: Statistics of Public and Private School Library Media Centers, 1985–86; and Schools and Staffing 

Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” 1990–91, 1993–94, and 1999–2000, “Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire,” 1993–

94 and 1999–2000, and 1999–2000 Schools Without Libraries Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.

Highlights of table 4-8 include the following:

• In 1953–54, 73 percent of public schools had a library; in 1999-2000, 88 percent had a library.

• The percentage of public schools with a librarian was 80 percent in 1953–54 and 90 percent in 

1999–2000.

• Book expenditures per pupil were $5 (in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars) in 1953–54 and $8 in

1999–2000.

n the 1957–58 school year, Delaware had state laws or regulations regarding school library materials,

services, and appropriations.1 The state did not employ any professional school library supervisors in

the state department of education. In 1962, Delaware had school library standards that had been prepared 

by the state department of education and were published separately from other school standards.2

NDEA In 1960, the majority of the NDEA funds (58 percent) were spent for science

materials.3 By 1972, however, the area receiving the most funding was

English and reading (46 percent), while the natural sciences received

I
Delaware

(continued)

56

8 percent.4 In FY 1972, 88 percent of the districts in Delaware participated in

NDEA; these districts contained 92 percent of the students in the state.

ESEA Title II

In FY 1967 and 1968, nine new elementary public school libraries were

established.5, 6 At the same time, 322 public school library collection expansion projects were undertaken. By FY 1974, all schools in the state (193

schools) had a school library.7

In 1966, 84 percent of eligible public school students participated in ESEA

Title II (88,878 children), and 98 percent of the acquisitions money was used

for school library resources.8 By 1974, 75 percent of Delaware public schools 

participated in the program (145 schools), and all of the acquisitions money

was used for school library resources.7

Between 1996 and 2000, the Delaware State Library, a part of the Department of State, reported offering

services to school library media centers.9, 10, 11, 12, 13 Services included LSCA or LSTA grants, but not state 

aid, standards or guidelines, or development staff.

NOTE: Footnotes in the text refer to the state-level data sources shown at the end of this section (see

page 143).
57

Table 4-9. Historical summary of public school library media center 

statistics, various years, 1953–54 to 1999–2000: District of 

Columbia

Characteristic 1953–54 1985–86 1990–91 1993–94 1999–2000

Number of public schools..................................................... 164 167 170 160 158

Number of pupils in public schools...................................... 102,810 87,583 78,415 75,948 70,565

Number of public schools with library media centers........... 371164 170 153 138

Percent of public schools with library media centers............ 23 98 100 96 87

Number of pupils in schools with library media centers....... 37,4411

85,261 78,415 75,798 62,226

Percent of pupils in schools with library media centers........ 36 97 100 100 88

Number of schools with a librarian....................................... 11 1612170 146 150

Percent of schools with a librarian........................................ 7 96 100 91 95

Measures of library resources for all public school students in the 

District of Columbia

Books per pupil..................................................................... 1

3,4 12 — 145

186

Library expenditures (excluding salaries) per pupil7............ $2 $4 — $95

$56

Book expenditures per pupil7................................................ $18

$2 — $45,9 $36

—Not available.

1

Includes only schools with formal, organized libraries; schools with

classroom collections only or other types of library services are not

included.

2Number was derived from the percentage of schools with library

media centers that had a librarian. 

3

Includes only books in formal, organized libraries.

4Book data include only schools reporting book stock.

5Book and expenditure data are from the 1992–93 school year.

6Book and expenditure data are from the 1998–99 school year.

7Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

8

Includes books and pamphlets.

9

Includes only locally budgeted expenditures; excludes federal gifts

and grants.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare: Statistics of Public School Libraries, 1953–54. U.S. Department of Education, 

National Center for Education Statistics: Statistics of Public and Private School Library Media Centers, 1985–86; and Schools and Staffing 

Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” 1990–91, 1993–94, and 1999–2000, “Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire,” 1993–

94 and 1999–2000, and 1999–2000 Schools Without Libraries Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.

Highlights of table 4-9 include the following:

• The percentage of schools with library media centers ranged from 23 percent in 1953–54 to

100 percent in 1990–91.

• In 1953–54, 7 percent of public schools had a librarian; in 1990–91, all schools had a librarian; 

and in 1999–2000, 95 percent of schools had a librarian.

• There was 1 school library book per pupil in 1953–54; in 1999–2000, there were 18 books per 

pupil.

• Book expenditures per pupil were $1 (in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars) in 1953–54 and $3 in

1999–2000.

n 1962, the District of Columbia had school library standards that had been prepared by the department 

of education and were published separately from other school standards. I 2
District of Columbia

(continued)

58

NDEA In 1960, the majority of the NDEA funds (75 percent) were spent for science

materials.3 By 1972, however, the area receiving the most funding was

English and reading (43 percent), while the natural sciences received only

11 percent.4 In FY 1972, all students in the District of Columbia participated

in the NDEA program.

ESEA Title II In FY 1967 and 1968, no new elementary or secondary public school libraries

were established.5, 6 However, 348 public school library collection expansion

projects were undertaken. For FY 1974, no data were available for

the percentage of schools in the district with a school library.7

In 1966, all eligible public school students participated in ESEA Title II

(141,086 children), and 90 percent of the acquisitions money was used for

school library resources.8 No data were available for 1974, for the number of

public schools in the District of Columbia that participated in the program;

however, all of acquisitions money was used for school library resources.7

Between 1996 and 2000, the state Library, an independent agency, reported offering services to school

library media centers.9, 10, 11, 12, 13 Services included LSCA or LSTA grants, but not state aid, standards or

guidelines, or development staff.

NOTE: Footnotes in the text refer to the state-level data sources shown at the end of this section (see

page 143). The first data source did not contain information for the District of Columbia. Therefore, it is 

not referenced here.
59

Table 4-10. Historical summary of public school library media center 

statistics, various years, 1953–54 to 1999–2000: Florida

Characteristic 1953–54 1985–86 1990–91 1993–94 1999–2000

Number of public schools..................................................... 1,444 1,973 2,269 2,348 2,601

Number of pupils in public schools...................................... 625,022 1,585,174 1,766,890 1,888,762 2,220,488

Number of public schools with library media centers........... 83411,973 2,146 2,278 2,436

Percent of public schools with library media centers............ 58 100 95 97 94

Number of pupils in schools with library media centers....... 552,3241

1,585,174 1,755,497 1,882,109 2,199,859

Percent of pupils in schools with library media centers........ 88 100 99 100 99

Number of schools with a librarian....................................... 545 1,95322,070 2,222 2,422

Percent of schools with a librarian........................................ 38 99 91 95 93

Measures of library resources for all public school students in the state

Books per pupil..................................................................... 3

3,4 13 — 155

166

Library expenditures (excluding salaries) per pupil7............ $7 $14 — $125

$136

Book expenditures per pupil7................................................ $58

$7 — $55,9 $86

—Not available.

1

Includes only schools with formal, organized libraries; schools with

classroom collections only or other types of library services are not

included.

2Number was derived from the percentage of schools with library 

media centers that had a librarian. 

3

Includes only books in formal, organized libraries.

4Book data include only schools reporting book stock.

5Book and expenditure data are from the 1992–93 school year.

6Book and expenditure data are from the 1998–99 school year.

7Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

8

Includes books and pamphlets.

9

Includes only locally budgeted expenditures; excludes federal gifts

and grants.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare: Statistics of Public School Libraries, 1953–54. U.S. Department of Education, 

National Center for Education Statistics: Statistics of Public and Private School Library Media Centers, 1985–86; and Schools and Staffing 

Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” 1990–91, 1993–94, and 1999–2000, “Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire,” 1993–

94 and 1999–2000, and 1999–2000 Schools Without Libraries Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.

Highlights of table 4-10 include the following:

• The number of public schools in Florida ranged from 1,400 in 1953–54 to 2,600 in 1999–2000.

• In 1953–54, 58 percent of public schools had library media centers; in 1985–86, all public

schools had library media centers; and in 1999–2000, 94 percent of schools had library media

centers.

• Thirty-eight percent of schools had a librarian in 1953–54; 93 percent had a librarian in 1999–

2000.

n the 1957–58 school year, Florida had state laws or regulations regarding school library materials,

services, and appropriations.1 The state employed one full-time professional school library supervisor

in the state department of education. In 1962, the Florida state department of education had developed

tentative or proposed standards for school libraries.2

NDEA In 1960, the majority of the NDEA funds (65 percent) were spent for science

materials.3 By 1972, however, the area receiving the most funding was

I
Florida

(continued)

60

English and reading (53 percent), while the natural sciences received

28 percent.4 In FY 1972, 72 percent of the districts in Florida participated in

NDEA; these districts contained 76 percent of the students in the state.

ESEA Title II In FY 1967 and 1968, 11 new elementary and 8 secondary public school

libraries were established.5, 6 At the same time, 2,726 public school library

collection expansion projects were undertaken. By FY 1974, all schools in the 

state (1,912 schools) had a school library.7

In 1966, all eligible public school students participated in ESEA Title II

(1,133,708 children), and 97 percent of the acquisitions money was used for

school library resources.8 By 1974, 87 percent of Florida public schools

participated in the program (1,663 schools), and all of the acquisitions money

was used for school library resources.7

In 1996 and 1997, the Florida State Library, a part of the Department of State, reported offering services

to school library media centers.9, 10 Services did not include LSCA grants, state aid, standards or

guidelines, or development staff. Between 1998 and 2000, the state Library offered LSTA grants to

school library media centers.11, 12, 13

NOTE: Footnotes in the text refer to the state-level data sources shown at the end of this section (see

page 143).
61

Table 4-11. Historical summary of public school library media center 

statistics, various years, 1953–54 to 1999–2000: Georgia

Characteristic 1953–54 1985–86 1990–91 1993–94 1999–2000

Number of public schools..................................................... 2,304 1,684 1,650 1,723 1,735

Number of pupils in public schools...................................... 802,790 1,014,224 1,102,779 1,194,072 1,280,579

Number of public schools with library media centers........... 1,32811,684 1,643 1,723 1,710

Percent of public schools with library media centers............ 58 100 100 100 99

Number of pupils in schools with library media centers....... 491,6641

1,014,224 1,102,496 1,194,072 1,267,829

Percent of pupils in schools with library media centers........ 61 100 100 100 99

Number of schools with a librarian....................................... 1,200 1,68421,611 1,721 1,707

Percent of schools with a librarian........................................ 52 100 98 100 98

Measures of library resources for all public school students in the state

Books per pupil..................................................................... 3

3,4 15 — 145

166

Library expenditures (excluding salaries) per pupil7............ $4 $13 — $165

$166

Book expenditures per pupil7................................................ $28

$6 — $75,9 $106

—Not available.

1

Includes only schools with formal, organized libraries; schools with

classroom collections only or other types of library services are not

included.

2Number was derived from the percentage of schools with library

media centers that had a librarian. 

3

Includes only books in formal, organized libraries.

4Book data include only schools reporting book stock.

5Book and expenditure data are from the 1992–93 school year.

6Book and expenditure data are from the 1998–99 school year.

7Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

8

Includes books and pamphlets.

9

Includes only locally budgeted expenditures; excludes federal gifts

and grants.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare: Statistics of Public School Libraries, 1953–54. U.S. Department of Education, 

National Center for Education Statistics: Statistics of Public and Private School Library Media Centers, 1985–86; and Schools and Staffing 

Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” 1990–91, 1993–94, and 1999–2000, “Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire,” 1993–

94 and 1999–2000, and 1999–2000 Schools Without Libraries Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.

Highlights of table 4-11 include the following:

• The percentage of students attending schools with library media centers was 61 percent in

1953–54 and 99 percent in 1999–2000.

• In 1953–54, 52 percent of schools had a librarian; in 1999–2000, 98 percent of public schools

had a librarian.

• Library expenditures (excluding salaries) were $4 per pupil (in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars) in

1953–54 and $16 per pupil in 1999–2000.

n the 1957–58 school year, Georgia had state laws or regulations regarding school library materials,

services, and appropriations.1 The state employed three full-time professional school library supervisors in the state department of education. In 1962, Georgia had school library standards that had been

prepared by an independent state accrediting authority.2

NDEA In 1960, the majority of the NDEA funds (80 percent) were spent for science

materials.3 By 1972, however, the area receiving the most funding was

I
Georgia

(continued)

62

English and reading (55 percent), while the natural sciences received

17 percent.4 In FY 1972, all districts and all students in the state of Georgia

participated in NDEA.

ESEA Title II In FY 1967 and 1968, 54 new elementary and 20 secondary public school

libraries were established.5, 6 At the same time, 3,718 public school library

collection expansion projects were undertaken. By FY 1974, all schools in the 

state (1,794 schools), had a school library.7

In 1966, 90 percent of eligible public school students participated in ESEA

Title II (861,787 children), and 90 percent of the acquisitions money was used 

for school library resources.8 By 1974, 60 percent of Georgia public schools

participated in the program (1,086 schools), and 99 percent of the acquisitions

money was used for school library resources.7

Between 1996 and 1998, the Georgia State Library, a part of the Board of Regents of the University

System of Georgia, reported offering services to school library media centers.9, 10, 11 Services included

LSCA or LSTA grants, but not state aid, standards or guidelines, or development staff. In 1999, the state 

Library provided development staff as well as LSTA grants to support school library media centers.12 In 

2000, the state Library continued to provide LSTA grants, but no longer provided development staff.13

NOTE: Footnotes in the text refer to the state-level data sources shown at the end of this section (see

page 143).
63

Table 4-12. Historical summary of public school library media center 

statistics, various years, 1953–54 to 1999–2000: Hawaii

Characteristic 1953–54 1985–86 1990–91 1993–94 1999–2000

Number of public schools..................................................... — 217 231 234 247

Number of pupils in public schools...................................... — 163,826 176,149 173,041 193,905

Number of public schools with library media centers........... — 217 229 229 247

Percent of public schools with library media centers............ — 100 99 98 100

Number of pupils in schools with library media centers....... — 163,826 172,621 172,978 193,905

Percent of pupils in schools with library media centers........ — 100 98 100 100

Number of schools with a librarian....................................... — 2171

226 226 247

Percent of schools with a librarian........................................ — 100 98 97 100

Measures of library resources for all public school students in the state

Books per pupil..................................................................... — 16 — 142163

Library expenditures (excluding salaries) per pupil4............ — $14 — $122

$103

Book expenditures per pupil4................................................ — $9 — $72,5 $73

—Not available.

1Number was derived from the percentage of schools with library

media centers that had a librarian. 

2Book and expenditure data are from the 1992–93 school year.

3Book and expenditure data are from the 1998–99 school year.

4Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

5

Includes only locally budgeted expenditures; excludes federal gifts

and grants.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare: Statistics of Public School Libraries, 1953–54. U.S. Department of Education, 

National Center for Education Statistics: Statistics of Public and Private School Library Media Centers, 1985–86; and Schools and Staffing 

Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” 1990–91, 1993–94, and 1999–2000, “Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire,” 1993–

94 and 1999–2000, and 1999–2000 Schools Without Libraries Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.

Highlights of table 4-12 include the following:

• In 1985–86 and 1999–2000, all public schools had library media centers.

• All public schools in Hawaii had a librarian in 1985–86 and 1999–2000.

• Library expenditures (excluding salaries) were $14 per pupil (in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars) in 

1985–86 and $10 per pupil in 1999–2000.

n the 1957–58 school year, Hawaii had laws or regulations regarding school library materials, services, 

and appropriations.1 Hawaii did not employ any professional school library supervisors in the

department of education. In 1962, the state had school library standards that had been prepared by the

department of education and were published separately from other school standards.2

NDEA In 1960, the majority of the NDEA funds (81 percent) were spent for science

materials.3 By 1972, however, the area receiving the most funding was

English and reading (74 percent), while the natural sciences received

7 percent.4 In FY 1972, all of the students in the state of Hawaii participated

in NDEA.

I
Hawaii

(continued)

64

ESEA Title II In FY 1967 and 1968, two new elementary and four secondary public school

libraries were established.5, 6 At the same time, 431 public school library

collection expansion projects were undertaken. By FY 1974, all schools in the 

state (242 schools) had a school library.7

In 1966, all eligible public school students participated in ESEA Title II

(158,056 children), and all of the acquisitions money was used for school 

library resources.8 By 1974, 93 percent of Hawaii public schools participated

in the program (224 schools), and all of the acquisitions money was used for

school library resources.7

Between 1996 and 2000, the Hawaii State Library, a part of the Department of Education, reported

offering services to school library media centers.9, 10, 11, 12, 13 Services did not include LSCA or LSTA

grants, state aid, standards or guidelines, or development staff.

NOTE: Footnotes in the text refer to the state-level data sources shown at the end of this section (see

page 143).
65

Table 4-13. Historical summary of public school library media center 

statistics, various years, 1953–54 to 1999–2000: Idaho

Characteristic 1953–54 1985–86 1990–91 1993–94 1999–2000

Number of public schools..................................................... 646 563 545 573 621

Number of pupils in public schools...................................... 135,593 224,427 215,692 218,179 235,704

Number of public schools with library media centers........... 3331489 507 543 545

Percent of public schools with library media centers............ 52 87 93 95 88

Number of pupils in schools with library media centers....... 84,9241

211,685 206,862 215,031 232,307

Percent of pupils in schools with library media centers........ 63 94 96 99 99

Number of schools with a librarian....................................... 328 3132326 424 465

Percent of schools with a librarian........................................ 51 56 60 74 75

Measures of library resources for all public school students in the state

Books per pupil..................................................................... 2

3,4 15 — 175

236

Library expenditures (excluding salaries) per pupil7............ $6 $12 — $125

$476

Book expenditures per pupil7................................................ $38

$6 — $65,9 $416

—Not available.

1

Includes only schools with formal, organized libraries; schools with

classroom collections only or other types of library services are not

included.

2Number was derived from the percentage of schools with library

media centers that had a librarian. 

3

Includes only books in formal, organized libraries.

4Book data include only schools reporting book stock.

5Book and expenditure data are from the 1992–93 school year.

6Book and expenditure data are from the 1998–99 school year.

7Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

8

Includes books and pamphlets.

9

Includes only locally budgeted expenditures; excludes federal gifts

and grants.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare: Statistics of Public School Libraries, 1953–54. U.S. Department of Education, 

National Center for Education Statistics: Statistics of Public and Private School Library Media Centers, 1985–86; and Schools and Staffing 

Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” 1990–91, 1993–94, and 1999–2000, “Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire,” 1993–

94 and 1999–2000, and 1999–2000 Schools Without Libraries Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.

Highlights of table 4-13 include the following:

• The percentage of pupils attending schools with library media centers ranged from 63 percent 

in 1953–54 to 99 percent in 1993–94 and 1999–2000,

• Fifty-one percent of public schools had a librarian in 1953–54; 75 percent had a librarian in

1999–2000.

• In 1953–54, there were 2 school library books per pupil; in 1999–2000, there were 23 books

per pupil.

• Book expenditures per pupil were $3 (in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars) in 1953–54 and $41 in

1999–2000.

n the 1957–58 school year, Idaho had state laws or regulations regarding school library materials,

services, and appropriations.1 The state did not employ any professional school library supervisors in

the state department of education. In 1962, Idaho had school library standards that had been prepared by 

the state department of education and were published separately from other school standards.2

I
Idaho

(continued)

66

NDEA In 1960, the majority of the NDEA funds (89 percent) were spent for science

materials.3 By 1972, however, the area receiving the most funding was

English and reading (34 percent), while the natural sciences received

26 percent.4 In FY 1972, 58 percent of the districts in Idaho participated in

NDEA; these districts contained 81 percent of the students in the state.

ESEA Title II Idaho reported that as a result of ESEA Title II, more schools established

formal, organized libraries, more school library staff were added, and some

school libraries expanded their physical facilities.5 In FY 1967 and 1968, 19

new elementary and 5 secondary public school libraries were established.5, 6 

At the same time, 567 public school library collection expansion projects were 

undertaken. By FY 1974, 81 percent of the schools in the state (451 schools)

had a school library.7

In 1966, 99 percent of eligible public school students participated in ESEA

Title II (163,387 children), and 84 percent of the acquisitions money was used 

for school library resources.8 By 1974, all Idaho public schools participated in 

the program (554 schools), and 82 percent of the acquisitions money was used 

for school library resources.7

Between 1996 and 2000, the Idaho State Library, a part of the Office of the state Board of Education,

reported offering services to school library media centers.9, 10, 11, 12, 13 Services included LSCA or LSTA 

grants, but not state aid, standards or guidelines, or development staff.

NOTE: Footnotes in the text refer to the state-level data sources shown at the end of this section (see

page 143).
67

Table 4-14. Historical summary of public school library media center 

statistics, various years, 1953–54 to 1999–2000: Illinois

Characteristic 1953–54 1985–86 1990–91 1993–94 1999–2000

Number of public schools..................................................... 2,782 3,931 3,949 3,884 3,976

Number of pupils in public schools...................................... 1,320,261 1,877,703 1,804,706 1,747,678 2,111,475

Number of public schools with library media centers........... 1,33313,598 3,744 3,666 3,638

Percent of public schools with library media centers............ 48 92 95 94 92

Number of pupils in schools with library media centers....... 900,23311,804,126 1,722,422 1,678,096 2,067,518

Percent of pupils in schools with library media centers........ 68 96 95 96 98

Number of schools with a librarian....................................... 1,564 3,0222

2,922 2,852 3,382

Percent of schools with a librarian........................................ 56 77 74 73 85

Measures of library resources for all public school students in the state

Books per pupil..................................................................... 4

3,4 15 — 195

156

Library expenditures (excluding salaries) per pupil7............ $8 $14 — $155

$146

Book expenditures per pupil7................................................ $58

$7 — $55,9 $86

—Not available.

1

Includes only schools with formal, organized libraries; schools with

classroom collections only or other types of library services are not

included.

2Number was derived from the percentage of schools with library

media centers that had a librarian. 

3

Includes only books in formal, organized libraries.

4Book data include only schools reporting book stock.

5Book and expenditure data are from the 1992–93 school year.

6Book and expenditure data are from the 1998–99 school year.

7Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

8

Includes books and pamphlets.

9

Includes only locally budgeted expenditures; excludes federal gifts

and grants.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare: Statistics of Public School Libraries, 1953–54. U.S. Department of Education, 

National Center for Education Statistics: Statistics of Public and Private School Library Media Centers, 1985–86; and Schools and Staffing 

Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” 1990–91, 1993–94, and 1999–2000, “Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire,” 1993–

94 and 1999–2000, and 1999–2000 Schools Without Libraries Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.

Highlights of table 4-14 include the following:

• The number of public schools in Illinois ranged from 2,800 in 1953–54 to 4,000 in 1999–2000.

• The percentage of pupils attending schools with library media centers was 68 percent in 1953–

54 and 98 percent in 1999–2000. 

• In 1953–54, 56 percent of public schools had a librarian; in 1999–2000, 85 percent of public

schools had a librarian.

n the 1957–58 school year, Illinois had no state laws or regulations regarding school library materials,

services, or appropriations.1 The state employed one full-time professional school library supervisor in 

the state department of education. In 1962, Illinois had school library standards that had been prepared by 

the state department of education and were a part of the general standards for schools.2

NDEA In 1960, the majority of the NDEA funds (72 percent) were spent for science

materials.3 By 1972, however, the area receiving the most funding was

English and reading (32 percent), while the natural sciences received

I
Illinois

(continued)

68

20 percent.4 In FY 1972, 76 percent of the districts in Illinois participated in

NDEA; these districts contained 72 percent of the students in the state.

ESEA Title II Illinois reported that school boards and communities developed a stronger

awareness of the value of formal, organized school library resources as a result 

of ESEA Title II.5 In FY 1967 and 1968, 628 new elementary and 99

secondary public school libraries were established.5, 6 At the same time, 9,857 

public school library collection expansion projects were undertaken. By

FY 1974, 86 percent of the schools in the state (4,436 schools) had a school

library.7

In 1966, 91 percent of eligible public school students participated in ESEA

Title II (1,896,317 children), and 98 percent of the acquisitions money was

used for school library resources.8 By 1974, 5,229 public schools in Illinois

participated in the program, and all of the acquisitions money was used for

school library resources.7

Between 1996 and 2000, the Illinois State Library, a part of the Department of State, reported offering

services to school library media centers.9, 10, 11, 12, 13 Services included LSCA or LSTA grants, state aid,

standards or guidelines, and development staff.

NOTE: Footnotes in the text refer to the state-level data sources shown at the end of this section (see

page 143).
69

Table 4-15. Historical summary of public school library media center 

statistics, various years, 1953–54 to 1999–2000: Indiana

Characteristic 1953–54 1985–86 1990–91 1993–94 1999–2000

Number of public schools..................................................... 2,340 1,877 1,856 1,869 1,781

Number of pupils in public schools...................................... 776,298 1,025,496 894,518 972,991 914,688

Number of public schools with library media centers........... 1,07811,824 1,808 1,828 1,737

Percent of public schools with library media centers............ 46 97 97 98 98

Number of pupils in schools with library media centers....... 472,88811,004,593 884,005 953,463 909,148

Percent of pupils in schools with library media centers........ 61 98 99 98 99

Number of schools with a librarian....................................... 1,108 1,4042

1,559 1,579 1,618

Percent of schools with a librarian........................................ 47 75 84 84 90

Measures of library resources for all public school students in the state

Books per pupil..................................................................... 2

3,4 16 — 225

226

Library expenditures (excluding salaries) per pupil7............ $4 $17 — $165

$166

Book expenditures per pupil7................................................ $28

$7 — $85,9 $106

—Not available.

1

Includes only schools with formal, organized libraries; schools with

classroom collections only or other types of library services are not

included.

2Number was derived from the percentage of schools with library

media centers that had a librarian. 

3

Includes only books in formal, organized libraries.

4Book data include only schools reporting book stock.

5Book and expenditure data are from the 1992–93 school year.

6Book and expenditure data are from the 1998–99 school year.

7Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

8

Includes books and pamphlets.

9

Includes only locally budgeted expenditures; excludes federal gifts

and grants.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare: Statistics of Public School Libraries, 1953–54. U.S. Department of Education, 

National Center for Education Statistics: Statistics of Public and Private School Library Media Centers, 1985–86; and Schools and Staffing 

Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” 1990–91, 1993–94, and 1999–2000, “Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire,” 1993–

94 and 1999–2000, and 1999–2000 Schools Without Libraries Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.

Highlights of table 4-15 include the following:

• The percentage of public schools with library media centers ranged from 46 percent in 1953–

54 to 98 percent in 1993–94 and 1999–2000. 

• In 1953–54, 47 percent of public schools had a librarian; 90 percent of public schools had a

librarian in 1999–2000. 

• In 1953–54, there were 2 school library books per pupil; in 1999–2000, there were 22 books

per pupil. 

n the 1957–58 school year, Indiana had state laws or regulations regarding school library materials,

services, and appropriations.1 The state employed one full-time professional school library supervisor

in the state department of education. In 1962, Indiana had school library standards that had been prepared 

by the state department of education and were a part of the general standards for schools.2

NDEA In 1960, the majority of the NDEA funds (83 percent) were spent for science

materials.3 In 1972, the area receiving the most funding was the natural

I
Indiana

(continued)

70

sciences (37 percent).4 In FY 1972, 92 percent of the districts in Indiana

participated in NDEA; these districts contained 96 percent of the students in

the state.

ESEA Title II In FY 1967 and 1968, 339 new elementary and 64 secondary public school

libraries were established.5, 6 At the same time, 3,468 public school library

collection expansion projects were undertaken. By FY 1974, 91 percent of the 

schools in the state (2,204 schools) had a school library.7

In 1966, 91 percent of eligible public school students participated in ESEA

Title II (999,625 children), and 88 percent of the acquisitions money was used 

for school library resources.8 By 1974, 89 percent of Indiana public schools

participated in the program (2,168 schools), and 99 percent of the acquisitions

money was used for school library resources.7

Between 1996 and 2000, the Indiana State Library, an independent agency, reported offering services to

school library media centers.9, 10, 11, 12, 13 Services included LSCA or LSTA grants, but not state aid,

standards or guidelines, or development staff.

NOTE: Footnotes in the text refer to the state-level data sources shown at the end of this section (see

page 143).
71

Table 4-16. Historical summary of public school library media center 

statistics, various years, 1953–54 to 1999–2000: Iowa

Characteristic 1953–54 1985–86 1990–91 1993–94 1999–2000

Number of public schools..................................................... 5,775 1,697 1,530 1,518 1,485

Number of pupils in public schools...................................... 481,347 575,154 479,023 484,443 492,610

Number of public schools with library media centers........... 1,46511,615 1,500 1,490 1,463

Percent of public schools with library media centers............ 25 95 98 98 99

Number of pupils in schools with library media centers....... 181,7151

561,131 476,379 480,546 488,800

Percent of pupils in schools with library media centers........ 38 98 99 99 99

Number of schools with a librarian....................................... 3,490 1,38921,288 1,413 1,413

Percent of schools with a librarian........................................ 60 82 84 93 95

Measures of library resources for all public school students in the state

Books per pupil..................................................................... 3

3,4 21 — 265

256

Library expenditures (excluding salaries) per pupil7............ $6 $22 — $185

$176

Book expenditures per pupil7................................................ $38

$11 — $95,9 $106

—Not available.

1

Includes only schools with formal, organized libraries; schools with

classroom collections only or other types of library services are not

included.

2Number was derived from the percentage of schools with library

media centers that had a librarian. 

3

Includes only books in formal, organized libraries.

4Book data include only schools reporting book stock.

5Book and expenditure data are from the 1992–93 school year.

6Book and expenditure data are from the 1998–99 school year.

7Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

8

Includes books and pamphlets.

9

Includes only locally budgeted expenditures; excludes federal gifts

and grants.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare: Statistics of Public School Libraries, 1953–54. U.S. Department of Education, 

National Center for Education Statistics: Statistics of Public and Private School Library Media Centers, 1985–86; and Schools and Staffing 

Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” 1990–91, 1993–94, and 1999–2000, “Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire,” 1993–

94 and 1999–2000, and 1999–2000 Schools Without Libraries Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.

Highlights of table 4-16 include the following:

• The trend during the past several decades has been to consolidate small public schools, thereby 

reducing the total number of schools (National Center for Education Statistics 2002). In Iowa, 

there were 5,800 public schools in 1953–54; and in 1999–2000, the number of schools was

1,500. 

• The percentage of public schools with library media centers ranged from 25 percent in 1953–

54 to 99 percent in 1999–2000. 

• In 1953–54, there were 3 school library books per pupil; in 1999–2000, there were 25 books 

per pupil. 

n the 1957–58 school year, Iowa had state laws or regulations regarding school library materials and

services, but did not have them for appropriations.1 The state did not employ any professional school

library supervisors in the state department of education. In 1962, Iowa had school library standards that

had been prepared by the state department of education and were a part of the general standards for

schools.2

I
Iowa

(continued)

72

NDEA In 1960, the majority of the NDEA funds (87 percent) were spent for science

materials.3 By 1972, however, the area receiving the most funding was

English and reading (26 percent), while the natural sciences received

21 percent.4 In FY 1972, 36 percent of the districts in Iowa participated in

NDEA; these districts contained 64 percent of the students in the state.

ESEA Title II In FY 1967 and 1968, no new elementary or secondary public school libraries

were established nor were any public school library collection expansion

projects undertaken.5, 6 By FY 1974, 81 percent of the schools in the state

(1,526 schools) had a school library.7

In 1966, 636,854 eligible public school students participated in ESEA Title II, 

and all of the acquisitions money was used for school library resources.8 By

1974, 1,953 public schools in Iowa participated in the program, and all of the

acquisitions money was used for school library resources.7

Between 1996 and 2000, the Iowa State Library, a part of the Department of Education, reported offering 

services to school library media centers.9, 10, 11, 12, 13 Services included LSCA or LSTA grants, but not state 

aid, standards or guidelines, or development staff.

NOTE: Footnotes in the text refer to the state-level data sources shown at the end of this section (see

page 143).
73

Table 4-17. Historical summary of public school library media center 

statistics, various years, 1953–54 to 1999–2000: Kansas

Characteristic 1953–54 1985–86 1990–91 1993–94 1999–2000

Number of public schools..................................................... 3,615 1,364 1,442 1,450 1,401

Number of pupils in public schools...................................... 386,579 405,749 453,170 431,981 448,466

Number of public schools with library media centers........... 1,16711,278 1,424 1,404 1,374

Percent of public schools with library media centers............ 32 94 99 97 98

Number of pupils in schools with library media centers....... 208,938 396,816 451,391 429,947 446,650

Percent of pupils in schools with library media centers........ 54 98 100 100 100

Number of schools with a librarian....................................... 1,36711,24021,358 1,393 1,295

Percent of schools with a librarian........................................ 38 91 94 96 93

Measures of library resources for all public school students in the state

Books per pupil..................................................................... 5

3,4 23 — 295

266

Library expenditures (excluding salaries) per pupil7............ $8 $28 — $305

$216

Book expenditures per pupil7................................................ $68

$14 — $145,9 $136

—Not available.

1

Includes only schools with formal, organized libraries; schools with

classroom collections only or other types of library services are not

included.

2Number was derived from the percentage of schools with library

media centers that had a librarian. 

3

Includes only books in formal, organized libraries.

4Book data include only schools reporting book stock.

5Book and expenditure data are from the 1992–93 school year.

6Book and expenditure data are from the 1998–99 school year.

7Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

8

Includes books and pamphlets.

9

Includes only locally budgeted expenditures; excludes federal gifts

and grants.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare: Statistics of Public School Libraries, 1953–54. U.S. Department of Education, 

National Center for Education Statistics: Statistics of Public and Private School Library Media Centers, 1985–86; and Schools and Staffing 

Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” 1990–91, 1993–94, and 1999–2000, “Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire,” 1993–

94 and 1999–2000, and 1999–2000 Schools Without Libraries Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.

Highlights of table 4-17 include the following:

• The trend during the past several decades has been to consolidate small public schools, thereby 

reducing the total number of schools (National Center for Education Statistics 2002). In 

Kansas, there were 3,600 public schools in 1953–54; and in 1999–2000, the number of schools 

was 1,400.

• Thirty-two percent of public schools had library media centers in 1953-54; 98 percent had

library media centers in 1999–2000.

• Library expenditures (excluding salaries) were $8 per pupil (in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars) in

1953–54, $30 per pupil (in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars) in 1993–94 and $21 per pupil in 1999–

2000.

n the 1957–58 school year, Kansas had state laws or regulations regarding school library materials,

services, and appropriations.1 The state did not employ any professional school library supervisors in

the state department of education. In 1962, Kansas had school library standards that had been prepared

by the state department of education and were a part of the general standards for schools.2

I
Kansas

(continued)

74

NDEA In 1960, the majority of the NDEA funds (70 percent) were spent for science

materials.3 By 1972, however, the areas receiving the most funding were

English and reading (28 percent), and the natural sciences (28 percent).4 In

FY 1972, 60 percent of the districts in Kansas participated in NDEA; these

districts contained 90 percent of the students in the state.

ESEA Title II In FY 1967 and 1968, 262 new elementary and 16 secondary public school

libraries were established.5, 6 At the same time, 2,881 public school library

collection expansion projects were undertaken. For FY 1974, no data were

available for the percentage of schools in the state with a school library.7

In 1966, 46 percent of eligible public school students participated in ESEA

Title II (229,076 children), and 89 percent of the acquisitions money was used 

for school library resources.8 By 1974, 1,430 public schools in Kansas

participated in the program, and all of the acquisitions money was used for

school library resources.7

Between 1996 and 2000, the Kansas State Library, an independent agency, reported offering services to

school library media centers.9, 10, 11, 12, 13 Services included LSCA or LSTA grants, but not state aid,

standards or guidelines, or development staff.

NOTE: Footnotes in the text refer to the state-level data sources shown at the end of this section (see

page 143).
75

Table 4-18. Historical summary of public school library media center 

statistics, various years, 1953–54 to 1999–2000: Kentucky

Characteristic 1953–54 1985–86 1990–91 1993–94 1999–2000

Number of public schools..................................................... 4,414 1,330 1,323 1,327 1,317

Number of pupils in public schools...................................... 588,189 684,921 617,625 693,316 621,163

Number of public schools with library media centers........... 90011,330 1,232 1,301 1,222

Percent of public schools with library media centers............ 20 100 93 98 93

Number of pupils in schools with library media centers....... 289,2621

684,921 609,980 692,698 604,774

Percent of pupils in schools with library media centers........ 49 100 99 100 97

Number of schools with a librarian....................................... 1,404 1,17021,189 1,249 1,251

Percent of schools with a librarian........................................ 32 88 90 94 95

Measures of library resources for all public school students in the state

Books per pupil..................................................................... 2

3,4 16 — 165

176

Library expenditures (excluding salaries) per pupil7............ $4 $13 — $175

$156

Book expenditures per pupil7................................................ $38

$6 — $95,9 $96

—Not available.

1

Includes only schools with formal, organized libraries; schools with

classroom collections only or other types of library services are not

included.

2Number was derived from the percentage of schools with library

media centers that had a librarian. 

3

Includes only books in formal, organized libraries.

4Book data include only schools reporting book stock.

5Book and expenditure data are from the 1992–93 school year.

6Book and expenditure data are from the 1998–99 school year.

7Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

8

Includes books and pamphlets.

9

Includes only locally budgeted expenditures; excludes federal gifts

and grants.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare: Statistics of Public School Libraries, 1953–54. U.S. Department of Education, 

National Center for Education Statistics: Statistics of Public and Private School Library Media Centers, 1985–86; and Schools and Staffing 

Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” 1990–91, 1993–94, and 1999–2000, “Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire,” 1993–

94 and 1999–2000, and 1999–2000 Schools Without Libraries Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.

Highlights of table 4-18 include the following:

• The trend during the past several decades has been to consolidate small public schools, thereby 

reducing the total number of schools (National Center for Education Statistics 2002). In 

Kentucky, there were 4,400 public schools in 1953–54; and in 1999–2000, the number of

schools was 1,300.

• The percentage of public schools with library media centers ranged from 20 percent in 1953–

54 to 100 percent in 1985–86. In 1999–2000, 93 percent of schools had library media centers.

• In 1953–54, 32 percent of schools had a librarian; in 1999–2000, 95 percent of schools had a

librarian.

n the 1957–58 school year, Kentucky had state laws or regulations regarding school library materials,

services, and appropriations.1 The state employed one full-time professional school library supervisor

in the state department of education. In 1962, Kentucky had school library standards that had been

prepared by the state department of education and were a part of the general standards for schools.2

I
Kentucky

(continued)

76

NDEA In 1960, the majority of the NDEA funds (74 percent) were spent for science 

materials.3 By 1972, however, the area receiving the most funding was

English and reading (37 percent), while the natural sciences received

29 percent.4 In FY 1972, 95 percent of the districts in Kentucky participated in 

NDEA; these districts contained 98 percent of the students in the state.

ESEA Title II In FY 1967 and 1968, 181 new elementary public school libraries were

established.5, 6 At the same time, 2,374 public school library collection expansion projects were undertaken. For FY 1974, no data are available for

the percentage of schools in the state with a school library.7

In 1966, all eligible public school students participated in ESEA Title II

(617,917 children), and 84 percent of the acquisitions money was used for

school library resources.8 By 1974, 1,436 public schools in Kentucky

participated in the program, and 91 percent of the acquisitions money was used 

for school library resources.7

Between 1996 and 2000, the Kentucky State Library, a part of the Education, Arts, and Humanities

Cabinet, reported offering services to school library media centers.9, 10, 11, 12, 13 Services included LSCA or 

LSTA grants, but not state aid, standards or guidelines, or development staff.

NOTE: Footnotes in the text refer to the state-level data sources shown at the end of this section (see

page 143).
77

Table 4-19. Historical summary of public school library media center 

statistics, various years, 1953–54 to 1999–2000: Louisiana

Characteristic 1953–54 1985–86 1990–91 1993–94 1999–2000

Number of public schools..................................................... 1,749 1,407 1,449 1,446 1,428

Number of pupils in public schools...................................... 552,406 785,669 738,300 791,318 762,422

Number of public schools with library media centers........... 51211,336 1,362 1,370 1,269

Percent of public schools with library media centers............ 29 95 94 95 89

Number of pupils in schools with library media centers....... 241,6981

765,713 724,045 777,159 727,298

Percent of pupils in schools with library media centers........ 44 97 98 98 95

Number of schools with a librarian....................................... 536 1,20221,198 1,259 1,291

Percent of schools with a librarian........................................ 31 85 83 87 90

Measures of library resources for all public school students in the state

Books per pupil..................................................................... 2

3,4 16 — 165

156

Library expenditures (excluding salaries) per pupil7............ $5 $14 — $175

$116

Book expenditures per pupil7................................................ $48

$8 — $135,9 $76

—Not available.

1

Includes only schools with formal, organized libraries; schools with

classroom collections only or other types of library services are not

included.

2Number was derived from the percentage of schools with library

media centers that had a librarian. 

3

Includes only books in formal, organized libraries.

4Book data include only schools reporting book stock.

5Book and expenditure data are from the 1992–93 school year.

6Book and expenditure data are from the 1998–99 school year.

7Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

8

Includes books and pamphlets.

9

Includes only locally budgeted expenditures; excludes federal gifts

and grants.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare: Statistics of Public School Libraries, 1953–54. U.S. Department of Education, 

National Center for Education Statistics: Statistics of Public and Private School Library Media Centers, 1985–86; and Schools and Staffing 

Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” 1990–91, 1993–94, and 1999–2000, “Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire,” 1993–

94 and 1999–2000, and 1999–2000 Schools Without Libraries Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.

Highlights of table 4-19 include the following:

• In 1953–54, 29 percent of public schools had a library; in 1999–2000, 89 percent of public

schools had a library.

• Forty-four percent of students attended schools with a library in 1953–54; 95 percent attended

schools with a library in 1999–2000.

• The percentage of schools with a librarian ranged from 31 percent in 1953–54 to 90 percent in

1999–2000.

n the 1957–58 school year, Louisiana had state laws or regulations regarding school library materials,

services, and appropriations.1 The state employed one full-time professional school library supervisor 

in the state department of education. In 1962, Louisiana had school library standards that had been

prepared by the state department of education and were a part of the general standards for schools.2

NDEA In 1960, the majority of the NDEA funds (86 percent) were spent for science

materials.3 By 1972, however, the area receiving the most funding was

I
Louisiana

(continued)

78

English and reading (31 percent), while the natural sciences received

23 percent.4 In FY 1972, 81 percent of the districts in Louisiana participated

in NDEA; these districts contained 87 percent of the students in the state.

ESEA Title II In FY 1967 and 1968, 161 new elementary and 21 secondary public school

libraries were established.5, 6 At the same time, 2,951 public school library

collection expansion projects were undertaken. By FY 1974, 90 percent of the 

schools in the state (1,275 schools) had a school library.7

In 1966, 84 percent of eligible public school students participated in ESEA

Title II (502,472 children), and 88 percent of the acquisitions money was used 

for school library resources.8 By 1974, 1,438 public schools in Louisiana

participated in the program, and 95 percent of the acquisitions money was used 

for school library resources.7

Between 1996 and 2000, the Louisiana State Library, a part of the Department of Cultural Resources,

reported offering services to school library media centers.9, 10, 11, 12, 13 Services did not include LSCA or

LSTA grants, state aid, standards or guidelines, or development staff.

NOTE: Footnotes in the text refer to the state-level data sources shown at the end of this section (see

page 143).
79

Table 4-20. Historical summary of public school library media center 

statistics, various years, 1953–54 to 1999–2000: Maine

Characteristic 1953–54 1985–86 1990–91 1993–94 1999–2000

Number of public schools..................................................... 1,362 718 738 721 708

Number of pupils in public schools...................................... 157,054 216,922 218,614 207,975 205,404

Number of public schools with library media centers........... 2441596 683 666 621

Percent of public schools with library media centers............ 18 83 93 92 88

Number of pupils in schools with library media centers....... 54,9031

199,116 209,951 200,010 188,378

Percent of pupils in schools with library media centers........ 35 92 96 96 92

Number of schools with a librarian....................................... 184 3582484 433 543

Percent of schools with a librarian........................................ 14 50 66 60 77

Measures of library resources for all public school students in the state

Books per pupil..................................................................... 1

3,4 15 — 225

276

Library expenditures (excluding salaries) per pupil7............ $3 $18 — $195

$226

Book expenditures per pupil7................................................ $28

$9 — $115,9 $136

—Not available.

1

Includes only schools with formal, organized libraries; schools with

classroom collections only or other types of library services are not 

included.

2Number was derived from the percentage of schools with library

media centers that had a librarian. 

3

Includes only books in formal, organized libraries.

4Book data include only schools reporting book stock.

5Book and expenditure data are from the 1992–93 school year.

6Book and expenditure data are from the 1998–99 school year.

7Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

8

Includes books and pamphlets.

9

Includes only locally budgeted expenditures; excludes federal gifts

and grants.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare: Statistics of Public School Libraries, 1953–54. U.S. Department of Education, 

National Center for Education Statistics: Statistics of Public and Private School Library Media Centers, 1985–86; and Schools and Staffing 

Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” 1990–91, 1993–94, and 1999–2000, “Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire,” 1993–

94 and 1999–2000, and 1999–2000 Schools Without Libraries Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.

Highlights of table 4-20 include the following:

• In 1953–54, 18 percent of public schools had library media centers; 88 percent of public

schools had library media centers in 1999–2000.

• Fourteen percent of public schools had a librarian in 1953–54; 77 percent of public schools had 

a librarian in 1999–2000.

• In 1953–54, there was 1 school library book per pupil; in 1999–2000, there were 27 books per

pupil. 

• Library expenditures (excluding salaries) were $3 per pupil (in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars) in

1953–54 and $22 per pupil in 1999–2000. 

n the 1957–58 school year, Maine had state laws or regulations regarding school library materials,

services, and appropriations.1 The state did not employ any professional school library supervisors in

the state department of education. In 1962, Maine had secondary school library standards that had been

prepared by the state department of education and were a part of the general standards for schools. No

state standards were in place for elementary school libraries.2

I
Maine

(continued)

80

NDEA In 1960, the majority of the NDEA funds (90 percent) were spent for science

materials.3 In 1972, the area receiving the most funding was the natural

sciences (40 percent).4 In FY 1972, 39 percent of the districts in Maine

participated in NDEA; these districts contained 37 percent of the students in

the state.

ESEA Title II In FY 1967 and 1968, 74 new elementary and 11 secondary public school

libraries were established.5, 6 At the same time, 712 public school library

collection expansion projects were undertaken. For FY 1974, no data were

available for the percentage of schools in the state with a school library.7

In 1966, 99 percent of eligible public school students participated in ESEA

Title II (213,835 children), and 91 percent of the acquisitions money was used 

for school library resources.8 No data are available for 1974, for the number of 

Maine public schools that participated in the program; however, 95 percent of 

the acquisitions money was used for school library resources.7

Between 1996 and 2000, the Maine State Library, an independent agency, reported offering services to

school library media centers.9, 10, 11, 12, 13 Services included standards or guidelines, but not LSCA or

LSTA grants, state aid, or development staff.

NOTE: Footnotes in the text refer to the state-level data sources shown at the end of this section (see

page 143).
81

Table 4-21. Historical summary of public school library media center

statistics, various years, 1953–54 to 1999–2000: Maryland

Characteristic 1953–54 1985–86 1990–91 1993–94 1999–2000

Number of public schools..................................................... 952 1,194 1,128 1,185 1,263

Number of pupils in public schools...................................... 422,105 720,499 675,491 753,706 842,076

Number of public schools with library media centers........... 55811,194 1,090 1,185 1,226

Percent of public schools with library media centers............ 59 100 97 100 97

Number of pupils in schools with library media centers....... 336,3051

720,499 664,166 753,706 824,177

Percent of pupils in schools with library media centers........ 80 100 98 100 98

Number of schools with a librarian....................................... 382 1,1942

1,037 1,138 1,157

Percent of schools with a librarian........................................ 40 100 92 96 92

Measures of library resources for all public school students in the state

Books per pupil..................................................................... 3

3.4 15 — 145

146

Library expenditures (excluding salaries) per pupil7............ $7 $11 — $135

$176

Book expenditures per pupil7................................................ $68

$6 — $85,9 $106

—Not available.

1

Includes only schools with formal, organized libraries; schools with

classroom collections only or other types of library services are not

included.

2Number was derived from the percentage of schools with library

media centers that had a librarian. 

3

Includes only books in formal, organized libraries.

4Book data include only schools reporting book stock.

5Book and expenditure data are from the 1992–93 school year.

6Book and expenditure data are from the 1998–99 school year.

7Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

8

Includes books and pamphlets.

9

Includes only locally budgeted expenditures; excludes federal gifts

and grants.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare: Statistics of Public School Libraries, 1953–54. U.S. Department of Education, 

National Center for Education Statistics: Statistics of Public and Private School Library Media Centers, 1985–86; and Schools and Staffing 

Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” 1990–91, 1993–94, and 1999–2000, “Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire,” 1993–

94 and 1999–2000, and 1999–2000 Schools Without Libraries Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.

Highlights of table 4-21 include the following:

• In 1953–54, 59 percent of public schools had libraries; in 1999–2000, 97 percent had libraries.

• The percentage of schools with a librarian was 40 percent in 1953–54, 100 percent in 1985–86, 

and 92 percent in 1999–2000.

• Library expenditures (excluding salaries) were $7 per pupil (in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars) in

1953–54 and $17 per pupil in 1999–2000.

n the 1957–58 school year, Maryland had state laws or regulations regarding school library materials,

services, and appropriations.1 The state employed one full-time professional school library supervisor

in the state department of education. In 1962, the Maryland state department of education was in the

process of preparing or revising elementary school library standards. the state department of education

had developed tentative or proposed library standards for secondary schools.2

I
Maryland

(continued)

82

NDEA In 1960, the majority of the NDEA funds (78 percent) were spent for science

materials.3 In 1972, the area receiving the most funding was the natural

sciences (31 percent).4 In FY 1972, all districts and all students in Maryland

participated in NDEA.

ESEA Title II In FY 1967 and 1968, 90 new elementary and 22 secondary public school

libraries were established.5, 6 At the same time, 2,327 public school library

collection expansion projects were undertaken. By FY 1974, 97 percent of the 

schools in the state (1,298 schools) had a school library.7

In 1966, all eligible public school students participated in ESEA Title II

(732,949 children), and all of the acquisitions money was used for school

library resources.8 By 1974, all Maryland public schools participated in the

program (1,334 schools), and 90 percent of the acquisitions money was used

for school library resources.7

Between 1996 and 2000, the Maryland State Library, a part of the Department of Education, reported

offering services to school library media centers.9, 10, 11, 12, 13 Services did not include LSCA or LSTA

grants, state aid, standards or guidelines, or development staff.

NOTE: Footnotes in the text refer to the state-level data sources shown at the end of this section (see

page 143).
83

Table 4-22. Historical summary of public school library media center 

statistics, various years, 1953–54 to 1999–2000: Massachusetts

Characteristic 1953–54 1985–86 1990–91 1993–94 1999–2000

Number of public schools..................................................... 2,180 1,571 1,775 1,689 1,712

Number of pupils in public schools...................................... 668,849 795,527 810,755 776,415 938,592

Number of public schools with library media centers........... 46711,386 1,689 1,476 1,609

Percent of public schools with library media centers............ 21 88 95 87 94

Number of pupils in schools with library media centers....... 218,7441749,707 788,047 736,503 906,426

Percent of pupils in schools with library media centers........ 33 94 97 95 97

Number of schools with a librarian....................................... 417 1,0952

1,015 1,142 1,501

Percent of schools with a librarian........................................ 19 70 57 68 87

Measures of library resources for all public school students in the state

Books per pupil..................................................................... 1

3,4 15 — 195

166

Library expenditures (excluding salaries) per pupil7............ $3 $10 — $125

$136

Book expenditures per pupil7................................................ $18

$6 — $65,9 $86

—Not available.

1

Includes only schools with formal, organized libraries; schools with

classroom collections only or other types of library services are not

included.

2Number was derived from the percentage of schools with library

media centers that had a librarian. 

3

Includes only books in formal, organized libraries.

4Book data include only schools reporting book stock.

5Book and expenditure data are from the 1992–93 school year.

6Book and expenditure data are from the 1998–99 school year.

7Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

8

Includes books and pamphlets.

9

Includes only locally budgeted expenditures; excludes federal gifts

and grants.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare: Statistics of Public School Libraries, 1953–54. U.S. Department of Education, 

National Center for Education Statistics: Statistics of Public and Private School Library Media Centers, 1985–86; and Schools and Staffing 

Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” 1990–91, 1993–94, and 1999–2000, “Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire,” 1993–

94 and 1999–2000, and 1999–2000 Schools Without Libraries Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.

Highlights of table 4-22 include the following:

• The percentage of public schools with library media centers was 21 percent in 1953–54 and

94 percent in 1999–2000.

• The percentage of schools with a librarian ranged from 19 percent in 1953–54 to 87 percent in

1999–2000.

• In 1953–54, there was 1 school library book per pupil; in 1999–2000, there were 16 books per

pupil. 

n the 1957–58 school year, Massachusetts had no state laws or regulations regarding school library

materials, services, or appropriations.1 The state employed one full-time professional school library

supervisor in the state department of education. In 1962, Massachusetts had no school library standards.2

NDEA In 1960, the majority of the NDEA funds (68 percent) were spent for science

materials.3 In 1972, the area receiving the most funding was the natural

sciences (27 percent).4 In FY 1972, 43 percent of the districts in

I
Massachusetts

(continued)

84

Massachusetts participated in NDEA; these districts contained 71 percent of

the students in the state.

ESEA Title II In FY 1967 and 1968, 289 new elementary and 52 secondary public school

libraries were established.5, 6 At the same time, 2,089 public school library

collection expansion projects were undertaken. By FY 1974, 88 percent of the 

schools in the state (1,513 schools) had a school library.7

In 1966, 87 percent of eligible public school students participated in ESEA

Title II (868,982 children), and 52 percent of the acquisitions money was used 

for school library resources.8 By 1974, all Massachusetts public schools

participated in the program (1,729 schools), and 99 percent of the acquisitions

money was used for school library resources.7

Between 1996 and 2000, the Massachusetts State Library, an independent agency, reported offering

services to school library media centers.9, 10, 11, 12, 13 Services included LSCA or LSTA grants, but not state 

aid, standards or guidelines, or development staff.

NOTE: Footnotes in the text refer to the state-level data sources shown at the end of this section (see

page 143).
85

Table 4-23. Historical summary of public school library media center 

statistics, various years, 1953–54 to 1999–2000: Michigan

Characteristic 1953–54 1985–86 1990–91 1993–94 1999–2000

Number of public schools..................................................... 5,918 3,177 3,110 3,159 3,413

Number of pupils in public schools...................................... 1,111,022 1,613,818 1,418,907 1,491,699 1,651,331

Number of public schools with library media centers........... 2,14612,821 2,790 2,881 2,942

Percent of public schools with library media centers............ 36 89 90 91 86

Number of pupils in schools with library media centers....... 632,6571

1,542,877 1,358,102 1,464,354 1,544,968

Percent of pupils in schools with library media centers........ 57 96 96 98 94

Number of schools with a librarian....................................... 2,389 2,08822,122 2,226 2,511

Percent of schools with a librarian........................................ 40 66 68 70 74

Measures of library resources for all public school students in the state

Books per pupil..................................................................... 3

3,4 14 — 195

166

Library expenditures (excluding salaries) per pupil7............ $6 $12 — $155

$136

Book expenditures per pupil7................................................ $48

$6 — $65,9 $86

—Not available.

1

Includes only schools with formal, organized libraries; schools with

classroom collections only or other types of library services are not

included.

2Number was derived from the percentage of schools with library

media centers that had a librarian. 

3

Includes only books in formal, organized libraries.

4Book data include only schools reporting book stock.

5Book and expenditure data are from the 1992–93 school year.

6Book and expenditure data are from the 1998–99 school year.

7Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

8

Includes books and pamphlets.

9

Includes only locally budgeted expenditures; excludes federal gifts

and grants.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare: Statistics of Public School Libraries, 1953–54. U.S. Department of Education, 

National Center for Education Statistics: Statistics of Public and Private School Library Media Centers, 1985–86; and Schools and Staffing 

Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” 1990–91, 1993–94, and 1999–2000, “Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire,” 1993–

94 and 1999–2000, and 1999–2000 Schools Without Libraries Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.

Highlights of table 4-23 include the following:

• The trend during the past several decades has been to consolidate small public schools, thereby 

reducing the total number of schools (National Center for Education Statistics 2002). In 

Michigan, there were 5,900 public schools in 1953–54; and in 1999–2000, the number of

schools was 3,400.

• The percentage of public schools with library media centers was 36 percent in 1953–54 and

86 percent in 1999–2000.

• In 1953–54, 40 percent of public schools had a librarian; 74 percent had a librarian in 1999–

2000.

n the 1957–58 school year, Michigan had no state laws or regulations regarding school library

materials, services, or appropriations.1 The state did not employ any professional school library

supervisors in the state department of education. In 1962, Michigan had unofficial elementary school

library standards that had been prepared by a state school librarians’ association, and secondary school

library standards prepared by an independent state accrediting authority.2

I
Michigan

(continued)

86

NDEA In 1960, the majority of the NDEA funds (68 percent) were spent for science

materials.3 By 1972, however, the area receiving the most funding was

English and reading (38 percent), while the natural sciences received

19 percent.4 In FY 1972, 75 percent of the districts in Michigan participated in 

NDEA; these districts contained 94 percent of the students in the state.

ESEA Title II In FY 1967 and 1968, 347 new elementary and 19 secondary public school

libraries were established.5, 6 At the same time, 5,331 public school library

collection expansion projects were undertaken. By FY 1974, 96 percent of the 

schools in the state (3,325 schools) had a school library.7

In 1966, 97 percent of eligible public school students participated in ESEA

Title II (1,904,823 children), but data were not available for the percentage of

the acquisitions money used for school library resources.8 By 1974, 3,858

public schools in Michigan participated in the program, and 88 percent of the

acquisitions money was used for school library resources.7

Between 1996 and 2000, the Michigan State Library, in the legislative branch of the state government,

reported offering services to school library media centers.9, 10, 11, 12, 13 Services included LSCA or LSTA 

grants, but not state aid, standards or guidelines, or development staff.

NOTE: Footnotes in the text refer to the state-level data sources shown at the end of this section (see

page 143).
87

Table 4-24. Historical summary of public school library media center 

statistics, various years, 1953–54 to 1999–2000: Minnesota

Characteristic 1953–54 1985–86 1990–91 1993–94 1999–2000

Number of public schools..................................................... 5,910 1,551 1,434 1,492 1,674

Number of pupils in public schools...................................... 566,969 819,441 719,581 705,021 811,505

Number of public schools with library media centers........... 1,80411,470 1,379 1,443 1,483

Percent of public schools with library media centers............ 31 95 96 97 89

Number of pupils in schools with library media centers....... 331,1651

793,380 715,523 700,000 792,035

Percent of pupils in schools with library media centers........ 58 97 99 99 98

Number of schools with a librarian....................................... 2,480 1,38221,318 1,368 1,438

Percent of schools with a librarian........................................ 42 89 92 92 87

Measures of library resources for all public school students in the state

Books per pupil..................................................................... 3

3,4 22 — 235

246

Library expenditures (excluding salaries) per pupil7............ $7 $19 — $185

$176

Book expenditures per pupil7................................................ $58

$7 — $85,9 $106

—Not available.

1

Includes only schools with formal, organized libraries; schools with

classroom collections only or other types of library services are not

included.

2Number was derived from the percentage of schools with library

media centers that had a librarian. 

3

Includes only books in formal, organized libraries.

4Book data include only schools reporting book stock.

5Book and expenditure data are from the 1992–93 school year.

6Book and expenditure data are from the 1998–99 school year.

7Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

8

Includes books and pamphlets.

9

Includes only locally budgeted expenditures; excludes federal gifts

and grants.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare: Statistics of Public School Libraries, 1953–54. U.S. Department of Education, 

National Center for Education Statistics: Statistics of Public and Private School Library Media Centers, 1985–86; and Schools and Staffing 

Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” 1990–91, 1993–94, and 1999–2000, “Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire,” 1993–

94 and 1999–2000, and 1999–2000 Schools Without Libraries Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.

Highlights of table 4-24 include the following:

• The trend during the past several decades has been to consolidate small public schools, thereby 

reducing the total number of schools (National Center for Education Statistics 2002). In 

Minnesota, there were 5,900 public schools in 1953–54; and in 1999–2000, the number of

schools was 1,700.

• The percent of public schools with libraries ranged from 31 percent in 1953–54 to 97 percent in 

1993–94. In 1999–2000, 89 percent of public schools had school libraries.

• In 1953–54, there were 3 school library books per pupil; in 1999–2000, there were 24 books

per pupil.

n the 1957–58 school year, Minnesota had state laws or regulations regarding school library materials,

services, and appropriations.1 The state employed two full-time professional school library supervisors 

in the state department of education. In 1962, Minnesota had school library standards that had been

prepared by the state department of education and were a part of the general standards for schools.2

I
Minnesota

(continued)

88

NDEA In 1960, the majority of the NDEA funds (91 percent) were spent for science

materials.3 By 1972, however, the area receiving the most funding was

English and reading (30 percent), while the natural sciences received

19 percent.4 In FY 1972, 95 percent of the districts in Minnesota participated

in NDEA; these districts contained 99 percent of the students in the state.

ESEA Title II In FY 1967 and 1968, 41 new elementary and 16 secondary public school

libraries were established. 5, 6 At the same time, 4,182 public school library

collection expansion projects were undertaken. By FY 1974, 94 percent of the 

schools in the state (1,719 schools) had a school library.7

In 1966, 99 percent of eligible public school students participated in ESEA

Title II (776,969 children), and all of the acquisitions money was used for

school library resources.8 By 1974, all Minnesota public schools participated

in the program (1,829 schools), and 99 percent of the acquisitions money was

used for school library resources.7

In 1996 and 1997, the Minnesota State Library, a part of the Department of Children, Families, and

Learning, reported offering services to school library media centers.9, 10 Services did not include LSCA

grants, state aid, standards or guidelines, or development staff. From 1998 to 2000, the State Library

provided development staff as a service to school library media centers.11, 12, 13

NOTE: Footnotes in the text refer to the state-level data sources shown at the end of this section (see

page 143).
89

Table 4-25. Historical summary of public school library media center 

statistics, various years, 1953–54 to 1999–2000: Mississippi

Characteristic 1953–54 1985–86 1990–91 1993–94 1999–2000

Number of public schools..................................................... 3,524 767 913 957 934

Number of pupils in public schools...................................... 527,409 450,476 506,697 531,874 506,862

Number of public schools with library media centers........... 1,0951767 870 896 859

Percent of public schools with library media centers............ 31 100 95 94 92

Number of pupils in schools with library media centers....... 239,7581

450,476 493,658 514,134 499,494

Percent of pupils in schools with library media centers........ 45 100 97 97 99

Number of schools with a librarian....................................... 1,489 6602728 763 848

Percent of schools with a librarian........................................ 42 86 80 80 91

Measures of library resources for all public school students in the state

Books per pupil..................................................................... 2

3,4 13 — 145

206

Library expenditures (excluding salaries) per pupil7............ $5 $9 — $155

$136

Book expenditures per pupil7................................................ $38

$5 — $55,9 $96

—Not available.

1

Includes only schools with formal, organized libraries; schools with

classroom collections only or other types of library services are not

included.

2Number was derived from the percentage of schools with library

media centers that had a librarian. 

3

Includes only books in formal, organized libraries.

4Book data include only schools reporting book stock.

5Book and expenditure data are from the 1992–93 school year.

6Book and expenditure data are from the 1998–99 school year.

7Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

8

Includes books and pamphlets.

9

Includes only locally budgeted expenditures; excludes federal gifts

and grants.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare: Statistics of Public School Libraries, 1953–54. U.S. Department of Education, 

National Center for Education Statistics: Statistics of Public and Private School Library Media Centers, 1985–86; and Schools and Staffing 

Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” 1990–91, 1993–94, and 1999–2000, “Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire,” 1993–

94 and 1999–2000, and 1999–2000 Schools Without Libraries Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.

Highlights of table 4-25 include the following:

• The trend during the past several decades has been to consolidate small public schools, thereby 

reducing the total number of schools (National Center for Education Statistics 2002). In 

Mississippi, there were 3,500 public schools in 1953–54; and in 1999–2000, the number of

schools was 934.

• The percentage of students attending schools with library media centers was 45 percent in

1953–54 and 99 percent in 1999–2000.

• In 1953–54, there were 2 school library books per pupil; in 1999–2000, there were 20 books

per pupil.

n the 1957–58 school year, Mississippi had state laws or regulations regarding school library materials, 

services, and appropriations.1 The state employed one full-time professional school library supervisor

in the state department of education. In 1962, Mississippi had school library standards prepared by an

independent state accrediting authority.2

I
Mississippi

(continued)

90

NDEA In 1960, the majority of the NDEA funds (87 percent) were spent for science

materials.3 By 1972, however, the area receiving the most funding was

English and reading (33 percent), while the natural sciences received

26 percent.4 In FY 1972, 77 percent of the districts in Mississippi participated

in NDEA; these districts contained 73 percent of the students in the state.

ESEA Title II In FY 1967 and 1968, 62 new elementary and 14 secondary public school 

libraries were established. 5, 6 At the same time, 2,046 public school library

collection expansion projects were undertaken. By FY 1974, 93 percent of the 

schools in the state (1,007 schools) had a school library.7

In 1966, 94 percent of eligible public school students participated in ESEA

Title II (453,553 children), and 97 percent of the acquisitions money was used 

for school library resources.8 By 1974, all Mississippi public schools

participated in the program (1,083 schools), and all of the acquisitions money

was used for school library resources.7

Between 1996 and 2000, the Mississippi State Library, an independent agency, reported offering services 

to school library media centers.9, 10, 11, 12, 13 Services did not include LSCA or LSTA grants, state aid,

standards or guidelines, or development staff.

NOTE: Footnotes in the text refer to the state-level data sources shown at the end of this section (see

page 143).
91

Table 4-26. Historical summary of public school library media center 

statistics, various years, 1953–54 to 1999–2000: Missouri

Characteristic 1953–54 1985–86 1990–91 1993–94 1999–2000

Number of public schools..................................................... 6,448 1,986 2,063 2,082 1,998

Number of pupils in public schools...................................... 672,273 841,447 818,239 938,836 814,933

Number of public schools with library media centers........... 1,27111,856 1,946 2,033 1,906

Percent of public schools with library media centers............ 20 93 94 98 96

Number of pupils in schools with library media centers....... 313,9571

822,585 797,538 930,043 801,593

Percent of pupils in schools with library media centers........ 47 98 97 99 98

Number of schools with a librarian....................................... 1,761 1,72621,691 1,975 1,831

Percent of schools with a librarian........................................ 27 87 82 95 92

Measures of library resources for all public school students in the state

Books per pupil..................................................................... 2

3,4 16 — 205

226

Library expenditures (excluding salaries) per pupil7............ $5 $20 — $185

$256

Book expenditures per pupil7................................................ $38

$11 — $85,9 $146

—Not available.

1

Includes only schools with formal, organized libraries; schools with

classroom collections only or other types of library services are not

included.

2Number was derived from the percentage of schools with library

media centers that had a librarian. 

3

Includes only books in formal, organized libraries.

4Book data include only schools reporting book stock.

5Book and expenditure data are from the 1992–93 school year.

6Book and expenditure data are from the 1998–99 school year.

7Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

8

Includes books and pamphlets.

9

Includes only locally budgeted expenditures; excludes federal gifts

and grants.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare: Statistics of Public School Libraries, 1953–54. U.S. Department of Education, 

National Center for Education Statistics: Statistics of Public and Private School Library Media Centers, 1985–86; and Schools and Staffing 

Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” 1990–91, 1993–94, and 1999–2000, “Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire,” 1993–

94 and 1999–2000, and 1999–2000 Schools Without Libraries Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.

Highlights of table 4-26 include the following:

• The trend during the past several decades has been to consolidate small public schools, thereby 

reducing the total number of schools (National Center for Education Statistics 2002). In 

Missouri, there were 6,400 public schools in 1953–54; and in 1999–2000, the number of

schools was 2,000.

• In 1953–54, 20 percent of public schools had libraries; in 1999–2000, 96 percent had libraries.

• Library expenditures (excluding salaries) were $5 per pupil (in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars) in

1953–54 and $25 per pupil in 1999–2000.

n the 1957–58 school year, Missouri had no state laws or regulations regarding school library materials, 

services, or appropriations.1 The state did not employ any professional school library supervisors in the 

state department of education. In 1962, the Missouri state department of education was in the process of 

preparing or revising school library standards.2

I
Missouri

(continued)

92

NDEA In 1960, the majority of the NDEA funds (74 percent) were spent for science

materials.3 By 1972, however, the area receiving the most funding was

English and reading (27 percent), while the natural sciences received

19 percent.4 In FY 1972, 88 percent of the districts in Missouri participated in 

NDEA; these districts contained 98 percent of the students in the state.

ESEA Title II In FY 1967 and 1968, 198 new elementary and 38 secondary public school

libraries were established. 5, 6 At the same time, 1,848 public school library

collection expansion projects were undertaken. By FY 1974, 67 percent of

the schools in the state (1,507 schools) had a school library.7

In 1966, 94 percent of eligible public school students participated in ESEA

Title II (726,829 children), and 98 percent of the acquisitions money was used 

for school library resources.8 By 1974, 93 percent of Missouri public schools

participated in the program (2,109 schools), and 99 percent of the acquisitions

money was used for school library resources.7

In 1996 the Missouri State Library, a part of the Department of State, reported offering services to school 

library media centers.9 Services included LSCA grants, but not state aid, standards or guidelines, or

development staff. Between 1997 and 2000, the State Library offered LSCA or LSTA grants and

standards or guidelines to school library media centers.10, 11, 12, 13

NOTE: Footnotes in the text refer to the state-level data sources shown at the end of this section (see

page 143).
93

Table 4-27. Historical summary of public school library media center 

statistics, various years, 1953–54 to 1999–2000: Montana

Characteristic 1953–54 1985–86 1990–91 1993–94 1999–2000

Number of public schools..................................................... 1,301 780 739 897 880

Number of pupils in public schools...................................... 116,109 165,318 157,530 175,611 156,117

Number of public schools with library media centers........... 2921738 701 874 745

Percent of public schools with library media centers............ 22 95 95 98 85

Number of pupils in schools with library media centers....... 64,0751

163,618 155,481 174,927 152,892

Percent of pupils in schools with library media centers........ 55 99 99 99 98

Number of schools with a librarian....................................... 587 6722421 734 723

Percent of schools with a librarian........................................ 45 86 57 82 82

Measures of library resources for all public school students in the state

Books per pupil..................................................................... 3

3,4 25 — 445

356

Library expenditures (excluding salaries) per pupil7............ $7 $30 — $365

$256

Book expenditures per pupil7................................................ $28

$15 — $175,9 $136

—Not available.

1

Includes only schools with formal, organized libraries; schools with

classroom collections only or other types of library services are not

included.

2Number was derived from the percentage of schools with library

media centers that had a librarian. 

3

Includes only books in formal, organized libraries.

4Book data include only schools reporting book stock.

5Book and expenditure data are from the 1992–93 school year.

6Book and expenditure data are from the 1998–99 school year.

7Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

8

Includes books and pamphlets.

9

Includes only locally budgeted expenditures; excludes federal gifts

and grants.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare: Statistics of Public School Libraries, 1953–54. U.S. Department of Education, 

National Center for Education Statistics: Statistics of Public and Private School Library Media Centers, 1985–86; and Schools and Staffing 

Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” 1990–91, 1993–94, and 1999–2000, “Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire,” 1993–

94 and 1999–2000, and 1999–2000 Schools Without Libraries Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.

Highlights of table 4-27 include the following:

• The percentage of schools with a librarian ranged from 45 percent in 1953–54 to 86 percent in

1985–86. In 1999–2000, 82 percent of schools had a librarian.

• In 1953–54, there were 3 school library books per pupil; in 1999–2000, there were 35 books

per pupil.

• Library expenditures (excluding salaries) were $7 per pupil (in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars) in

1953–54 and $25 per pupil in 1999–2000.

n the 1957–58 school year, Montana had state laws or regulations regarding school library materials,

services, and appropriations.1 The state did not employ any professional school library supervisors in

the state department of education. In 1962, Montana had school library standards that had been prepared 

by the state department of education and were a part of the general standards for schools.2

NDEA In 1960, the majority of the NDEA funds (90 percent) were spent for science

materials.3 In 1972, the area receiving the most funding was the natural

I
Montana

(continued)

94

sciences (44 percent).4 In FY 1972, 25 percent of the districts in Montana

participated in NDEA; these districts contained 52 percent of the students in

the state.

ESEA Title II In FY 1967 and 1968, no new elementary and secondary public school

libraries were established.5, 6 However, 1,338 public school library collection

expansion projects were undertaken. By FY 1974, 46 percent of the schools in 

the state (376 schools) had a school library.7

In 1966, 98 percent of eligible public school students participated in ESEA

Title II (164,725 children), and all of the acquisitions money was used for

school library resources.8 By 1974, 60 percent of Montana public schools

participated in the program (487 schools), and all of the acquisitions money

was used for school library resources.7

Between 1996 and 2000, the Montana State Library, an independent agency, reported offering services to 

school library media centers.9, 10, 11, 12, 13 Services included LSCA or LSTA grants and state aid, but not

standards or guidelines, or development staff.

NOTE: Footnotes in the text refer to the state-level data sources shown at the end of this section (see

page 143).
95

Table 4-28. Historical summary of public school library media center 

statistics, various years, 1953–54 to 1999–2000: Nebraska

Characteristic 1953–54 1985–86 1990–91 1993–94 1999–2000

Number of public schools..................................................... 4,318 1,518 1,455 1,296 1,197

Number of pupils in public schools...................................... 225,665 294,191 260,030 248,016 271,867

Number of public schools with library media centers........... 1,00211,209 1,343 1,277 1,014

Percent of public schools with library media centers............ 23 80 92 99 85

Number of pupils in schools with library media centers....... 134,4101

284,542 256,818 245,921 269,815

Percent of pupils in schools with library media centers........ 60 97 99 99 99

Number of schools with a librarian....................................... 1,598 1,0032713 922 919

Percent of schools with a librarian........................................ 37 66 49 71 77

Measures of library resources for all public school students in the state

Books per pupil..................................................................... 2

3,4 24 — 345

326

Library expenditures (excluding salaries) per pupil7............ $5 $26 — $285

$236

Book expenditures per pupil7................................................ $38

$12 — $145,9 $136

—Not available.

1

Includes only schools with formal, organized libraries; schools with

classroom collections only or other types of library services are not

included.

2Number was derived from the percentage of schools with library

media centers that had a librarian. 

3

Includes only books in formal, organized libraries.

4Book data include only schools reporting book stock.

5Book and expenditure data are from the 1992–93 school year.

6Book and expenditure data are from the 1998–99 school year.

7Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

8

Includes books and pamphlets.

9

Includes only locally budgeted expenditures; excludes federal gifts

and grants.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare: Statistics of Public School Libraries, 1953–54. U.S. Department of Education, 

National Center for Education Statistics: Statistics of Public and Private School Library Media Centers, 1985–86; and Schools and Staffing 

Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” 1990–91, 1993–94, and 1999–2000, “Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire,” 1993–

94 and 1999–2000, and 1999–2000 Schools Without Libraries Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.

Highlights of table 4-28 include the following:

• The trend during the past several decades has been to consolidate small public schools, thereby 

reducing the total number of schools (National Center for Education Statistics 2002). In 

Nebraska, there were 4,300 public schools in 1953–54; and in 1999–2000, the number of 

schools was 1,200.

• The percentage of public schools with libraries ranged from 23 percent in 1953–54 to

99 percent in 1993–94. In 1999–2000, 85 percent of public schools had libraries.

• In 1953–54, there were 2 school library books per pupil; in 1999–2000, there were 32 books

per pupil.

n the 1957–58 school year, Nebraska had state laws or regulations regarding school library materials,

services, and appropriations.1 The state did not employ any professional school library supervisors in

the state department of education. In 1962, Nebraska had school library standards that had been prepared 

by the state department of education and were a part of the general standards for schools.2

I
Nebraska

(continued)

96

NDEA In 1960, the majority of the NDEA funds (85 percent) were spent for science

materials.3 In 1972, the area receiving the most funding was the natural

sciences (49 percent).4 In FY 1972, 16 percent of the districts in Nebraska

participated in NDEA; these districts contained 55 percent of the students in

the state.

ESEA Title II In FY 1967 and 1968, 85 new elementary and 13 secondary public school

libraries were established. 5, 6 At the same time, 554 public school library

collection expansion projects were undertaken. By FY 1974, 68 percent of the 

schools in the state (1,141 schools) had a school library.7

In 1966, 80 percent of eligible public school students participated in ESEA

Title II (255,662 children), and 87 percent of the acquisitions money was used 

for school library resources.8 By 1974, 46 percent of Nebraska public schools

participated in the program (776 schools), and all the acquisitions money was

used for school library resources.7

Between 1996 and 2000, the Nebraska State Library, an independent agency, reported offering services to 

school library media centers.9, 10, 11, 12, 13 Services included LSCA or LSTA, but not state aid or standards 

or guidelines. Except for 1999, the State Library also provided development staff as a support to school

library media centers.

NOTE: Footnotes in the text refer to the state-level data sources shown at the end of this section (see

page 143).
97

Table 4-29. Historical summary of public school library media center 

statistics, various years, 1953–54 to 1999–2000: Nevada

Characteristic 1953–54 1985–86 1990–91 1993–94 1999–2000

Number of public schools..................................................... 228 290 313 365 439

Number of pupils in public schools...................................... 40,381 154,060 198,751 231,088 323,666

Number of public schools with library media centers........... 1131249 301 355 420

Percent of public schools with library media centers............ 50 86 96 97 96

Number of pupils in schools with library media centers....... 30,9541

151,421 197,888 228,273 321,501

Percent of pupils in schools with library media centers........ 77 98 100 99 99

Number of schools with a librarian....................................... 132 2022265 321 372

Percent of schools with a librarian........................................ 58 70 85 88 84

Measures of library resources for all public school students in the state

Books per pupil..................................................................... 2

3,4 13 — 155

176

Library expenditures (excluding salaries) per pupil7............ $7 $11 — $135

$136

Book expenditures per pupil7................................................ $38

$7 — $75,9 $96

—Not available.

1

Includes only schools with formal, organized libraries; schools with

classroom collections only or other types of library services are not

included.

2Number was derived from the percentage of schools with library

media centers that had a librarian. 

3

Includes only books in formal, organized libraries.

4Book data include only schools reporting book stock.

5Book and expenditure data are from the 1992–93 school year.

6Book and expenditure data are from the 1998–99 school year.

7Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

8

Includes books and pamphlets.

9

Includes only locally budgeted expenditures; excludes federal gifts

and grants.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare: Statistics of Public School Libraries, 1953–54. U.S. Department of Education, 

National Center for Education Statistics: Statistics of Public and Private School Library Media Centers, 1985–86; and Schools and Staffing 

Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” 1990–91, 1993–94, and 1999–2000, “Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire,” 1993–

94 and 1999–2000, and 1999–2000 Schools Without Libraries Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.

Highlights of table 4-29 include the following:

• Fifty percent of public schools had library media centers in 1953–54 and 96 percent had library 

media centers in 1999–2000.

• The percentage of students attending schools with libraries was 77 percent in 1953–54 and

99 percent in 1999–2000.

• The percentage of schools with a librarian ranged from 58 percent in 1953–54 to 88 percent in

1993–94. In 1999–2000, 84 percent of schools had a librarian.

n the 1957–58 school year, Nevada had state laws or regulations regarding school library materials and 

appropriations, but did not have them for services.1 The state did not employ any professional school

library supervisors in the state department of education. In 1962, the Nevada state department of

education had developed tentative or proposed standards for school libraries.2

NDEA In 1960, the majority of the NDEA funds (80 percent) were spent for science

materials.3 By 1972, however, the area receiving the most funding was

I
Nevada

(continued)

98

English and reading (34 percent), while the natural sciences received

29 percent.4 In FY 1972, 82 percent of the districts in Nevada participated in

NDEA; these districts contained 99 percent of the students in the state.

ESEA Title II In FY 1967 and 1968, no new elementary or secondary public school libraries

were established.5, 6 However, 490 public school library collection expansion

projects were undertaken. By FY 1974, 46 percent of the schools in the state

(130 schools) had a school library.7

In 1966, all eligible public school students participated in ESEA Title II

(108,657 children), and all of the acquisitions money was used for school

library resources.8 By 1974, 57 percent of Nevada public schools participated

in the program (162 schools), and 35 percent of the acquisitions money was

used for school library resources.7

Between 1996 and 2000, the Nevada State Library, a part of the Department of Museums, Libraries, and

Arts, reported offering services to school library media centers.9, 10, 11, 12, 13 Services included LSCA or

LSTA grants, but not state aid, standards or guidelines, or development staff.

NOTE: Footnotes in the text refer to the state-level data sources shown at the end of this section (see

page 143).
99

Table 4-30. Historical summary of public school library media center 

statistics, various years, 1953–54 to 1999–2000: New Hampshire

Characteristic 1953–54 1985–86 1990–91 1993–94 1999–2000

Number of public schools..................................................... 531 430 417 445 453

Number of pupils in public schools...................................... 74,552 159,996 147,023 174,562 195,113

Number of public schools with library media centers........... 721371 379 407 432

Percent of public schools with library media centers............ 14 86 91 92 95

Number of pupils in schools with library media centers....... 22,3921

151,017 143,631 169,899 190,695

Percent of pupils in schools with library media centers........ 30 94 98 97 98

Number of schools with a librarian....................................... 64 2152317 332 376

Percent of schools with a librarian........................................ 12 50 76 75 83

Measures of library resources for all public school students in the state

Books per pupil..................................................................... 1

3,4 13 — 195

186

Library expenditures (excluding salaries) per pupil7............ $4 $19 — $215

$216

Book expenditures per pupil7................................................ $28

$10 — $115,9 $11 6

—Not available.

1

Includes only schools with formal, organized libraries; schools with

classroom collections only or other types of library services are not

included.

2Number was derived from the percentage of schools with library

media centers that had a librarian. 

3

Includes only books in formal, organized libraries.

4Book data include only schools reporting book stock.

5Book and expenditure data are from the 1992–93 school year.

6Book and expenditure data are from the 1998–99 school year.

7Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

8

Includes books and pamphlets.

9

Includes only locally budgeted expenditures; excludes federal gifts

and grants.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare: Statistics of Public School Libraries, 1953–54. U.S. Department of Education, 

National Center for Education Statistics: Statistics of Public and Private School Library Media Centers, 1985–86; and Schools and Staffing 

Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” 1990–91, 1993–94, and 1999–2000, “Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire,” 1993–

94 and 1999–2000, and 1999–2000 Schools Without Libraries Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.

Highlights of table 4-30 include the following:

• In 1953–54, 14 percent of public schools had school libraries; in 1999–2000, 95 percent of

schools had school libraries.

• In 1953–54, there was 1 school library book per pupil; in 1999–2000, there were 18 books per

pupil.

• Library expenditures (excluding salaries) were $4 per pupil (in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars) in

1953–54 and $21 per pupil in 1999–2000.

n the 1957–58 school year, New Hampshire had no state laws or regulations regarding school library

materials, services, or appropriations.1 The state did not employ any professional school library

supervisors in the state department of education. In 1962, New Hampshire had secondary school library

standards that had been prepared by the state department of education and were a part of the general

standards for schools, but no state standards were in place for elementary school libraries.2

I
New Hampshire

(continued)

100

NDEA In 1960, the majority of the NDEA funds (71 percent) were spent for science

materials.3 By 1972, however, the area receiving the most funding was

English and reading (34 percent), while the natural sciences received

31 percent.4 In FY 1972, 54 percent of the districts in New Hampshire

participated in NDEA; these districts contained 77 percent of the students in

the state.

ESEA Title II In FY 1967 and 1968, 45 new elementary public school libraries were

established.5, 6 At the same time, 200 public school library collection expansion projects were undertaken. By FY 1974, 50 percent of the schools in the

state (245 schools) had a school library.7

In 1966, all eligible public school students participated in ESEA Title II

(128,757 children), and 95 percent of the acquisitions money was used for

school library resources.8 By 1974, 87 percent of New Hampshire public

schools participated in the program (422 schools), and 95 percent of the

acquisitions money was used for school library resources.7

In 1996 and 1997, the New Hampshire State Library, a part of the Department of Cultural Resources,

reported offering services to school library media centers.9, 10 Services included LSCA grants and

development staff, but not state aid or standards or guidelines. Between 1998 and 2000, LSTA grants

were offered but development staff were no longer provided.11, 12, 13

NOTE: Footnotes in the text refer to the state-level data sources shown at the end of this section (see

page 143).
101

Table 4-31. Historical summary of public school library media center 

statistics, various years, 1953–54 to 1999–2000: New Jersey

Characteristic 1953–54 1985–86 1990–91 1993–94 1999–2000

Number of public schools..................................................... 1,810 2,141 2,224 2,195 2,247

Number of pupils in public schools...................................... 728,175 1,078,290 1,112,872 1,097,841 1,207,466

Number of public schools with library media centers........... 73312,089 2,083 2,067 2,086

Percent of public schools with library media centers............ 40 98 94 94 93

Number of pupils in schools with library media centers....... 371,07611,054,788 1,083,825 1,060,053 1,151,555

Percent of pupils in schools with library media centers........ 51 98 97 97 95

Number of schools with a librarian....................................... 678 1,9432

1,912 2,038 1,976

Percent of schools with a librarian........................................ 37 91 86 93 88

Measures of library resources for all public school students in the state

Books per pupil..................................................................... 2

3,4 18 — 225

186

Library expenditures (excluding salaries) per pupil7............ $4 $21 — $225

$166

Book expenditures per pupil7................................................ $28

$10 — $125,9 $96

—Not available.

1

Includes only schools with formal, organized libraries; schools with

classroom collections only or other types of library services are not

included.

2Number was derived from the percentage of schools with library

media centers that had a librarian. 

3

Includes only books in formal, organized libraries.

4Book data include only schools reporting book stock.

5Book and expenditure data are from the 1992–93 school year.

6Book and expenditure data are from the 1998–99 school year.

7Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

8

Includes books and pamphlets.

9

Includes only locally budgeted expenditures; excludes federal gifts

and grants.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare: Statistics of Public School Libraries, 1953–54. U.S. Department of Education, 

National Center for Education Statistics: Statistics of Public and Private School Library Media Centers, 1985–86; and Schools and Staffing 

Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” 1990–91, 1993–94, and 1999–2000, “Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire,” 1993–

94 and 1999–2000, and 1999–2000 Schools Without Libraries Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.

Highlights of table 4-31 include the following:

• Forty percent of public schools had libraries in 1953–54; 93 percent had them in 1999–2000.

• The percent of schools with a librarian was 37 percent in 1953–54, 93 percent in 1993–94, and 

88 percent in 1999–2000.

• In 1953–54, there were 2 school library books per pupil; in 1999–2000, there were 18 books

per pupil.

n the 1957–58 school year, New Jersey had state laws or regulations regarding school library materials, 

services, and appropriations.1 The state employed two full-time professional school library supervisors 

in the state department of education. In 1962, New Jersey had school library standards that had been

prepared by the state department of education and were published separately from other school

standards.2

NDEA In 1960, the majority of the NDEA funds (79 percent) were spent for science

materials.3 By 1972, however, the area receiving the most funding was

I
New Jersey

(continued)

102

English and reading (29 percent), while the natural sciences received

17 percent.4 In FY 1972, 22 percent of the districts in New Jersey participated 

in NDEA; these districts contained 63 percent of the students in the state.

ESEA Title II In FY 1967 and 1968, 301 new elementary public school libraries were

established.5, 6 At the same time, 3,352 public school library collection expansion projects were undertaken. By FY 1974, 74 percent of the schools in the

state (1,705 schools) had a school library.7

In 1966, all eligible public school students participated in ESEA Title II

(1,285,630 children), and all of the acquisitions money was used for school

library resources.8 By 1974, all New Jersey public schools participated in the

program (2,319 schools), and 82 percent of the acquisitions money was used

for school library resources.7

In 1996, the New Jersey State Library was part of the Department of Education and reported offering

services to school library media centers.9 Services included LSCA grants, standards or guidelines, and

development staff, but not state aid. Between 1997 and 2000, the New Jersey State Library relocated to

the Thomas Edison State College and continued to provide LSCA or LSTA grants and standards or

guidelines, but it no longer provided development staff.10, 11, 12, 13

NOTE: Footnotes in the text refer to the state-level data sources shown at the end of this section (see

page 143).
103

Table 4-32. Historical summary of public school library media center 

statistics, various years, 1953–54 to 1999–2000: New Mexico

Characteristic 1953–54 1985–86 1990–91 1993–94 1999–2000

Number of public schools..................................................... 803 619 626 663 709

Number of pupils in public schools...................................... 166,075 302,870 292,482 323,001 321,509

Number of public schools with library media centers........... 3771609 593 628 684

Percent of public schools with library media centers............ 47 98 95 95 96

Number of pupils in schools with library media centers....... 89,5591

299,818 288,906 319,360 315,291

Percent of pupils in schools with library media centers........ 54 99 99 99 98

Number of schools with a librarian....................................... 296 4382456 481 539

Percent of schools with a librarian........................................ 37 71 73 73 76

Measures of library resources for all public school students in the state

Books per pupil..................................................................... 3

3,4 15 — 195

206

Library expenditures (excluding salaries) per pupil7............ $6 $16 — $175

$166

Book expenditures per pupil7................................................ $28

$8 — $75,9 $116

—Not available.

1

Includes only schools with formal, organized libraries; schools with

classroom collections only or other types of library services are not

included.

2Number was derived from the percentage of schools with library

media centers that had a librarian. 

3

Includes only books in formal, organized libraries.

4Book data include only schools reporting book stock.

5Book and expenditure data are from the 1992–93 school year.

6Book and expenditure data are from the 1998–99 school year.

7Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

8

Includes books and pamphlets.

9

Includes only locally budgeted expenditures; excludes federal gifts

and grants.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare: Statistics of Public School Libraries, 1953–54. U.S. Department of Education, 

National Center for Education Statistics: Statistics of Public and Private School Library Media Centers, 1985–86; and Schools and Staffing 

Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” 1990–91, 1993–94, and 1999–2000, “Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire,” 1993–

94 and 1999–2000, and 1999–2000 Schools Without Libraries Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.

Highlights of table 4-32 include the following:

• In 1953–54, 47 percent of public schools had school libraries; in 1999–2000, 96 percent of

schools had school libraries.

• The percentage of schools with a librarian was 37 percent in 1953–54 and 76 percent in 1999–

2000.

• In 1953–54, there were 3 school library books per pupil; in 1999–2000, there were 20 books

per pupil.

n the 1957–58 school year, New Mexico had state laws or regulations regarding school library

materials, services, and appropriations.1 The state did not employ any professional school library

supervisors in the state department of education. In 1962, New Mexico had school library standards that

had been prepared by the state department of education and were a part of the general standards for

schools.2

I
New Mexico

(continued)

104

NDEA In 1960, the majority of the NDEA funds (77 percent) were spent for science

materials.3 By 1972, however, the area receiving the most funding was

English and reading (56 percent), while the natural sciences received

12 percent.4 In FY 1972, 61 percent of the districts in New Mexico participated in NDEA; these districts contained 83 percent of the students in the state.

ESEA Title II In FY 1967 and 1968, 138 new elementary and 5 secondary public school

libraries were established.5, 6 At the same time, 715 public school library

collection expansion projects were undertaken. By FY 1974, 86 percent of the 

schools in the state (528 schools) had a school library.7

In 1966, 99 percent of eligible public school students participated in ESEA

Title II (243,736 children), and 78 percent of the acquisitions money was used 

for school library resources.8 By 1974, all New Mexico public schools

participated in the program (612 schools), and 65 percent of the acquisitions

money was used for school library resources.7

In 1996, the New Mexico State Library, a part of the Department of Cultural Resources, reported offering 

services to school library media centers.9 Services included development staff, but not LSCA or LSTA

grants, state aid, or standards or guidelines. Between 1997 and 2000, however, the State Library did not

provide development staff as a support to school library media centers.10, 11, 12, 13

NOTE: Footnotes in the text refer to the state-level data sources shown at the end of this section (see

page 143).
105

Table 4-33. Historical summary of public school library media center 

statistics, various years, 1953–54 to 1999–2000: New York

Characteristic 1953–54 1985–86 1990–91 1993–94 1999–2000

Number of public schools..................................................... 4,978 3,813 3,889 3,904 4,090

Number of pupils in public schools...................................... 2,116,777 2,490,781 2,384,989 2,593,562 2,866,980

Number of public schools with library media centers........... 3,03913,612 3,713 3,717 3,738

Percent of public schools with library media centers............ 61 95 95 95 91

Number of pupils in schools with library media centers....... 1,624,2831

2,390,456 2,300,738 2,497,345 2,680,297

Percent of pupils in schools with library media centers........ 77 96 97 96 93

Number of schools with a librarian....................................... 2,092 3,46823,466 3,405 3,773

Percent of schools with a librarian........................................ 42 91 89 87 92

Measures of library resources for all public school students in the state

Books per pupil..................................................................... 3

3,4 16 — 175

146

Library expenditures (excluding salaries) per pupil7............ $5 $14 — $135

$126

Book expenditures per pupil7................................................ $48

$8 — $75,9 $86

—Not available.

1

Includes only schools with formal, organized libraries; schools with

classroom collections only or other types of library services are not

included.

2Number was derived from the percentage of schools with library

media centers that had a librarian. 

3

Includes only books in formal, organized libraries.

4Book data include only schools reporting book stock.

5Book and expenditure data are from the 1992–93 school year.

6Book and expenditure data are from the 1998–99 school year.

7Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

8

Includes books and pamphlets.

9

Includes only locally budgeted expenditures; excludes federal gifts

and grants.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare: Statistics of Public School Libraries, 1953–54. U.S. Department of Education, 

National Center for Education Statistics: Statistics of Public and Private School Library Media Centers, 1985–86; and Schools and Staffing 

Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” 1990–91, 1993–94, and 1999–2000, “Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire,” 1993–

94 and 1999–2000, and 1999–2000 Schools Without Libraries Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.

Highlights of table 4-33 include the following:

• In 1953–54, 61 percent of public schools had libraries; 91 percent of public schools had

libraries in 1999–2000.

• The percentage of schools with a librarian ranged from 42 percent in 1953–54 to 92 percent in

1999–2000.

• Book expenditures per pupil were $4 (in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars) in 1953–54 and $8 in

1999–2000.

n the 1957–58 school year, New York had state laws or regulations regarding school library materials

and services, but did not have them for appropriations.1 The state employed two full-time professional 

school library supervisors in the state department of education. In 1962, New York had unofficial school 

library standards prepared by a state school librarians’ association.2

NDEA In 1960, the majority of the NDEA funds (74 percent) were spent for science

materials.3 By 1972, however, the area receiving the most funding was

I
New York

(continued)

106

English and reading (28 percent), while the natural sciences received

20 percent.4 In FY 1972, 53 percent of the districts in New York participated

in NDEA; these districts contained 74 percent of the students in the state.

ESEA Title II In FY 1967 and 1968, 172 new elementary and 32 secondary public school

libraries were established.5, 6 At the same time, 5,173 public school library

collection expansion projects were undertaken. By FY 1974, all of the schools 

in the state (4,419 schools) had a school library.7

In 1966, 75 percent of eligible public school students participated in ESEA

Title II (2,182,275 children), and 84 percent of the acquisitions money was

used for school library resources.8 By 1974, 57 percent of New York public

schools participated in the program (2,526 schools), and all of the acquisitions

money was used for school library resources.7

In 1996, the New York State Library, a part of the Department of Education, reported offering services to 

school library media centers.9 Services included development staff, but not LSCA or LSTA grants, state

aid, or standards or guidelines. In 1997 and 1998, the State Library provided state aid, development

staff, and standards or guidelines, and in 1999 and 2000, it provided development staff and standards or

guidelines to school library media centers.10, 11, 12, 13

NOTE: Footnotes in the text refer to the state-level data sources shown at the end of this section (see

page 143).
107

Table 4-34. Historical summary of public school library media center 

statistics, various years, 1953–54 to 1999–2000: North Carolina

Characteristic 1953–54 1985–86 1990–91 1993–94 1999–2000

Number of public schools..................................................... 2,660 1,950 1,917 1,927 2,014

Number of pupils in public schools...................................... 967,361 1,098,284 1,069,603 1,090,802 1,227,985

Number of public schools with library media centers........... 2,11911,950 1,893 1,886 1,877

Percent of public schools with library media centers............ 80 100 99 98 93

Number of pupils in schools with library media centers....... 836,9051

1,098,284 1,068,361 1,078,952 1,208,583

Percent of pupils in schools with library media centers........ 87 100 100 99 98

Number of schools with a librarian....................................... 1,906 1,95021,836 1,900 1,910

Percent of schools with a librarian........................................ 72 100 96 99 95

Measures of library resources for all public school students in the state

Books per pupil..................................................................... 5

3,4 15 — 155

166

Library expenditures (excluding salaries) per pupil7............ $7 $20 — $165

$176

Book expenditures per pupil7................................................ $58

$8 — $95,9 $116

—Not available.

1

Includes only schools with formal, organized libraries; schools with

classroom collections only or other types of library services are not

included.

2Number was derived from the percentage of schools with library

media centers that had a librarian. 

3

Includes only books in formal, organized libraries.

4Book data include only schools reporting book stock.

5Book and expenditure data are from the 1992–93 school year.

6Book and expenditure data are from the 1998–99 school year.

7Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

8

Includes books and pamphlets.

9

Includes only locally budgeted expenditures; excludes federal gifts

and grants.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare: Statistics of Public School Libraries, 1953–54. U.S. Department of Education, 

National Center for Education Statistics: Statistics of Public and Private School Library Media Centers, 1985–86; and Schools and Staffing 

Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” 1990–91, 1993–94, and 1999–2000, “Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire,” 1993–

94 and 1999–2000, and 1999–2000 Schools Without Libraries Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.

Highlights of table 4-34 include the following:

• In 1953–54, 80 percent of public schools had libraries; in 1999–2000, 93 percent had libraries.

• The percentage of students attending schools with library media centers was 87 percent in

1953–54 and 98 percent in 1999–2000.

• Seventy-two percent of schools had a librarian in 1953–54 and 95 percent had a librarian in

1999–2000.

n the 1957–58 school year, North Carolina had state laws or regulations regarding school library

materials, services, and appropriations.1 The state employed two full-time professional school library 

supervisors in the state department of education. In 1962, North Carolina had school library standards

that had been prepared by the state department of education and were a part of the general standards for

schools.2

NDEA In 1960, the majority of the NDEA funds (76 percent) were spent for science

materials.3 In 1972, the area receiving the most funding was the natural

I
North Carolina

(continued)

108

sciences (34 percent).4 In FY 1972, 98 percent of the districts in North

Carolina participated in NDEA; these districts contained more than 99 percent 

of the students in the state.

ESEA Title II In FY 1967 and 1968, 26 new elementary and 15 secondary public school

libraries were established.5, 6 At the same time, 3,978 public school library

collection expansion projects were undertaken. By FY 1974, all of the schools 

in the state (2,008 schools) had a school library.7

In 1966, 81 percent of eligible public school students participated in ESEA

Title II (947,350 children), and 99 percent of the acquisitions money was used 

for school library resources.8 By 1974, 80 percent of North Carolina public

schools participated in the program (1,614 schools), and all the acquisitions

money was used for school library resources.7

Between 1996 and 1997, the North Carolina State Library, a part of the Department of Cultural

Resources, reported offering services to library media centers.9, 10 Services did not include LSCA grants, 

state aid, standards or guidelines, or development staff. Between 1998 and 2000, however, the State

Library offered LSTA grants for school library media centers.11, 12, 13

NOTE: Footnotes in the text refer to the state-level data sources shown at the end of this section (see

page 143).
109

Table 4-35. Historical summary of public school library media center 

statistics, various years, 1953–54 to 1999–2000: North Dakota

Characteristic 1953–54 1985–86 1990–91 1993–94 1999–2000

Number of public schools..................................................... 2,807 621 647 575 552

Number of pupils in public schools...................................... 122,852 160,887 118,778 115,635 109,496

Number of public schools with library media centers........... 8101584 612 538 461

Percent of public schools with library media centers............ 29 94 95 92 83

Number of pupils in schools with library media centers....... 73,8801

153,943 114,921 111,025 95,336

Percent of pupils in schools with library media centers........ 60 96 97 96 87

Number of schools with a librarian....................................... 605 4672369 448 503

Percent of schools with a librarian........................................ 22 75 57 78 91

Measures of library resources for all public school students in the state

Books per pupil..................................................................... 5

3,4 26 — 495

456

Library expenditures (excluding salaries) per pupil7............ $6 $26 — $255

$266

Book expenditures per pupil7................................................ $68

$13 — $135,9 $156

—Not available.

1

Includes only schools with formal, organized libraries; schools with

classroom collections only or other types of library services are not

included.

2Number was derived from the percentage of schools with library

media centers that had a librarian. 

3

Includes only books in formal, organized libraries.

4Book data include only schools reporting book stock.

5Book and expenditure data are from the 1992–93 school year.

6Book and expenditure data are from the 1998–99 school year.

7Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

8

Includes books and pamphlets.

9

Includes only locally budgeted expenditures; excludes federal gifts

and grants.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare: Statistics of Public School Libraries, 1953–54. U.S. Department of Education, 

National Center for Education Statistics: Statistics of Public and Private School Library Media Centers, 1985–86; and Schools and Staffing 

Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” 1990–91, 1993–94, and 1999–2000, “Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire,” 1993–

94 and 1999–2000, and 1999–2000 Schools Without Libraries Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.

Highlights of table 4-35 include the following:

• The percentage of public schools with libraries ranged from 29 percent in 1953–54 to

95 percent in 1990–91.

• Twenty-two percent of schools had a librarian in 1953–54; in 1999–2000, 91 percent of

schools had a librarian.

• In 1953–54, there were 5 school library books per pupil; in 1999–2000, there were 45 books

per pupil.

• Library expenditures (excluding salaries) were $6 per pupil (in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars) in

1953–54 and $26 per pupil in 1999–2000.

n the 1957–58 school year, North Dakota had state laws or regulations regarding school library

materials, services, and appropriations.1 The state did not employ any professional school library

supervisors in the state department of education. In 1962, the North Dakota state department of education 

had developed tentative or proposed standards for school libraries.2

I
North Dakota

(continued)

110

NDEA In 1960, the majority of the NDEA funds (96 percent) were spent for science

materials.3 In 1972, the area receiving the most funding was the natural

sciences (59 percent).4 In FY 1972, 35 percent of the districts in North Dakota 

participated in NDEA; these districts contained 67 percent of the students in

the state.

ESEA Title II In FY 1967 and 1968, 22 new elementary and 18 secondary public school

libraries were established.5, 6 At the same time, 1,193 public school library

collection expansion projects were undertaken. By FY 1974, 68 percent of the 

schools in the state (510 schools) had a school library.7

In 1966, 83 percent of eligible public school students participated in ESEA

Title II (116,610 children), and all the acquisitions money was used for school 

library resources.8 By 1974, 90 percent of North Dakota public schools

participated in the program (682 schools), and all the acquisitions money was

used for school library resources.7

In 1996, the North Dakota State Library, a part of the Department of Education, reported offering services 

to school library media centers.9 Services included LSCA or LSTA grants and development staff, but not 

state aid or standards or guidelines. Between 1997 and 2000, however, the State Library continued to

provide LSCA or LSTA grants, but it did not provide development staff as a service to school library

media centers.10, 11, 12, 13

NOTE: Footnotes in the text refer to the state-level data sources shown at the end of this section (see

page 143).
111

Table 4-36. Historical summary of public school library media center 

statistics, various years, 1953–54 to 1999–2000: Ohio

Characteristic 1953–54 1985–86 1990–91 1993–94 1999–2000

Number of public schools..................................................... 3,623 3,541 3,623 3,636 3,698

Number of pupils in public schools...................................... 1,393,714 1,880,312 1,716,955 1,816,266 1,887,164

Number of public schools with library media centers........... 1,4451

3,491 3,600 3,549 3,584

Percent of public schools with library media centers............ 40 99 99 98 97

Number of pupils in schools with library media centers....... 738,54411,871,975 1,707,644 1,785,702 1,848,105

Percent of pupils in schools with library media centers........ 53 100 100 98 98

Number of schools with a librarian....................................... 1,580 2,4792

2,629 2,917 3,160

Percent of schools with a librarian........................................ 44 70 73 80 85

Measures of library resources for all public school students in the state

Books per pupil..................................................................... 3

3,4 15 — 285

156

Library expenditures (excluding salaries) per pupil7............ $5 $15 — $125

$116

Book expenditures per pupil7................................................ $48

$7 — $65,9 $76

—Not available.

1

Includes only schools with formal, organized libraries; schools with

classroom collections only or other types of library services are not

included.

2Number was derived from the percentage of schools with library

media centers that had a librarian. 

3

Includes only books in formal, organized libraries.

4Book data include only schools reporting book stock.

5Book and expenditure data are from the 1992–93 school year.

6Book and expenditure data are from the 1998–99 school year.

7Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

8

Includes books and pamphlets.

9

Includes only locally budgeted expenditures; excludes federal gifts

and grants.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare: Statistics of Public School Libraries, 1953–54. U.S. Department of Education, 

National Center for Education Statistics: Statistics of Public and Private School Library Media Centers, 1985–86; and Schools and Staffing 

Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” 1990–91, 1993–94, and 1999–2000, “Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire,” 1993–

94 and 1999–2000, and 1999–2000 Schools Without Libraries Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.

Highlights of table 4-36 include the following:

• Forty percent of public schools had library media centers in 1953–54 and 97 percent had

library media centers in 1999–2000.

• The percentage of students attending schools with libraries was 53 percent in 1953–54 and

98 percent in 1999–2000.

• The percentage of schools with a librarian ranged from 44 percent in 1953–54 to 85 percent in

1999–2000.

n the 1957–58 school year, Ohio had state laws or regulations regarding school library materials,

services, and appropriations.1 The state employed no professional school library supervisors in the

state department of education. In 1962, Ohio had school library standards that had been prepared by the

state department of education and were a part of the general standards for schools.2

NDEA In 1960, the majority of the NDEA funds (81 percent) were spent for science

materials.3 By 1972, however, the area receiving the most funding was

I
Ohio

(continued)

112

English and reading (31 percent), while the natural sciences received

27 percent.4 In FY 1972, 99 percent of the districts in Ohio participated in

NDEA; these districts contained all the students in the state.

ESEA Title II In FY 1967 and 1968, 658 new elementary and 29 secondary public school

libraries were established.5, 6 At the same time, 5,713 public school library

collection expansion projects were undertaken. For FY 1974, no data were

available for the percentage of schools in the state with a school library.7

In 1966, 91 percent of eligible public school students participated in ESEA

Title II (2,096,220 children), and 92 percent of the acquisitions money was

used for school library resources.8 By 1974, 3,201 public schools in Ohio

participated in the program, and all of the acquisitions money was used for

school library resources.7

Between 1996 and 1998, the Ohio State Library, an independent agency, reported offering services to

school library media centers.9, 10, 11 Services did not include LSCA or LSTA grants, state aid, standards or 

guidelines, or development staff. Between 1999 and 2000, the State Library provided development staff

as a service to school library media centers.12, 13

NOTE: Footnotes in the text refer to the state-level data sources shown at the end of this section (see

page 143).
113

Table 4-37. Historical summary of public school library media center 

statistics, various years, 1953–54 to 1999–2000: Oklahoma

Characteristic 1953–54 1985–86 1990–91 1993–94 1999–2000

Number of public schools..................................................... 3,210 1,825 1,730 1,763 1,822

Number of pupils in public schools...................................... 467,393 636,668 574,546 579,583 614,820

Number of public schools with library media centers........... 1,64811,560 1,657 1,695 1,782

Percent of public schools with library media centers............ 51 85 96 96 98

Number of pupils in schools with library media centers....... 296,5291582,145 559,542 566,663 607,995

Percent of pupils in schools with library media centers........ 63 91 97 98 99

Number of schools with a librarian....................................... 1,588 1,3422

1,235 1,538 1,744

Percent of schools with a librarian........................................ 49 74 71 87 96

Measures of library resources for all public school students in the state

Books per pupil..................................................................... 2

3,4 13 — 205

226

Library expenditures (excluding salaries) per pupil7............ $5 $25 — $265

$186

Book expenditures per pupil7................................................ $38

$13 — $135,9 $126

—Not available.

1

Includes only schools with formal, organized libraries; schools with

classroom collections only or other types of library services are not

included.

2Number was derived from the percentage of schools with library

media centers that had a librarian. 

3

Includes only books in formal, organized libraries.

4Book data include only schools reporting book stock.

5Book and expenditure data are from the 1992–93 school year.

6Book and expenditure data are from the 1998–99 school year.

7Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

8

Includes books and pamphlets.

9

Includes only locally budgeted expenditures; excludes federal gifts

and grants.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare: Statistics of Public School Libraries, 1953–54. U.S. Department of Education, 

National Center for Education Statistics: Statistics of Public and Private School Library Media Centers, 1985–86; and Schools and Staffing 

Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” 1990–91, 1993–94, and 1999–2000, “Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire,” 1993–

94 and 1999–2000, and 1999–2000 Schools Without Libraries Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.

Highlights of table 4-37 include the following:

• The percentage of public schools with library media centers ranged from 51 percent in 1953–

54 to 98 percent in 1999–2000.

• In 1953–54, there were 2 school library books per pupil; in 1999–2000, there were 22 books

per pupil.

• Library expenditures (excluding salaries) were $5 per pupil (in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars) in

1953–54, $26 per pupil (in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars) in 1993–94, and $18 per pupil in

1999–2000.

n the 1957–58 school year, Oklahoma had no state laws or regulations regarding school library

materials, services, or appropriations.1 The state did not employ any professional school library

supervisors in the state department of education. In 1962, Oklahoma had school library standards that had 

been prepared by the state department of education and were a part of the general standards for schools.2

NDEA In 1960, the majority of the NDEA funds (70 percent) were spent for science

materials.3 By 1972, however, the area receiving the most funding was

I
Oklahoma

(continued)

114

English and reading (30 percent), while the natural sciences received

20 percent.4 In FY 1972, 60 percent of the districts in Oklahoma participated

in NDEA; these districts contained 89 percent of the students in the state.

ESEA Title II In FY 1967 and 1968, 1 new secondary and 40 new elementary public school

libraries were established.5, 6 At the same time, 2,468 public school library

collection expansion projects were undertaken. For FY 1974, no data were

available for the percentage of schools in the state with a school library.7

In 1966, 96 percent of eligible public school students participated in ESEA

Title II (567,558 children), and 58 percent of the acquisitions money was used 

for school library resources.8 By 1974, 1,448 public schools in Oklahoma

participated in the program, and 71 percent of the acquisitions money was used 

for school library resources.7

Between 1996 and 2000, the Oklahoma State Library, an independent agency, reported offering services

to school library media centers.9, 10, 11, 12, 13 Services did not include LSCA or LSTA grants, state aid,

standards or guidelines, or development staff.

NOTE: Footnotes in the text refer to the state-level data sources shown at the end of this section (see

page 143).
115

Table 4-38. Historical summary of public school library media center 

statistics, various years, 1953–54 to 1999–2000: Oregon

Characteristic 1953–54 1985–86 1990–91 1993–94 1999–2000

Number of public schools..................................................... 1,285 1,268 1,164 1,184 1,171

Number of pupils in public schools...................................... 302,264 465,936 459,106 478,877 527,426

Number of public schools with library media centers........... 67011,268 1,134 1,181 1,118

Percent of public schools with library media centers............ 52 100 97 100 95

Number of pupils in schools with library media centers....... 165,7291

465,936 458,000 478,656 516,311

Percent of pupils in schools with library media centers........ 55 100 100 100 98

Number of schools with a librarian....................................... 662 1,06521,000 875 889

Percent of schools with a librarian........................................ 52 84 86 74 77

Measures of library resources for all public school students in the state

Books per pupil..................................................................... 3

3,4 24 — 225

266

Library expenditures (excluding salaries) per pupil7............ $10 $30 — $225

$126

Book expenditures per pupil7................................................ $68

$14 — $115,9 $76

—Not available.

1

Includes only schools with formal, organized libraries; schools with

classroom collections only or other types of library services are not

included.

2Number was derived from the percentage of schools with library

media centers that had a librarian. 

3

Includes only books in formal, organized libraries.

4Book data include only schools reporting book stock.

5Book and expenditure data are from the 1992–93 school year.

6Book and expenditure data are from the 1998–99 school year.

7Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

8

Includes books and pamphlets.

9

Includes only locally budgeted expenditures; excludes federal gifts

and grants.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare: Statistics of Public School Libraries, 1953–54. U.S. Department of Education, 

National Center for Education Statistics: Statistics of Public and Private School Library Media Centers, 1985–86; and Schools and Staffing 

Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” 1990–91, 1993–94, and 1999–2000, “Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire,” 1993–

94 and 1999–2000, and 1999–2000 Schools Without Libraries Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.

Highlights of table 4-38 include the following:

• In 1953–54, 52 percent of public schools had libraries; 95 percent of public schools had

libraries in 1999–2000.

• The percentage of schools with a librarian ranged from 52 percent in 1953–54 to 86 percent in

1990–91. In 1999–2000, 77 percent of schools had a librarian.

• In 1953–54, there were 3 school library books per pupil; in 1999–2000, there were 26 books

per pupil.

• Library expenditures (excluding salaries) were $10 per pupil (in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars) in 

1953–54, $30 per pupil (in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars) in 1985–86, and $12 per pupil in

1999–2000.

n the 1957–58 school year, Oregon had state laws or regulations regarding school library materials,

services, and appropriations.1 The state employed one full-time professional school library supervisor

in the state department of education. In 1962, Oregon had school library standards that had been prepared 

by the state department of education and were a part of the general standards for schools.2

I
Oregon

(continued)

116

NDEA In 1960, the majority of the NDEA funds (68 percent) were spent for science

materials.3 By 1972, however, the area receiving the most funding was

English and reading (31 percent), while the natural sciences received

21 percent.4 In FY 1972, 12 percent of the districts in Oregon participated in

NDEA; these districts contained 77 percent of the students in the state.

ESEA Title II In FY 1967 and 1968, 117 new elementary and 12 secondary public school

libraries were established.5, 6 At the same time, 1,865 public school library

collection expansion projects were undertaken. By FY 1974, 96 percent of the 

schools in the state (1,222 schools) had a school library.7

In 1966, 95 percent of eligible public school students participated in ESEA

Title II (418,681 children), and 97 percent of the acquisitions money was used 

for school library resources.8 By 1974, 89 percent of Oregon public schools

participated in the program (1,133 schools), and 97 percent of the acquisitions

money was used for school library resources.7

Between 1996 and 2000, the Oregon State Library, an independent agency, reported offering services to

school library media centers.9, 10, 11, 12, 13 Services included LSCA or LSTA grants and development staff, 

but not state aid or standards or guidelines.

NOTE: Footnotes in the text refer to the state-level data sources shown at the end of this section (see

page 143).
117

Table 4-39. Historical summary of public school library media center 

statistics, various years, 1953–54 to 1999–2000: Pennsylvania

Characteristic 1953–54 1985–86 1990–91 1993–94 1999–2000

Number of public schools..................................................... 6,337 3,169 3,205 3,128 3,121

Number of pupils in public schools...................................... 1,612,672 1,765,818 1,722,046 1,805,243 1,828,298

Number of public schools with library media centers........... 2,40013,059 3,134 2,948 2,941

Percent of public schools with library media centers............ 38 97 98 94 94

Number of pupils in schools with library media centers....... 874,47111,738,549 1,688,326 1,767,411 1,740,391

Percent of pupils in schools with library media centers........ 54 98 98 98 95

Number of schools with a librarian....................................... 1,899 2,8752

2,968 2,922 2,940

Percent of schools with a librarian........................................ 30 91 93 93 95

Measures of library resources for all public school students in the state

Books per pupil..................................................................... 2

3,4 17 — 215

196

Library expenditures (excluding salaries) per pupil7............ $4 $13 — $145

$156

Book expenditures per pupil7................................................ $38

$7 — $85,9 $96

—Not available.

1

Includes only schools with formal, organized libraries; schools with

classroom collections only or other types of library services are not

included.

2Number was derived from the percentage of schools with library

media centers that had a librarian. 

3

Includes only books in formal, organized libraries.

4Book data include only schools reporting book stock.

5Book and expenditure data are from the 1992–93 school year.

6Book and expenditure data are from the 1998–99 school year.

7Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

8

Includes books and pamphlets.

9

Includes only locally budgeted expenditures; excludes federal gifts

and grants.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare: Statistics of Public School Libraries, 1953–54. U.S. Department of Education, 

National Center for Education Statistics: Statistics of Public and Private School Library Media Centers, 1985–86; and Schools and Staffing 

Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” 1990–91, 1993–94, and 1999–2000, “Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire,” 1993–

94 and 1999–2000, and 1999–2000 Schools Without Libraries Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.

Highlights of table 4-39 include the following:

• The trend during the past several decades has been to consolidate small public schools, thereby 

reducing the total number of schools (National Center for Education Statistics 2002). In 

Pennsylvania, there were 6,300 public schools in 1953–54; and in 1999–2000, the number of

schools was 3,100.

• In 1953–54, 38 percent of public schools had a library; in 1999–2000, 94 percent had a library.

• The percentage of schools with a librarian ranged from 30 percent in 1953–54 to 95 percent in

1999–2000.

• In 1953–54, there were 2 school library books per pupil; in 1999–2000, there were 19 books

per pupil.

n the 1957–58 school year, Pennsylvania had state laws or regulations regarding school library

materials, services, and appropriations.1 I The state did not employ any professional school library 
Pennsylvania

(continued)

118

supervisors in the state department of education. In 1962, Pennsylvania had school library standards that 

had been prepared by the state department of education and were published separately from other school

standards.2

NDEA In 1960, 49 percent of NDEA funds were spent for science materials.3

 In

1972, the area receiving the most funding was the natural sciences

(33 percent).4 In FY 1972, 79 percent of the districts in Pennsylvania participated in NDEA; these districts contained 86 percent of the students in the state.

ESEA Title II In FY 1967 and 1968, 249 new elementary and 27 secondary public school

libraries were established.5, 6 At the same time, 3,927 public school library

collection expansion projects were undertaken. For FY 1974, no data were

available for the percentage of schools in the state with a school library.7

In 1966, 97 percent of eligible public school students participated in ESEA

Title II (2,093,880 children), and 97 percent of the acquisitions money was

used for school library resources.8 By 1974, 4,320 public schools in

Pennsylvania participated in the program, and 74 percent of the acquisitions

money was used for school library resources.7

Between 1996 and 2000, the Pennsylvania State Library, a part of the Department of Education, reported 

offering services to school library media centers.9, 10, 11, 12, 13 Services included LSCA or LSTA grants,

standards or guidelines, and development staff, but not state aid.

NOTE: Footnotes in the text refer to the state-level data sources shown at the end of this section (see

page 143).
119

Table 4-40. Historical summary of public school library media center 

statistics, various years, 1953–54 to 1999–2000: Rhode Island

Characteristic 1953–54 1985–86 1990–91 1993–94 1999–2000

Number of public schools..................................................... 349 275 294 295 292

Number of pupils in public schools...................................... 103,232 132,944 148,027 124,230 147,889

Number of public schools with library media centers........... 821271 282 278 277

Percent of public schools with library media centers............ 23 99 96 94 95

Number of pupils in schools with library media centers....... 39,4461131,179 145,934 121,772 146,442

Percent of pupils in schools with library media centers........ 38 99 99 98 99

Number of schools with a librarian....................................... 67 2712

273 270 289

Percent of schools with a librarian........................................ 19 99 93 92 99

Measures of library resources for all public school students in the state

Books per pupil..................................................................... 2

3,4 12 — 165

156

Library expenditures (excluding salaries) per pupil7............ $3 $9 — $95

$136

Book expenditures per pupil7................................................ $18

$5 — $65,9 $76

—Not available.

1

Includes only schools with formal, organized libraries; schools with

classroom collections only or other types of library services are not

included.

2Number was derived from the percentage of schools with library

media centers that had a librarian. 

3

Includes only books in formal, organized libraries.

4Book data include only schools reporting book stock.

5Book and expenditure data are from the 1992–93 school year.

6Book and expenditure data are from the 1998–99 school year.

7Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

8

Includes books and pamphlets.

9

Includes only locally budgeted expenditures; excludes federal gifts

and grants.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare: Statistics of Public School Libraries, 1953–54. U.S. Department of Education, 

National Center for Education Statistics: Statistics of Public and Private School Library Media Centers, 1985–86; and Schools and Staffing 

Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” 1990–91, 1993–94, and 1999–2000, “Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire,” 1993–

94 and 1999–2000, and 1999–2000 Schools Without Libraries Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.

Highlights of table 4-40 include the following:

• Twenty-three percent of public schools had a library in 1953–54; 95 percent had a library in

1999–2000.

• The percentage of pupils in schools with library media centers was 38 percent in 1953–54 and

99 percent in 1999–2000.

• The percentage of schools with a librarian was 19 percent in 1953–54 and 99 percent in 1999–

2000.

n the 1957–58 school year, Rhode Island had state laws or regulations regarding school library

materials and services, but did not have them for appropriations.1 The state did not employ any

professional school library supervisors in the state department of education. In 1962, the Rhode Island

state department of education was in the process of preparing or revising school library standards.2

NDEA In 1960, the majority of the NDEA funds (89 percent) were spent for science

materials.3 In 1972, the area receiving the most funding was the natural

I
Rhode Island

(continued)

120

sciences (23 percent).4 In FY 1972, 54 percent of the districts in Rhode Island 

participated in NDEA; these districts contained 59 percent of the students in

the state.

ESEA Title II In FY 1967 and 1968, 47 new elementary and 6 secondary public school

libraries were established.5, 6 At the same time, 536 public school library

collection expansion projects were undertaken. By FY 1974, 98 percent of the 

schools in the state (370 schools) had a school library.7

In 1966, 89 percent of eligible public school students participated in ESEA

Title II (131,928 children), and 89 percent of the acquisitions money was used 

for school library resources.8 By 1974, 16 percent of Rhode Island public

schools participated in the program (59 schools), and all of the acquisitions

money was used for school library resources.7

Between 1996 and 1998, the Rhode Island State Library, a part of the Department of Administration,

reported offering services to school library media centers.9, 10, 11 Services included LSCA or LSTA grants 

and standards or guidelines, but not state aid or development staff. In 1999 and 2000, the State Library

provided development staff as a service to school library media centers in addition to LSTA grants and 

standards or guidelines.12, 13

NOTE: Footnotes in the text refer to the state-level data sources shown at the end of this section (see

page 143).
121

Table 4-41. Historical summary of public school library media center 

statistics, various years, 1953–54 to 1999–2000: South Carolina

Characteristic 1953–54 1985–86 1990–91 1993–94 1999–2000

Number of public schools..................................................... 2,378 1,019 1,085 1,081 1,066

Number of pupils in public schools...................................... 539,438 614,009 649,828 630,309 650,442

Number of public schools with library media centers........... 71311,019 1,045 1,052 1,035

Percent of public schools with library media centers............ 30 100 96 97 97

Number of pupils in schools with library media centers....... 266,3221

614,009 630,619 616,294 635,346

Percent of pupils in schools with library media centers........ 49 100 97 98 98

Number of schools with a librarian....................................... 822 99921,037 1,032 1,009

Percent of schools with a librarian........................................ 35 98 96 95 94

Measures of library resources for all public school students in the state

Books per pupil..................................................................... 1

3,4 14 — 185

156

Library expenditures (excluding salaries) per pupil7............ $4 $11 — $135

$146

Book expenditures per pupil7................................................ $28

$6 — $75,9 $106

—Not available.

1

Includes only schools with formal, organized libraries; schools with

classroom collections only or other types of library services are not

included.

2Number was derived from the percentage of schools with library

media centers that had a librarian. 

3

Includes only books in formal, organized libraries.

4Book data include only schools reporting book stock.

5Book and expenditure data are from the 1992–93 school year.

6Book and expenditure data are from the 1998–99 school year.

7Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

8

Includes books and pamphlets.

9

Includes only locally budgeted expenditures; excludes federal gifts

and grants.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare: Statistics of Public School Libraries, 1953–54. U.S. Department of Education, 

National Center for Education Statistics: Statistics of Public and Private School Library Media Centers, 1985–86; and Schools and Staffing 

Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” 1990–91, 1993–94, and 1999–2000, “Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire,” 1993–

94 and 1999–2000, and 1999–2000 Schools Without Libraries Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.

Highlights of table 4-41 include the following:

• The trend during the past several decades has been to consolidate small public schools, thereby 

reducing the total number of schools (National Center for Education Statistics 2002). In South 

Carolina, there were 2,400 public schools in 1953–54; and in 1999–2000, the number of

schools was 1,100.

• In 1953–54, 30 percent of public schools had a library; 97 percent of public schools had a

library in 1999–2000. 

• The percentage of schools with a librarian ranged from 35 percent in 1953–54 to 98 percent in

1985–86. In 1999–2000, 94 percent of schools had a librarian.

• Book expenditures per pupil were $2 (in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars) in 1953–54 and $10 in

1999–2000.

n the 1957–58 school year, South Carolina had state laws or regulations regarding school library

materials, services, and appropriations.1 The state employed one full-time professional school library

supervisor in the state department of education. In 1962, South Carolina had school library standards that 

I
South Carolina

(continued)

122

had been prepared by the state department of education and were a part of the general standards for

schools.2

NDEA In 1960, the majority of the NDEA funds (84 percent) were spent for science

materials.3 By 1972, however, the area receiving the most funding was

English and reading (36 percent), while the natural sciences received

30 percent.4 In FY 1972, 65 percent of the districts in South Carolina participated in NDEA; these districts contained 75 percent of the students in the state.

ESEA Title II In FY 1967 and 1968, 41 new elementary public school libraries were

established.5, 6 At the same time, 1,265 public school library collection

expansion projects were undertaken. By FY 1974, all the schools in the state

(1,105 schools) had a school library.7

In 1966, 44 percent of eligible public school students participated in ESEA

Title II (280,837 children), and all of the acquisitions money was used for

school library resources.8 By 1974, 71 percent of South Carolina public

schools participated in the program (784 schools), and 94 percent of the

acquisitions money was used for school library resources.7

Between 1996 and 2000, the South Carolina State Library, an independent agency, reported offering

services to school library media centers.9, 10, 11, 12, 13 Services included LSCA or LSTA grants, but not state 

aid, standards or guidelines, or development staff.

NOTE: Footnotes in the text refer to the state-level data sources shown at the end of this section (see

page 143).
123

Table 4-42. Historical summary of public school library media center 

statistics, various years, 1953–54 to 1999–2000: South Dakota

Characteristic 1953–54 1985–86 1990–91 1993–94 1999–2000

Number of public schools..................................................... 3,204 688 732 661 779

Number of pupils in public schools...................................... 124,086 160,140 148,790 139,525 137,280

Number of public schools with library media centers........... 6651485 696 647 571

Percent of public schools with library media centers............ 21 71 95 98 73

Number of pupils in schools with library media centers....... 54,7421142,903 145,746 134,339 124,277

Percent of pupils in schools with library media centers........ 44 89 98 96 91

Number of schools with a librarian....................................... 785 4072

447 562 555

Percent of schools with a librarian........................................ 25 59 61 85 71

Measures of library resources for all public school students in the state

Books per pupil..................................................................... 2

3,4 22 — 325

366

Library expenditures (excluding salaries) per pupil7............ $6 $20 — $335

$256

Book expenditures per pupil7................................................ $48

$10 — $145,9 $146

—Not available.

1

Includes only schools with formal, organized libraries; schools with

classroom collections only or other types of library services are not

included.

2Number was derived from the percentage of schools with library

media centers that had a librarian. 

3

Includes only books in formal, organized libraries.

4Book data include only schools reporting book stock.

5Book and expenditure data are from the 1992–93 school year.

6Book and expenditure data are from the 1998–99 school year.

7Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

8

Includes books and pamphlets.

9

Includes only locally budgeted expenditures; excludes federal gifts

and grants.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare: Statistics of Public School Libraries, 1953–54. U.S. Department of Education, 

National Center for Education Statistics: Statistics of Public and Private School Library Media Centers, 1985–86; and Schools and Staffing 

Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” 1990–91, 1993–94, and 1999–2000, “Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire,” 1993–

94 and 1999–2000, and 1999–2000 Schools Without Libraries Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.

Highlights of table 4-42 include the following:

• The trend during the past several decades has been to consolidate small public schools, thereby 

reducing the total number of schools (National Center for Education Statistics 2002). In South 

Dakota, there were 3,200 public schools in 1953–54; and in 1999–2000, the number of schools 

was 779.

• The percentage of public schools with library media centers ranged from 21 percent in 1953–

54 to 98 percent in 1993–94. In 1999–2000, 73 percent of public schools had library media

centers.

• Twenty-five percent of public schools had a librarian in 1953–54; 85 percent had a librarian in 

1993–94; and 71 percent had a librarian in 1999–2000.

• In 1953–54, there were 2 school library books per pupil; in 1999–2000, there were 36 books

per pupil.

n the 1957–58 school year, South Dakota had state laws or regulations regarding school library

materials and services, but did not have any for appropriations.1 I The state did not employ any
South Dakota

(continued)

124

professional school library supervisors in the state department of education. In 1962, South Dakota had

school library standards that had been prepared by the state department of education and were a part of

the general standards for schools.2

NDEA In 1960, the majority of the NDEA funds (79 percent) were spent for science

materials.

3

 In 1972, the area receiving the most funding was the natural

sciences (48 percent).4 In FY 1972, 57 percent of the districts in South Dakota 

participated in NDEA; these districts contained 61 percent of the students in

the state.

ESEA Title II In FY 1967 and 1968, seven new elementary and four secondary public school 

libraries were established.5, 6 At the same time, 2,820 public school library

collection expansion projects were undertaken. By FY 1974, 26 percent of the 

schools in the state (233 schools) had a school library.7

In 1966, 96 percent of eligible public school students participated in ESEA

Title II (151,919 children), and all of the acquisitions money was used for

school library resources.8 By 1974, all South Dakota public schools

participated in the program (902 schools), and all of the acquisitions money

was used for school library resources.7

In 1996, the South Dakota State Library, a part of the Department of Education and Cultural Affairs,

reported offering services to school library media centers.9 Services included LSCA grants and standards 

or guidelines, but not state aid or development staff. Between 1997 and 1999, the State Library offered

LSCA or LSTA grants, but not standards or guidelines.10, 11, 12 In 2000, the State Library provided LSTA 

grants and development staff as services to school library media centers.13

NOTE: Footnotes in the text refer to the state-level data sources shown at the end of this section (see

page 143).
125

Table 4-43. Historical summary of public school library media center 

statistics, various years, 1953–54 to 1999–2000: Tennessee

Characteristic 1953–54 1985–86 1990–91 1993–94 1999–2000

Number of public schools..................................................... 3,774 1,637 1,485 1,522 1,534

Number of pupils in public schools...................................... 711,989 828,899 789,393 840,505 965,063

Number of public schools with library media centers........... 1,34811,518 1,439 1,475 1,488

Percent of public schools with library media centers............ 36 93 97 97 97

Number of pupils in schools with library media centers....... 423,3261

813,064 778,548 834,409 916,637

Percent of pupils in schools with library media centers........ 59 98 99 99 95

Number of schools with a librarian....................................... 1,421 1,48821,328 1,380 1,410

Percent of schools with a librarian........................................ 38 91 89 91 92

Measures of library resources for all public school students in the state

Books per pupil..................................................................... 2

3,4 15 — 165

146

Library expenditures (excluding salaries) per pupil7............ $4 $12 — $105

$156

Book expenditures per pupil7................................................ $38

$7 — $55,9 $106

—Not available.

1

Includes only schools with formal, organized libraries; schools with

classroom collections only or other types of library services are not

included.

2Number was derived from the percentage of schools with library

media centers that had a librarian. 

3

Includes only books in formal, organized libraries.

4Book data include only schools reporting book stock.

5Book and expenditure data are from the 1992–93 school year.

6Book and expenditure data are from the 1998–99 school year.

7Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

8

Includes books and pamphlets.

9

Includes only locally budgeted expenditures; excludes federal gifts

and grants.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare: Statistics of Public School Libraries, 1953–54. U.S. Department of Education, 

National Center for Education Statistics: Statistics of Public and Private School Library Media Centers, 1985–86; and Schools and Staffing 

Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” 1990–91, 1993–94, and 1999–2000, “Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire,” 1993–

94 and 1999–2000, and 1999–2000 Schools Without Libraries Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.

Highlights of table 4-43 include the following:

• The trend during the past several decades has been to consolidate small public schools, thereby 

reducing the total number of schools (National Center for Education Statistics 2002). In 

Tennessee, there were 3,800 public schools in 1953–54; and in 1999–2000, the number of

schools was 1,500.

• The percentage of public schools with library media centers was 36 percent in 1953–54 and

97 percent in 1999–2000.

• In 1953–54, 38 percent of public schools had a librarian; in 1999–2000, 92 percent of public

schools had a librarian.

n the 1957–58 school year, Tennessee had state laws or regulations regarding school library materials,

services, and appropriations.1 The state employed one full-time professional school library supervisor

in the state department of education. In 1962, the Tennessee state department of education had secondary 

school library standards that were a part of the general standards for schools, and was in the process of

preparing or revising elementary school library standards.2

I
Tennessee

(continued)

126

NDEA In 1960, the majority of the NDEA funds (77 percent) were spent for science

materials.3 By 1972, however, the area receiving the most funding was

English and reading (36 percent), while the natural sciences received

34 percent.4 In FY 1972, 77 percent of the districts in Tennessee participated

in NDEA; these districts contained 93 percent of the students in the state.

ESEA Title II In FY 1967 and 1968, no new elementary or secondary public school libraries

were established.5, 6 However, 4,217 public school library collection expansion projects were undertaken. By FY 1974, 88 percent of the schools in the

state (1,501 schools) had a school library.7

In 1966, all eligible public school students participated in ESEA Title II

(858,631 children), and all of the acquisitions money was used for school

library resources.8 By 1974, all Tennessee public schools participated in the

program (1,701 schools), and all of the acquisitions money was used for school 

library resources.7

Between 1996 and 2000, the Tennessee State Library, in the legislative branch of the state government, 

reported offering services to school library media centers.9, 10, 11, 12, 13 Services did not include LSCA or

LSTA grants, state aid, standards or guidelines, or development staff.

NOTE: Footnotes in the text refer to the state-level data sources shown at the end of this section (see

page 143).
127

Table 4-44. Historical summary of public school library media center 

statistics, various years, 1953–54 to 1999–2000: Texas

Characteristic 1953–54 1985–86 1990–91 1993–94 1999–2000

Number of public schools..................................................... 5,447 5,354 5,651 5,890 6,650

Number of pupils in public schools...................................... 1,591,535 3,209,947 3,323,523 3,342,778 3,651,806

Number of public schools with library media centers........... 2,99415,223 5,610 5,579 6,246

Percent of public schools with library media centers............ 55 98 99 95 94

Number of pupils in schools with library media centers....... 939,2351

3,169,672 3,320,551 3,302,803 3,590,811

Percent of pupils in schools with library media centers........ 59 99 100 99 98

Number of schools with a librarian....................................... 2,463 4,75325,040 5,192 5,986

Percent of schools with a librarian........................................ 45 89 89 88 90

Measures of library resources for all public school students in the state

Books per pupil..................................................................... 2

3,4 13 — 155

186

Library expenditures (excluding salaries) per pupil7............ $7 $18 — $175

$186

Book expenditures per pupil7................................................ $48

$9 — $105,9 $126

—Not available.

1

Includes only schools with formal, organized libraries; schools with

classroom collections only or other types of library services are not

included.

2Number was derived from the percentage of schools with library

media centers that had a librarian. 

3

Includes only books in formal, organized libraries.

4Book data include only schools reporting book stock.

5Book and expenditure data are from the 1992–93 school year.

6Book and expenditure data are from the 1998–99 school year.

7Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

8

Includes books and pamphlets.

9

Includes only locally budgeted expenditures; excludes federal gifts

and grants.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare: Statistics of Public School Libraries, 1953–54. U.S. Department of Education, 

National Center for Education Statistics: Statistics of Public and Private School Library Media Centers, 1985–86; and Schools and Staffing 

Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” 1990–91, 1993–94, and 1999–2000, “Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire,” 1993–

94 and 1999–2000, and 1999–2000 Schools Without Libraries Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.

Highlights of table 4-44 include the following:

• The number of public schools in Texas ranged from 5,400 in 1953–54 to 6,700 in 1999–2000.

• In 1953–54, 55 percent of public schools had libraries; 94 percent of public schools had

libraries in 1999–2000.

• The percentage of public schools with a librarian ranged from 45 percent in 1953–54 to

90 percent in 1999–2000.

n the 1957–58 school year, Texas had state laws or regulations regarding school library materials,

services, and appropriations.1 The state employed one full-time professional school library supervisor

in the state department of education. In 1962, Texas had district library standards prepared by the state

department of education and were a part of the general standards for schools.2

NDEA In 1960, the majority of the NDEA funds (89 percent) were spent for science

materials.3 By 1972, however, the area receiving the most funding was

English and reading (33 percent), while the natural sciences received

I
Texas

(continued)

128

27 percent.4 In FY 1972, 69 percent of the districts in Texas participated in

NDEA; these districts contained 88 percent of the students in the state.

ESEA Title II In FY 1967 and 1968, 841 new elementary and 285 secondary public school

libraries were established.5, 6 At the same time, 8,510 public school library

collection expansion projects were undertaken. By FY 1974, 55 percent of the 

schools in the state (2,926 schools) had a school library.7

In 1966, 93 percent of eligible public school students participated in ESEA

Title II (2,151,445 children), and 92 percent of the acquisitions money was

used for school library resources.8 By 1974, 68 percent of Texas public

schools participated in the program (3,587 schools), and all of the acquisitions

money was used for school library resources.7

Between 1996 and 2000, the Texas State Library, an independent agency, reported offering services to

school library media centers.9, 10, 11, 12, 13 Services included standards or guidelines, but not LSCA or

LSTA grants, state aid, or development staff.

NOTE: Footnotes in the text refer to the state-level data sources shown at the end of this section (see

page 143).
129

Table 4-45. Historical summary of public school library media center 

statistics, various years, 1953–54 to 1999–2000: Utah

Characteristic 1953–54 1985–86 1990–91 1993–94 1999–2000

Number of public schools..................................................... 508 633 718 674 740

Number of pupils in public schools...................................... 175,689 395,315 438,875 454,114 468,438

Number of public schools with library media centers........... 3201616 688 651 693

Percent of public schools with library media centers............ 63 97 96 97 94

Number of pupils in schools with library media centers....... 112,8651

388,771 437,160 450,344 460,789

Percent of pupils in schools with library media centers........ 64 98 100 99 98

Number of schools with a librarian....................................... 257 4312445 486 596

Percent of schools with a librarian........................................ 51 68 62 72 80

Measures of library resources for all public school students in the state

Books per pupil..................................................................... 3

3,4 12 — 125

126

Library expenditures (excluding salaries) per pupil7............ $6 $10 — $95

$96

Book expenditures per pupil7................................................ $38

$5 — $55,9 $66

—Not available.

1

Includes only schools with formal, organized libraries; schools with

classroom collections only or other types of library services are not

included.

2Number was derived from the percentage of schools with library

media centers that had a librarian. 

3

Includes only books in formal, organized libraries.

4Book data include only schools reporting book stock.

5Book and expenditure data are from the 1992–93 school year.

6Book and expenditure data are from the 1998–99 school year.

7Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

8

Includes books and pamphlets.

9

Includes only locally budgeted expenditures; excludes federal gifts

and grants.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare: Statistics of Public School Libraries, 1953–54. U.S. Department of Education, 

National Center for Education Statistics: Statistics of Public and Private School Library Media Centers, 1985–86; and Schools and Staffing 

Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” 1990–91, 1993–94, and 1999–2000, “Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire,” 1993–

94 and 1999–2000, and 1999–2000 Schools Without Libraries Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.

Highlights of table 4-45 include the following:

• Utah had 508 public schools in 1954–54 and 740 public schools in 1999–2000,

• The percentage of public schools with library media centers was 63 percent in 1953–54 and

94 percent in 1999–2000.

• In 1953–54, 51 percent of public schools had a librarian; 80 percent of public schools had a

librarian in 1999–2000.

n the 1957–58 school year, Utah had state laws or regulations regarding school library materials,

services, and appropriations.1 The state did not employ any professional school library supervisors in

the state department of education. In 1962, Utah had no state school library standards.2

NDEA In 1960, the majority of the NDEA funds (75 percent) were spent for science

materials.3 By 1972, however, the area receiving the most funding was social

studies (30 percent), while the natural sciences received 22 percent.4 In

I
Utah

(continued)

130

FY 1972, 95 percent of the districts in Utah participated in NDEA; these

districts contained all the students in the state.

ESEA Title II In FY 1967 and 1968, 44 new elementary and 8 secondary public school

libraries were established.5, 6 At the same time, 870 public school library

collection expansion projects were undertaken. By FY 1974, all of the schools 

in the state (559 schools) had a school library.7

In 1966, 98 percent of eligible public school students participated in ESEA

Title II (281,496 children), and 98 percent of the acquisitions money was used 

for school library resources.8 By 1974, 98 percent of Utah public schools

participated in the program (549 schools), and all of the acquisitions money

was used for school library resources.7

In 1996 and 1997, the Utah State Library, a part of the Department of Community and Economic

Development, reported offering services to school library media centers.9, 10 Services did not include

LSCA grants, state aid, standards or guidelines, or development staff. Between 1998 and 2000, the State 

Library offered LSTA grants for school library media centers.11, 12, 13

NOTE: Footnotes in the text refer to the state-level data sources shown at the end of this section (see

page 143).
131

Table 4-46. Historical summary of public school library media center 

statistics, various years, 1953–54 to 1999–2000: Vermont

Characteristic 1953–54 1985–86 1990–91 1993–94 1999–2000

Number of public schools..................................................... 726 377 331 318 332

Number of pupils in public schools...................................... 62,629 97,443 90,632 91,787 109,290

Number of public schools with library media centers........... 1031309 290 318 332

Percent of public schools with library media centers............ 14 82 88 100 100

Number of pupils in schools with library media centers....... 20,6531

92,487 88,649 91,787 109,290

Percent of pupils in schools with library media centers........ 33 95 98 100 100

Number of schools with a librarian....................................... 53 2262242 276 287

Percent of schools with a librarian........................................ 7 60 73 87 86

Measures of library resources for all public school students in the state

Books per pupil..................................................................... 1

3,4 25 — 285

286

Library expenditures (excluding salaries) per pupil7............ $5 $28 — $315

$276

Book expenditures per pupil7................................................ $38

$13 — $175,9 $176

—Not available.

1

Includes only schools with formal, organized libraries; schools with

classroom collections only or other types of library services are not

included.

2Number was derived from the percentage of schools with library

media centers that had a librarian. 

3

Includes only books in formal, organized libraries.

4Book data include only schools reporting book stock.

5Book and expenditure data are from the 1992–93 school year.

6Book and expenditure data are from the 1998–99 school year.

7Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

8

Includes books and pamphlets.

9

Includes only locally budgeted expenditures; excludes federal gifts

and grants.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare: Statistics of Public School Libraries, 1953–54. U.S. Department of Education, 

National Center for Education Statistics: Statistics of Public and Private School Library Media Centers, 1985–86; and Schools and Staffing 

Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” 1990–91, 1993–94, and 1999–2000, “Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire,” 1993–

94 and 1999–2000, and 1999–2000 Schools Without Libraries Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.

Highlights of table 4-46 include the following:

• In 1953–54, 14 percent of public schools had a library media center; in 1999–2000, all public

schools had library media centers.

• The percentage of public schools with a librarian was 7 percent in 1953–54 and 86 percent in 

1999–2000.

• In 1953–54, there was 1 school library book per pupil; in 1999–2000, there were 28 books per

pupil.

• Library expenditures (excluding salaries) were $5 per pupil (in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars) in

1953–54, $31 per pupil (in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars) in 1993–94, and $27 per pupil in

1999–2000.

n the 1957–58 school year, Vermont had no state laws or regulations regarding school library materials, 

services, or appropriations.1 I The state did not employ any professional school library supervisors in the 
Vermont

(continued)

132

state department of education. In 1962, the Vermont state department of education had developed

tentative or proposed standards for secondary school libraries. No state standards were in place for

elementary school libraries.2

NDEA In 1960, the majority of the NDEA funds (81 percent) were spent for science

materials.3 By 1972, however, the area receiving the most funding was

English and reading (29 percent), while the natural sciences received

19 percent.4 In FY 1972, 48 percent of the districts in Vermont participated in 

NDEA; these districts contained 75 percent of the students in the state.

ESEA Title II In FY 1967 and 1968, nine new elementary and eight secondary public school

libraries were established.5, 6 At the same time, 889 public school library

collection expansion projects were undertaken. For FY 1974, no data were

available for the percentage of schools in the state with a school library.7

In 1966, all eligible public school students participated in ESEA Title II

(81,589 children), and all of the acquisitions money was used for school

library resources.8 By 1974, 148 public schools in Vermont participated in the 

program, and 49 percent of the acquisitions money was used for school library 

resources.7

Between 1996 and 1998, the Vermont State Library, a part of the Agency of Administration, reported

offering services to school library media centers.9, 10, 11 Services did not include LSCA or LSTA grants,

state aid, standards or guidelines, or development staff. In 1999 and 2000, the State Library provided

standards or guidelines to school library media centers.12, 13

NOTE: Footnotes in the text refer to the state-level data sources shown at the end of this section (see

page 143).
133

Table 4-47. Historical summary of public school library media center 

statistics, various years, 1953–54 to 1999–2000: Virginia

Characteristic 1953–54 1985–86 1990–91 1993–94 1999–2000

Number of public schools..................................................... 2,580 1,689 1,737 1,698 1,740

Number of pupils in public schools...................................... 687,461 1,074,904 943,179 958,091 1,099,572

Number of public schools with library media centers........... 1,10311,689 1,711 1,634 1,602

Percent of public schools with library media centers............ 43 100 99 96 92

Number of pupils in schools with library media centers....... 493,79211,074,904 934,841 925,685 1,059,890

Percent of pupils in schools with library media centers........ 72 100 99 97 96

Number of schools with a librarian....................................... 1,115 1,689 1,673 1,601 1,639

Percent of schools with a librarian........................................ 43 1002

96 94 95

Measures of library resources for all public school students in the state

Books per pupil..................................................................... 5

3,4 15 — 175

186

Library expenditures (excluding salaries) per pupil7............ $6 $13 — $165

$156

Book expenditures per pupil7................................................ $48

$7 — $85,9 $106

—Not available.

1

Includes only schools with formal, organized libraries; schools with

classroom collections only or other types of library services are not

included.

2Number was derived from the percentage of schools with library 

media centers that had a librarian. 

3

Includes only books in formal, organized libraries.

4Book data include only schools reporting book stock.

5Book and expenditure data are from the 1992–93 school year.

6Book and expenditure data are from the 1998–99 school year.

7Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

8

Includes books and pamphlets.

9

Includes only locally budgeted expenditures; excludes federal gifts

and grants.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare: Statistics of Public School Libraries, 1953–54. U.S. Department of Education, 

National Center for Education Statistics: Statistics of Public and Private School Library Media Centers, 1985–86; and Schools and Staffing 

Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” 1990–91, 1993–94, and 1999–2000, “Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire,” 1993–

94 and 1999–2000, and 1999–2000 Schools Without Libraries Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.

Highlights of table 4-47 include the following:

• Forty-three percent of public schools had a library in 1953–54; 92 percent had a library in

1999–2000.

• The percentage of pupils in schools with library media centers was 72 percent in 1953–54 and

96 percent in 1999–2000.

• The percentage of schools with a librarian ranged from 43 percent in 1953–54 to 100 percent in 

1985–86. In 1999–2000, 95 percent of public schools had a librarian.

n the 1957–58 school year, Virginia had state laws or regulations regarding school library materials,

services, and appropriations.1 The state employed three full-time professional school library

supervisors in the state department of education. In 1962, Virginia had school library standards that had

been prepared by the state department of education and were published separately from other school

standards.2

I
Virginia

(continued)

134

NDEA In 1960, the majority of the NDEA funds (80 percent) were spent for science

materials.3 In 1972, the area receiving the most funding was the natural

sciences (31 percent).4 In FY 1972, 89 percent of the districts in Virginia

participated in NDEA; these districts contained 95 percent of the students in

the state.

ESEA Title II In FY 1967 and 1968, 39 new elementary and 5 secondary public school

libraries were established.5, 6 At the same time, 3,667 public school library

collection expansion projects were undertaken. By FY 1974, 99 percent of the 

schools in the state (1,769 schools) had a school library.7

In 1966, all eligible public school students participated in ESEA Title II

(901,001 children), and 95 percent of the acquisitions money was used for

school library resources.8 By 1974, 99 percent of Virginia public schools

participated in the program (1,769 schools), and all of the acquisitions money

was used for school library resources.7

In 1996, the Virginia State Library, a part of the Secretariat of Education, reported offering services to

school library media centers.9 Services included LSCA grants and development staff, but not state aid, or 

standards or guidelines. Between 1997 and 2000, the State Library offered LSCA or LSTA grants for

school library media centers, but it no longer provided development staff.10, 11, 12, 13

NOTE: Footnotes in the text refer to the state-level data sources shown at the end of this section (see

page 143).
135

Table 4-48. Historical summary of public school library media center 

statistics, various years, 1953–54 to 1999–2000: Washington

Characteristic 1953–54 1985–86 1990–91 1993–94 1999–2000

Number of public schools..................................................... 1,461 1,596 1,772 1,806 2,008

Number of pupils in public schools...................................... 460,255 763,190 897,997 913,048 979,111

Number of public schools with library media centers........... 1,08111,574 1,728 1,705 1,841

Percent of public schools with library media centers............ 74 99 98 94 92

Number of pupils in schools with library media centers....... 364,3501762,713 885,743 909,882 941,961

Percent of pupils in schools with library media centers........ 79 100 99 100 96

Number of schools with a librarian....................................... 766 1,3692

1,551 1,576 1,602

Percent of schools with a librarian........................................ 52 86 88 87 80

Measures of library resources for all public school students in the state

Books per pupil..................................................................... 5

3,4 17 — 175

206

Library expenditures (excluding salaries) per pupil7............ $6 $16 — $155

$156

Book expenditures per pupil7................................................ $38

$10 — $85,9 $116

—Not available.

1

Includes only schools with formal, organized libraries; schools with

classroom collections only or other types of library services are not

included.

2Number was derived from the percentage of schools with library

media centers that had a librarian. 

3

Includes only books in formal, organized libraries.

4Book data include only schools reporting book stock.

5Book and expenditure data are from the 1992–93 school year.

6Book and expenditure data are from the 1998–99 school year.

7Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

8

Includes books and pamphlets.

9

Includes only locally budgeted expenditures; excludes federal gifts

and grants.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare: Statistics of Public School Libraries, 1953–54. U.S. Department of Education, 

National Center for Education Statistics: Statistics of Public and Private School Library Media Centers, 1985–86; and Schools and Staffing 

Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” 1990–91, 1993–94, and 1999–2000, “Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire,” 1993–

94 and 1999–2000, and 1999–2000 Schools Without Libraries Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.

Highlights of table 4-48 include the following:

• Seventy-four percent of public schools had a library in 1953–54; 92 percent had a library in

1999–2000.

• The percentage of public schools with a librarian ranged from 52 percent in 1953–54 to

88 percent in 1990–91. In 1999–2000, 80 percent of public schools had a librarian.

• In 1953–54, there were 5 school library books per pupil; in 1999–2000, there were 20 books

per pupil.

n the 1957–58 school year, Washington had state laws or regulations regarding school library

materials, services, and appropriations.1 The state employed two full-time professional school library 

supervisors in the state department of education. In 1962, Washington had school library standards that

had been prepared by the state department of education and were published separately from other school

standards.2

I
Washington

(continued)

136

NDEA In 1960, the majority of the NDEA funds (63 percent) were spent for science

materials.3 By 1972, however, the area receiving the most funding was social

studies (28 percent), while the natural sciences received 20 percent.4 In

FY 1972, 72 percent of the districts in Washington participated in NDEA;

these districts contained 99 percent of the students in the state.

ESEA Title II In FY 1967 and 1968, 26 new elementary and 2 secondary public school

libraries were established.5, 6 At the same time, 2,742 public school library

collection expansion projects were undertaken. For FY 1974, no data were

available for the percentage of schools in the state with a school library.7

In 1966, 94 percent of eligible public school students participated in ESEA

Title II (641,227 children), and 89 percent of the acquisitions money was used 

for school library resources.8 By 1974, 1,622 public schools in Washington

participated in the program, and 95 percent of the acquisitions money was used 

for school library resources.7

Between 1996 and 2000, the Washington State Library, an independent agency, reported offering services 

to school library media centers.9, 10, 11, 12, 13 Services included LSCA or LSTA grants, but not state aid,

standards or guidelines, or development staff.

NOTE: Footnotes in the text refer to the state-level data sources shown at the end of this section (see

page 143).
137

Table 4-49. Historical summary of public school library media center 

statistics, various years, 1953–54 to 1999–2000: West Virginia

Characteristic 1953–54 1985–86 1990–91 1993–94 1999–2000

Number of public schools..................................................... 3,687 1,048 1,007 898 798

Number of pupils in public schools...................................... 451,991 376,158 336,584 316,190 296,096

Number of public schools with library media centers........... 4971623 769 770 610

Percent of public schools with library media centers............ 13 59 76 86 76

Number of pupils in schools with library media centers....... 181,8271

261,042 283,043 293,223 247,624

Percent of pupils in schools with library media centers........ 40 69 84 93 84

Number of schools with a librarian....................................... 528 5732545 595 475

Percent of schools with a librarian........................................ 14 55 54 66 59

Measures of library resources for all public school students in the state

Books per pupil..................................................................... 2

3,4 9 — 145

146

Library expenditures (excluding salaries) per pupil7............ $4 $9 — $75

$106

Book expenditures per pupil7................................................ $28

$5 — $45,9 $66

—Not available.

1

Includes only schools with formal, organized libraries; schools with

classroom collections only or other types of library services are not

included.

2Number was derived from the percentage of schools with library

media centers that had a librarian. 

3

Includes only books in formal, organized libraries.

4Book data include only schools reporting book stock.

5Book and expenditure data are from the 1992–93 school year.

6Book and expenditure data are from the 1998–99 school year.

7Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

8

Includes books and pamphlets.

9

Includes only locally budgeted expenditures; excludes federal gifts

and grants.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare: Statistics of Public School Libraries, 1953–54. U.S. Department of Education, 

National Center for Education Statistics: Statistics of Public and Private School Library Media Centers, 1985–86; and Schools and Staffing 

Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” 1990–91, 1993–94, and 1999–2000, “Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire,” 1993–

94 and 1999–2000, and 1999–2000 Schools Without Libraries Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.

Highlights of table 4-49 include the following:

• The trend during the past several decades has been to consolidate small public schools, thereby 

reducing the total number of schools (National Center for Education Statistics 2002). In West

Virginia, there were 3,700 public schools in 1953–54; and in 1999–2000, the number of

schools was 798.

• The percentage of public schools with library media centers ranged from 13 percent in 1953–

54 to 86 percent in 1993–94. In 1999–2000, 76 percent of public schools had library media

centers.

• In 1953–54, 14 percent of public schools had a librarian; in 1999–2000, 59 percent had a

librarian.

n the 1957–58 school year, West Virginia had state laws or regulations regarding school library

materials, services, and appropriations.1 The state did not employ any professional school library

supervisors in the state department of education. In 1962, West Virginia had secondary school library

standards that had been prepared by the state department of education and were a part of the general

standards for schools. No state standards were in place for elementary school libraries.2

I
West Virginia

(continued)

138

NDEA In 1960, the majority of the NDEA funds (82 percent) were spent for science

materials.3 In 1972, the area receiving the most funding was the natural

sciences (28 percent).4 In FY 1972, all districts and all students in West

Virginia participated in NDEA.

ESEA Title II In FY 1967 and 1968, 27 new elementary and 11 secondary public school

libraries were established.5, 6 At the same time, 5,285 public school library

collection expansion projects were undertaken. For FY 1974, no data were

available for the percentage of schools in the state with a school library.7

In 1966, all eligible public school students participated in ESEA Title II

(444,937 children), and 90 percent of the acquisitions money was used for

school library resources.8 No data are available for 1974 for the number of

West Virginia public schools that participated in the program; however, all of

the acquisitions money was used for school library resources.7

Between 1996 and 1998, the West Virginia State Library, an independent agency, reported offering

services to school library media centers.9, 10, 11 Services did not include LSCA or LSTA grants, state aid,

standards or guidelines, or development staff. In 1999, however, the State Library provided development 

staff as a service to school library media centers, but it did not provide this service in 2000.12, 13

NOTE: Footnotes in the text refer to the state-level data sources shown at the end of this section (see

page 143).
139

Table 4-50. Historical summary of public school library media center 

statistics, various years, 1953–54 to 1999–2000: Wisconsin

Characteristic 1953–54 1985–86 1990–91 1993–94 1999–2000

Number of public schools..................................................... 5,669 2,020 1,848 2,014 1,952

Number of pupils in public schools...................................... 530,111 836,750 796,131 880,935 843,116

Number of public schools with library media centers........... 1,10411,834 1,763 1,994 1,948

Percent of public schools with library media centers............ 19 91 95 99 100

Number of pupils in schools with library media centers....... 247,4911

813,327 775,638 877,783 842,781

Percent of pupils in schools with library media centers........ 47 97 97 100 100

Number of schools with a librarian....................................... 2,486 1,68721,446 1,905 1,897

Percent of schools with a librarian........................................ 44 84 78 95 97

Measures of library resources for all public school students in the state

Books per pupil..................................................................... 3

3,4 22 — 255

276

Library expenditures (excluding salaries) per pupil7............ $7 $22 — $285

$266

Book expenditures per pupil7................................................ $58

$10 — $135,9 $156

—Not available.

1

Includes only schools with formal, organized libraries; schools with

classroom collections only or other types of library services are not

included.

2Number was derived from the percentage of schools with library

media centers that had a librarian. 

3

Includes only books in formal, organized libraries.

4Book data include only schools reporting book stock.

5Book and expenditure data are from the 1992–93 school year.

6Book and expenditure data are from the 1998–99 school year.

7Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

8

Includes books and pamphlets.

9

Includes only locally budgeted expenditures; excludes federal gifts

and grants.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare: Statistics of Public School Libraries, 1953–54. U.S. Department of Education, 

National Center for Education Statistics: Statistics of Public and Private School Library Media Centers, 1985–86; and Schools and Staffing 

Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” 1990–91, 1993–94, and 1999–2000, “Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire,” 1993–

94 and 1999–2000, and 1999–2000 Schools Without Libraries Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.

Highlights of table 4-50 include the following:

• The trend during the past several decades has been to consolidate small public schools, thereby 

reducing the total number of schools (National Center for Education Statistics 2002). In 

Wisconsin, there were 5,700 public schools in 1953–54; and in 1999–2000, the number of

schools was 2,000.

• In 1953–54, 19 percent of public schools had library media centers; in 1999–2000, all public

schools had library media centers.

• In 1953–54, there were 3 school library books per pupil; in 1999–2000, there were 27 books

per pupil.

• Library expenditures (excluding salaries) were $7 per pupil (in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars) in

1953–54 and $26 per pupil in 1999–2000.

n the 1957–58 school year, Wisconsin had state laws or regulations regarding school library materials,

services, and appropriations.1 I The state employed two full-time professional school library supervisors 
Wisconsin

(continued)

140

in the state department of education. In 1962, Wisconsin had school library standards that had been

prepared by the state department of education and were a part of the general standards for schools.2

NDEA In 1960, the majority of the NDEA funds (83 percent) were spent for science

materials.3 By 1972, however, the area receiving the most funding was

English and reading (24 percent), while the natural sciences received

23 percent.4 In FY 1972, 87 percent of the districts in Wisconsin participated

in NDEA; these districts contained 92 percent of the students in the state.

ESEA Title II In FY 1967 and 1968, 23 new elementary public school libraries were

established.5, 6 At the same time, 2,350 public school library collection expansion projects were undertaken. By FY 1974, 74 percent of the schools in the

state (1,721 schools) had a school library.7

In 1966, 99 percent of eligible public school students participated in ESEA

Title II (851,500 children), and 77 percent of the acquisitions money was used 

for school library resources.8 By 1974, 96 percent of Wisconsin public schools 

participated in the program (2,225 schools), and 99 percent of the acquisitions

money was used for school library resources.7

Between 1996 and 2000, the Wisconsin State Library, a part of the Department of Education, reported

offering services to school library media centers.9, 10, 11, 12, 13 Services included LSCA or LSTA grants,

standards or guidelines, and development staff, but not state aid.

NOTE: Footnotes in the text refer to the state-level data sources shown at the end of this section (see

page 143).
141

Table 4-51. Historical summary of public school library media center 

statistics, various years, 1953–54 to 1999–2000: Wyoming

Characteristic 1953–54 1985–86 1990–91 1993–94 1999–2000

Number of public schools..................................................... 708 361 376 411 395

Number of pupils in public schools...................................... 65,111 97,875 101,710 102,484 95,816

Number of public schools with library media centers........... 1711333 376 396 346

Percent of public schools with library media centers............ 24 92 100 96 87

Number of pupils in schools with library media centers....... 30,6361

96,869 101,710 102,140 93,362

Percent of pupils in schools with library media centers........ 47 99 100 100 97

Number of schools with a librarian....................................... 263 2162262 290 328

Percent of schools with a librarian........................................ 37 60 70 71 83

Measures of library resources for all public school students in the state

Books per pupil..................................................................... 2

3,4 21 — 385

336

Library expenditures (excluding salaries) per pupil7............ $8 $34 — $255

$226

Book expenditures per pupil7................................................ $48

$18 — $115,9 $136

—Not available.

1

Includes only schools with formal, organized libraries; schools with

classroom collections only or other types of library services are not

included.

2Number was derived from the percentage of schools with library

media centers that had a librarian. 

3

Includes only books in formal, organized libraries.

4Book data include only schools reporting book stock.

5Book and expenditure data are from the 1992–93 school year.

6Book and expenditure data are from the 1998–99 school year.

7Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

8

Includes books and pamphlets.

9

Includes only locally budgeted expenditures; excludes federal gifts

and grants.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare: Statistics of Public School Libraries, 1953–54. U.S. Department of Education, 

National Center for Education Statistics: Statistics of Public and Private School Library Media Centers, 1985–86; and Schools and Staffing 

Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” 1990–91, 1993–94, and 1999–2000, “Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire,” 1993–

94 and 1999–2000, and 1999–2000 Schools Without Libraries Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.

Highlights of table 4-51 include the following:

• The percentage of public schools with library media centers ranged from 24 percent in 1953–

54 to 100 percent in 1990–91. In 1999–2000, 87 percent of public schools had a school library.

• The percentage of public schools with a librarian ranged from 37 percent in 1953–54 to

83 percent in 1999–2000.

• In 1953–54, there were 2 school library books per pupil; in 1999–2000, there were 33 books

per pupil. 

n the 1957–58 school year, Wyoming had state laws or regulations regarding school library materials,

services, and appropriations.1 The state did not employ any professional school library supervisors in

the state department of education. In 1962, Wyoming had school library standards that had been prepared 

by the state department of education and were published separately from other school standards.2

NDEA In 1960, the majority of the NDEA funds (59 percent) were spent for science

materials.3 By 1972, however, the area receiving the most funding was

I
Wyoming

(continued)

142

English and reading (35 percent), while the natural sciences received

24 percent.4 In FY 1972, 81 percent of the districts in Wyoming participated

in NDEA; these districts contained 95 percent of the students in the state.

ESEA Title II In FY 1967 and 1968, 12 new elementary public school libraries were

established.5, 6 At the same time, 260 public school library collection expansion projects were undertaken. By FY 1974, 50 percent of the schools in the

state (96 schools) had a school library.7

In 1966, 60 percent of eligible public school students participated in ESEA

Title II (54,775 children), and 85 percent of the acquisitions money was used

for school library resources.8 By 1974, all Wyoming public schools

participated in the program (192 schools), and 97 percent of the acquisitions

money was used for school library resources.7

Between 1996 and 1998, the Wyoming State Library, a part of the Department of Administration and

Information, reported offering services to school library media centers.9, 10, 11 Services included development staff, but not LSCA or LSTA grants, state aid, or standards or guidelines. In 1999 and 2000, the

State Library continued to provide development staff and also offered LSTA grants for school library

media centers.12, 13

NOTE: Footnotes in the text refer to the state-level data sources shown at the end of this section (see

page 143).
143

Sources for State-Level Data

1

 Mahar, M.H. (1960). State Department of Education Responsibilities for School Libraries (OE-15006). 

Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office. Tables 7, 8, 9, and 16.

2

 Darling, R.L. (1964b). Survey of School Library Standards (OE 15048) Washington, DC: U.S. 

Government Printing Office. Appendix B, Table 1.

3 U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. (1960). Report on the National Defense Education 

Act: Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 1960 (OE-10004-60). Washington, DC: Author. Table 11.

4 U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. (1973). Strengthening Instruction in Academic

Subjects: Title III, Part A, National Defense Education Act as Amended, Annual Report: Fiscal Year

1972 (ED082382). Washington, DC: Author. Tables 6 and 7.

5 U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. (1969b). School Library Resources, Textbooks,

and Other Instructional Materials: Title II, Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, Second

Annual Report, Fiscal Year 1967 (OE-20108-67). Washington, DC: Author. Table 12.

6 U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. (1971). School Library Resources, Textbooks, and 

Other Instructional Materials: Title II, Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, Third Annual 

Report, Fiscal Year 1968. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office. Table 13.

7 U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. (1974). School Library Resources, Textbooks, and 

Other Instructional Materials: Title II, ESEA, Fiscal Year 1974 [and] Strengthening Instruction in the

Academic Subjects: Title III, NDEA, Fiscal Years 1973–1974, Annual Reports (ED169901). 

Washington, DC: Author. Tables 7, 15, and 17.

8 U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. (1967b). School Library Resources, Textbooks,

and Other Instructional Materials: Title II, Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, First

Annual Report, Fiscal Year 1966 (OE-20108). Washington, DC: Author. Tables 6 and 9.

9

 National Center for Education Statistics. (1998). State Library Agencies, Fiscal Year 1996 (NCES 98–

258). U.S. Department of Education. Washington, DC: Author. Table 4c.

10National Center for Education Statistics. (1999). State Library Agencies, Fiscal Year 1997. (NCES 

1999–304). U.S. Department of Education. Washington, DC: Author. Table 4c.

11National Center for Education Statistics. (2000a). State Library Agencies, Fiscal Year 1998. (NCES 

2000–318). U.S. Department of Education. Washington, DC: Author. Table 6c.

12National Center for Education Statistics. (2000b). State Library Agencies, Fiscal Year 1999. (NCES 

2000–374). U.S. Department of Education. Washington, DC: Author. Table 7c.

13National Center for Education Statistics. (2001). State Library Agencies, Fiscal Year 2000. (NCES 

2002–302). U.S. Department of Education. Washington, DC: Author. Tables 1A, 1B, and 7C.
144
145

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U.S. Government Printing Office.

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1985–86 (with historical comparisons from 1958–1985). Washington, DC: U.S. Department of 

Education.

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Darling, R.L. (1964b). Survey of School Library Standards (OE 15048). Washington, DC: U.S. 

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Eells, W.C. (1939). Measurement of the Adequacy of a Secondary School Library: A Report on One 

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Gaarder, A.B. (1966). Improving Instruction in the Public Schools through Title III of the NDEA (OE29065). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office.
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16, 1987. School Library Media Quarterly 16: 122–126.

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National Center for Education Statistics. (1999). State Library Agencies, Fiscal Year 1997 (NCES 

1999–304). U.S. Department of Education. Washington, DC: Author.

National Center for Education Statistics. (2000a). State Library Agencies, Fiscal Year 1998 (NCES 

2000–318). U.S. Department of Education. Washington, DC: Author.

National Center for Education Statistics. (2000b). State Library Agencies, Fiscal Year 1999 (NCES 

2000–374). U.S. Department of Education. Washington, DC: Author.

National Center for Education Statistics. (2001). State Library Agencies, Fiscal Year 2000 (NCES 

2002–302). U.S. Department of Education. Washington, DC: Author.

National Center for Education Statistics. (2002). Digest of Education Statistics, 2001 (NCES 2002–130). 

U.S. Department of Education. Washington, DC: Author.

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U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. (1960). Report on the National Defense Education 

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U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. (1967a). NDEA Title III Guidelines, January 1965, 

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U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. (1967b). School Library Resources, Textbooks, and 

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Annual Report, Fiscal Year 1966 (OE-20108). Washington, DC: Author.

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References

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148

U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. (1969b). School Library Resources, Textbooks, and 

Other Instructional Materials: Title II, Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, Second 

Annual Report, Fiscal Year 1967 (OE-20108-67). Washington, DC: Author.

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Education: The Fifth Report of the Advisory Council on State Departments of Education (OE 

23050-70). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office.

U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. (1970b). School Library Resources, Textbooks, and 

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Mathematics, Foreign Languages and the Humanities and Arts: Title III, NDEA, Annual Report, 

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U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. (1971). School Library Resources, Textbooks, and 

Other Instructional Materials: Title II, Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, Third 

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U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. (1972). An Evaluative Survey Report on ESEA Title 

II: Fiscal Years 1966–1968. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office.

U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. (1973). Strengthening Instruction in Academic 

Subjects: Title III, Part A, National Defense Education Act as Amended, Annual Report: Fiscal 

Year 1972 (ED082382). Washington, DC: Author.

U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. (1974). School Library Resources, Textbooks, and 

Other Instructional Materials: Title II, ESEA, Fiscal Year 1974 [and] Strengthening Instruction in 

the Academic Subjects: Title III, NDEA, Fiscal Years 1973–1974, Annual Reports (ED169901). 

Washington, DC: Author.

U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. (1975). School Library Resources, Textbooks, and 

Other Instructional Materials: Title II, ESEA, Fiscal Year 1975 [and] Strengthening Instruction in 

the Academic Subjects: Title III, NDEA, Fiscal Year 1975, Annual Reports. (ED169902). 

Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. 
A-1

Appendix A

Per Pupil Measures
A-2
A-3

PER PUPIL MEASURES

This report presents almost 50 years of data on support for public school library media centers in

the context of federal legislation and allocations to states, regional accrediting standards, and state

standards and regulations. The tables in this report present three per pupil measures: books per pupil,

library expenditures per pupil, and book expenditures per pupil. Such per pupil measures can be

calculated using one of two denominators: students in public schools with library media centers, or all

students in public schools. The broad scope of this report influenced the decision to use the denominator 

that represented all public school students. 

Using a denominator that represents 100 percent of public school pupils provides a context for

observing change in the per pupil measures, a proxy for societal support for school libraries. On the other 

hand, including all pupils in the denominator underestimates the extent of the library resources available

for the students who attend schools with library media centers. In this appendix, we attempt to address

the issue of underestimation by presenting both approaches to estimating per pupil measures. Table A-1 

presents per pupil estimates rounded to whole numbers, as they are presented in the body of the report.

Table A-2 presents per pupil estimates taken to two decimal places. For both tables, the dollar amounts,

adjusted for inflation, are presented in 1999–2000 dollars.

In 1953–54, when 59 percent of public school students attended schools with a library, the

difference between the two library expenditures per pupil measures was $4.01 (table A-2). In 1985–86, 

when 98 percent of pupils were in public schools with library media centers, the difference between the 

two library expenditures per pupil measures was $.39. Ninety-seven percent of public school students

had access to a library media center in 1999–2000, and the difference between the two library expenditure 

measures was $.51.

In the 1950s and 1960s, there appear to be differences between some of the per pupil measures

using the two different calculation approaches. Standard errors are not available for those years, however, 

so the differences have not been tested. 

Difference between the two approaches for per pupil measures can be tested for recent years, but

the percent of pupils in schools with library media centers is more than 95 percent in these years. Table

A-3 examines the per pupil measures for the 1993–94 and 1999–2000 school years with their standard

errors and other selected characteristics. For 1993–94, no differences were detected between the pairs of

per pupil measures. In 1999–2000, the only pair of estimates that differed was the number of books per

pupil. Students in schools with libraries averaged 18.03 books per pupil, and among all public school

students, the average number of books per pupil was 17.45

.
A-4

Table A-1. Historical summary of public school library media center statistics with two approaches for 

estimating per pupil measures, various years, 1953–54 to 1999–2000: National

Characteristic 1953–54 1958–5911960–61 1962–6311978 1985–86 1990–91 1993–94 1999–2000

Number of public schools................................128,831 82,222 102,487 83,428 83,044 78,455 79,885 80,740 83,824

Number of pupils in public schools................................ 27,652,365 33,716,309 35,952,711 37,252,102 43,576,906 40,122,882 40,103,699 41,621,660 45,035,115

Number of public schools with library 

media centers................................................................ 46,8802 41,4632 47,5462 49,1582 70,854 73,352 76,544 77,218 76,807

Percent of public schools with library 

media centers................................................................ 36 50 46 59 85 93 96 96 92

Number of pupils in schools with library

media centers................................................................ 16,276,1812 23,046,0722 25,300,2432 27,671,1052 40,606,100 39,146,923 39,429,143 40,884,333 43,599,096

Percent of pupils in schools with library 

media centers................................................................ 59 68 70 74 93 98 98 98 97

Number of schools with a librarian................................ 51,498 34,845 33,401 33,4782 — 62,1413

62,845 67,350 63,413

Percent of schools with a librarian................................ 40 42 33 40 — 79 79 83 76

Measures of library resources for all public school students in the U.S.

Books per pupil................................................................ 3

4, 5 4

4 44 54 12 15 — 186 177

Library expenditures (excluding salaries) 

per pupil8................................................................ $6 — $12 — — $16 — $156 $157

Book expenditures per pupil8................................ $49 $6 $89 $9 $11 $8 — $86, 10 $107

Measures of library resources for public school students in schools with library media centers in the U.S.

Books per pupil................................................................ 4

4, 5 5

4 64 64 13 16 — 186 187

Library expenditures (excluding salaries) 

per pupil8................................................................ $10 — $17 — — $16 — $156 $167

Book expenditures per pupil8................................ $69 $9 $129 $13 $11 $8 — $86, 10 $10

7

— Not available.

1

Includes only public schools in districts with 150 or more students.

2

Includes only schools with formal, organized libraries; schools with classroom collections 

only or other types of library services are not included.

3National total was recalculated from individual state data.

4

Includes only books in formal, organized libraries.

5Book data include only schools reporting book stock.

6Book and expenditure data are from the 1992–93 school year.

7Book and expenditure data are from the 1998–99 school year.

8Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

9

Includes books and pamphlets.

10Includes only locally budgeted expenditures; excludes federal gifts and grants.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare: Statistics of Public School Libraries, 1953–54 and 1960–61, and Public School Library Statistics, 1958–59 and 1962–63. U.S. 

Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics: Statistics of Public School Libraries/Media Centers, Fall 1978; Statistics of Public and Private School Library Media Centers, 1985–

86; Digest of Education Statistics 2001; and Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” 1990–91, 1993–94, and 1990–2000, “Public School Library Media Center 

Questionnaire,” 1993–94 and 1999–2000, and 1999–2000 Schools Without Libraries Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.
A-5

Table A-2. Historical summary of public school library media center statistics with two approaches for 

estimating per pupil measures taken to two decimal places, various years, 1953–54 to 1999–

2000: National

Characteristic 1953–54 1958–5911960–61 1962–631

1978 1985–86 1990–91 1993–94 1999–2000

Number of public schools................................ 128,831 82,222 102,487 83,428 83,044 78,455 79,885 80,740 83,824

Number of pupils in public schools................................ 27,652,365 33,716,309 35,952,711 37,252,102 43,576,906 40,122,882 40,103,699 41,621,660 45,035,115

Number of public schools with library 

media centers................................................................ 46,8802 41,4632 47,5462 49,1582 70,854 73,352 76,544 77,218 76,807

Percent of public schools with library 

media centers................................................................ 36 50 46 59 85 93 96 96 92

Number of pupils in schools with library 

media centers................................................................ 16,276,1812 23,046,0722 25,300,2432 27,671,1052 40,606,100 39,146,923 39,429,143 40,884,333 43,599,096

Percent of pupils in schools with library 

media centers................................................................ 59 68 70 74 93 98 98 98 97

Number of schools with a librarian................................ 51,498 34,845 33,401 33,4782 — 62,141362,845 67,350 63,413

Percent of schools with a librarian................................ 40 42 33 40 — 79 79 83 76

Measures of library resources for all public school students in the U.S.

Books per pupil................................................................ 2.644, 5 3.654 3.994 4.614 12.19 15.48 — 18.126 17.457

Library expenditures (excluding salaries) 

per pupil8................................................................ $574 — $11.82 — — $15.52 — $15.126 $15.327

Book expenditures per pupil8

................................$3.669 $6.40 $8.359 $9.45 $10.70 $7.96 — $7.586, 10 $9.977

Measures of library resources for public school students in schools with library media centers in the U.S.

Books per pupil................................................................ 4.484, 5 5.354 5.674 6.204 13.08 15.86 — 18.456

18.037

Library expenditures (excluding salaries) 

per pupil8................................................................ $975 — $16.76 — — $15.91 — $15.396

$15.837

Book expenditures per pupil8

................................$6.219 $9.36 $11.879 $12.72 $11.49 $8.16 — $7.726, 10 $10.307

— Not available.

1

Includes only public schools in districts with 150 or more students.

2

Includes only schools with formal, organized libraries; schools with classroom collections 

only or other types of library services are not included.

3National total was recalculated from individual state data.

4

Includes only books in formal, organized libraries.

5Book data include only schools reporting book stock

6Book and expenditure data are from the 1992–93 school year.

7Book and expenditure data are from the 1998–99 school year.

8Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

9

Includes books and pamphlets.

10Includes only locally budgeted expenditures; excludes federal gifts and grants.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare: Statistics of Public School Libraries, 1953–54 and 1960–61, and Public School Library Statistics, 1958–59 and 1962–63. U.S. 

Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics: Statistics of Public School Libraries/Media Centers, Fall 1978; Statistics of Public and Private School Library Media Centers, 1985–

86; Digest of Education Statistics 2001; and Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” 1990–91, 1993–94, and 1990–2000, “Public School Library Media Center 

Questionnaire,” 1993–94 and 1999–2000, and 1999–2000 Schools Without Libraries Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.
A-6

Table A-3. Historical summary of public school library media center statistics with two approaches for 

estimating per pupil measures, estimates, and standard errors for 1993–94 and 1999–2000: 

National

Characteristic 1993–94 

estimates

1993–94

standard errors

1999–2000 

estimates

1999–2000

standard errors

Number of public schools.......................................................................................................... 80,740 182.7 83,824 261.6

Number of pupils in public schools........................................................................................... 41,621,660 393,745.6 45,035,115 332,483.5

Number of public schools with library media centers................................................................ 77,218 333.6 76,807 419.7

Percent of public schools with library media centers................................................................. 96 .30 92 .40

Number of pupils in schools with library media centers............................................................ 40,884,333 404,238.1 43,599,096 34,0219.2

Percent of pupils in schools with library media centers............................................................. 98 .20 97 .30

Measures of library resources for all public school students in the U.S.

Books per pupil.......................................................................................................................... 18.121.40 17.452.20

Library expenditures (excluding salaries) per pupil3................................................................. $15.121

$.36 $15.322$.18

Book expenditures per pupil3.................................................................................................... $7.581, 4 $.21 $9.972

$.15

Measures of library resources for public school students in schools 

with library media centers in the U.S.

Books per pupil.......................................................................................................................... 18.451

.30 18.032

.20

Library expenditures (excluding salaries) per pupil3................................................................. $15.391

$.33 $15.832$.19

Book expenditures per pupil3.................................................................................................... $7.721, 4 $.20 $10.302

$.16

1Book and expenditure data are from the 1992–93 school year.

2Book and expenditure data are from the 1998–99 school year.

3Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

4

Includes only locally budgeted expenditures; excludes federal gifts and grants.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics: Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” 1993–94; “Public School Library Media Center 

Questionnaire,” 1993–94 and 1999–2000; and 1999–2000 Schools Without Libraries Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.
B-1

Appendix B

Adjusting Dollars Using the Consumer Price Index
B-2
B-3

ADJUSTING TO 1999–2000 DOLLARS

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) has been used in this report to compare purchasing power over

time. Table A-1 showing the CPI from 1919 to 2001 appears on the pages following this description. 

To compute a price index, a base year is selected. The base year price is then designated as the

base or reference price to which the prices for other years are related. 

A method of expressing the price relationship is:

Index number = x 100

When 100 is subtracted from the index number, the result equals the percent change in price from

the base year.

Current dollar figures reflect actual prices or costs prevailing during the specified period. 

Constant dollar figures attempt to remove the effects of price changes (inflation) from statistical

series reported in dollar terms. Most financial data in this report are expressed in constant dollars.

The constant dollar value for an item is derived by dividing the base year CPI by the price index for 

the year of data to be adjusted and multiplying by the item to be adjusted. The result is an adjusted dollar 

value as it would presumably exist if prices were the same as the base year—in other words, as if the

dollar had constant purchasing power. Any changes in the constant dollar amounts would reflect only

changes in the real values.

In this report, financial data were adjusted to 1999–2000 dollars. For example, in 1954, the

expenditure standard for secondary school libraries for the Northwest Association was $300 per year for

books and periodicals for schools with 200 pupils or fewer. To adjust $300 to 1999–2000 dollars, divide 

169.3, the CPI in 1999–2000, by 26.9, the CPI for 1953–54; then multiply by $300. The result is $1,888, 

which is the value of $300 in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

Price of set of one or more items for related year

Price of the same set of items for base year
B-4

Table B-1. Gross domestic product deflator, Consumer Price Index, education price 

indexes, and federal budget composite deflator: 1919 to 2001

_______ _ ________ _ ________ __ _________ _ ________ _ _________ _ ___________ _ __________ __ ________ _ __________

 Calendar year || School year || Federal fiscal year

_______ _ ________ _ ________ || _________ _ ________ _ _________ _ ___________ _ __________ || ________ _ __________

| Gross | Consumer || | Consumer | Higher | Research | Academic || | Federal

Year | domestic | Price || Year | Price | Education | and | Library || Year | budget

| product | Index\1\ || | Index\2\ | Price | Development | Operations || | composite

| chain | || | | Index | Index | Index || | deflator

| weight | || | | | | || |

| deflator | || | | | | || |

_______ | ________ | ________ || _________ | ________ | _________ | ___________ | __________ || ________ | __________

1 | 2 | 3 || 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 || 9 || 10

_______ | ________ | ________ || _________ | ________ | _________ | ___________ | __________ || ________ | __________

1919 ...... | --- | 17.3 || 1919-20 | 19.1 | --- | --- | --- || 1919 ...... | ---

1929 ..... | 12.6 | 17.1 || 1929-30 | 17.1 | --- | --- | --- || 1929 .....| ---

1934 ....... | 9.9 | 13.4 || 1934-35 | 13.6 | --- | --- | --- || 1934 ....... | ---

1939 ....| 10.2 | 13.9 || 1939-40 | 14.0 | --- | --- | --- || 1939 ....| ---

1940 ...... | 10.3 | 14.0 || 1940-41 | 14.2 | --- | --- | --- || 1940 ...... | 0.1004

| | || | | | | || |

1941 ....... | 11.0 | 14.7 || 1941-42 | 15.6 | --- | --- | --- || 1941 ....... | 0.1057

1942 ....| 11.9 | 16.3 || 1942-43 | 16.9 | --- | --- | --- || 1942 ....| 0.1180

1943 ........ | 12.5 | 17.3 || 1943-44 | 17.4 | --- | --- | --- || 1943 ........ | 0.1285

1944 ....... | 12.8 | 17.6 || 1944-45 | 17.8 | --- | --- | --- || 1944 ....... | 0.1209

1945 ........ | 13.2 | 18.0 || 1945-46 | 18.2 | --- | --- | --- || 1945 ........ | 0.1153

| | || | | | | || |

1946 ..... | 14.7 | 19.5 || 1946-47 | 21.2 | --- | --- | --- || 1946 .....| 0.1205

1947 ...... | 16.3 | 22.3 || 1947-48 | 23.3 | --- | --- | --- || 1947 ...... | 0.1351

1948 ....... | 17.3 | 24.1 || 1948-49 | 24.1 | --- | --- | --- || 1948 ....... | 0.1361

1949 ...... | 17.3 | 23.8 || 1949-50 | 23.7 | --- | --- | --- || 1949 ...... | 0.1326

1950 ...... | 17.4 | 24.1 || 1950-51 | 25.1 | --- | --- | --- || 1950 ...... | 0.1362

| | || | | | | || |

1951 ........ | 18.6 | 26.0 || 1951-52 | 26.3 | --- | --- | --- || 1951 ........ | 0.1396

1952 ....... | 19.0 | 26.5 || 1952-53 | 26.7 | --- | --- | --- || 1952 ....... | 0.1400

1953 ...... | 19.2 | 26.7 || 1953-54 | 26.9 | --- | --- | --- || 1953 ...... | 0.1491

1954 ....... | 19.5 | 26.9 || 1954-55 | 26.8 | --- | --- | --- || 1954 ....... | 0.1551

1955 ..... | 19.7 | 26.8 || 1955-56 | 26.9 | --- | --- | --- || 1955 .....| 0.1587

| | || | | | | || |

1956 ..... | 20.4 | 27.2 || 1956-57 | 27.7 | --- | --- | --- || 1956 .....| 0.1659

1957 ..... | 21.1 | 28.1 || 1957-58 | 28.6 | --- | --- | --- || 1957 .....| 0.1731

1958 ..... | 21.6 | 28.9 || 1958-59 | 29.0 | --- | --- | --- || 1958 .....| 0.1828

1959 ..... | 21.9 | 29.1 || 1959-60 | 29.4 | --- | --- | --- || 1959 .....| 0.1862

1960 ..... | 22.2 | 29.6 || 1960-61 | 29.8 | 25.6 | 26.7 | --- || 1960 .....| 0.1870

| | || | | | | || |

1961 ..... | 22.4 | 29.9 || 1961-62 | 30.1 | 26.5 | 27.5 | --- || 1961 .....| 0.1919

1962 ..... | 22.7 | 30.2 || 1962-63 | 30.4 | 27.6 | 28.5 | --- || 1962 .....| 0.1918

1963 ....... | 23.0 | 30.6 || 1963-64 | 30.8 | 28.6 | 29.5 | --- || 1963 ....... | 0.1999

1964 ....... | 23.3 | 31.0 || 1964-65 | 31.2 | 29.8 | 30.7 | --- || 1964 ....... | 0.2026

1965 ...... | 23.8 | 31.5 || 1965-66 | 31.9 | 31.3 | 32.0 | --- || 1965 ...... | 0.2054

| | || | | | | || |

1966 ....... | 24.5 | 32.4 || 1966-67 | 32.9 | 32.9 | 33.8 | --- || 1966 ....... | 0.2212

1967 ..... | 25.2 | 33.4 || 1967-68 | 34.0 | 34.9 | 35.7 | --- || 1967 .....| 0.2188

1968 ...... | 26.3 | 34.8 || 1968-69 | 35.7 | 37.1 | 38.0 | --- || 1968 ...... | 0.2286

1969 ....... | 27.6 | 36.7 || 1969-70 | 37.8 | 39.5 | 40.3 | --- || 1969 ....... | 0.2425

1970 ..... | 29.1 | 38.8 || 1970-71 | 39.7 | 42.1 | 42.7 | --- || 1970 .....| 0.2569

| | || | | | | || |

1971 ....... | 30.5 | 40.5 || 1971-72 | 41.2 | 44.3 | 45.0 | --- || 1971 ....... | 0.2736

1972 ...... | 31.8 | 41.8 || 1972-73 | 42.8 | 46.7 | 47.1 | --- || 1972 ...... | 0.2914

1973 ....| 33.6 | 44.4 || 1973-74 | 46.6 | 49.9 | 50.1 | --- || 1973 ....| 0.3047

1974 ....| 36.6 | 49.3 || 1974-75 | 51.8 | 54.3 | 54.8 | --- || 1974 ....| 0.3322

1975 ....... | 40.0 | 53.8 || 1975-76 | 55.5 | 57.8 | 59.0 | 57.3 || 1975 ....... | 0.3655

| | || | | | | || |

1976 ....... | 42.3 | 56.9 || 1976-77 | 58.7 | 61.5 | 62.7 | 61.6 || 1976 ....... | 0.3922

1977 ........ | 45.0 | 60.6 || 1977-78 | 62.6 | 65.7 | 66.8 | 65.8 || 1977 ........ | 0.4242

1978 ........ | 48.2 | 65.2 || 1978-79 | 68.5 | 70.5 | 71.7 | 71.4 || 1978 ........ | 0.4524

1979 ......... | 52.2 | 72.6 || 1979-80 | 77.6 | 77.5 | 78.3 | 78.5 || 1979 ......... | 0.4903

1980 ........ | 57.1 | 82.4 || 1980-81 | 86.6 | 85.8 | 86.6 | 86.1 || 1980 ........ | 0.5409

| | || | | | | || |

1981 ...... | 62.4 | 90.9 || 1981-82 | 94.1 | 93.9 | 94.0 | 94.0 || 1981 ...... | 0.5965

1982 ........ | 66.3 | 96.5 || 1982-83 | 98.2 | 100.0 | 100.0 | 100.0 || 1982 ........ | 0.6386

1983 ..... | 68.9 | 99.6 || 1983-84 | 101.8 | 104.8 | 104.3 | 105.1 || 1983 .....| 0.6682

1984 ....... | 71.4 | 103.9 || 1984-85 | 105.8 | 110.8 | 109.8 | 111.2 || 1984 ....... | 0.7013

1985 ....| 73.7 | 107.6 || 1985-86 | 108.8 | 116.3 | 115.2 | 117.6 || 1985 ....| 0.7254

| | || | | | | || |

1986 ....| 75.3 | 109.6 || 1986-87 | 111.2 | 120.9 | 120.0 | 124.2 || 1986 ....| 0.7433

1987 ........ | 77.6 | 113.6 || 1987-88 | 115.8 | 126.1 | 126.8 | 130.0 || 1987 ........ | 0.7637

1988 ...... | 80.2 | 118.3 || 1988-89 | 121.2 | 132.8 | 132.1 | 138.6 || 1988 ...... | 0.7879

1989 ...... | 83.3 | 124.0 || 1989-90 | 127.0 | 140.8 | 139.0 | 147.4 || 1989 ...... | 0.8171

1990 ......... | 86.5 | 130.7 || 1990-91 | 133.9 | 148.2 | 145.8 | 155.7 || 1990 ......... | 0.8447
B-5

Table B-1. Gross domestic product deflator, Consumer Price Index, education price 

indexes, and federal budget composite deflator: 1919 to 2001—Continued

________ _ ________ _ ________ __ __________ _ ________ _ ________ _ ________ _ ________ __ ________ _ ________

 Calendar year || School year || Federal fiscal year

________ _ ________ _ ________ || __________ _ ________ _ ________ _ ________ _ ________ || ________ _ ________

| Gross | Consumer || | Consumer | Higher | Research | Academic || | Federal

Year | domestic | Price || Year | Price | Education| and | Library || Year | budget

| product | Index\1\ || | Index\2\ | Price |Development|Operations|| | composite

| chain | || | | Index | Index | Index || | deflator

| weight | || | | | | || |

| deflator | || | | | | || |

________ | ________ | ________ || __________ | ________ | ________ | ________ | ________ || ________ | ________

1 | 2 | 3 || 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 || 9 | 10

________ | ________ | ________ || __________ | ________ | ________ | ________ | ________ || ________ | ________

| | || | | | | || |

1991 ....... | 89.7 | 136.2 || 1991-92 ....... | 138.2 | 153.5 | 150.6 | 163.3 || 1991 ....... | 0.8820

1992 ....... | 91.9 | 140.3 || 1992-93 ....... | 142.5 | 158.0 | 155.2 | 169.8 || 1992 ....... | 0.9119

1993 ....| 94.1 | 144.5 || 1993-94 ....... | 146.2 | 163.3 | 160.1 | 176.7 || 1993 ....... | 0.9349

1994 ....| 96.0 | 148.2 || 1994-95 ....... | 150.4 | 168.3 | 165.4 | 183.9 || 1994 ....... | 0.9543

1995 ....| 98.1 | 152.4 || 1995-96 ....... | 154.5 | 173.3 | 170.8 | 192.6 || 1995 ....... | 0.9770

| | || | | | | || |

1996 ....| 100.0 | 156.9 || 1996-97 ....... | 158.9 | 178.6 | --- | --- || 1996 ....... | 1.0000

1997 ........ | 102.0 | 160.5 || 1997-98 ....... | 161.7 | --- | --- | --- || 1997 ............ | 1.0207

1998 ...... | 103.2 | 163.0 || 1998-99 ....... | 164.5 | --- | --- | --- || 1998 ............ | 1.0337

1999 ...... | 104.7 | 166.6 || 1999-2000 ....... | 169.3 | --- | --- | --- || 1999 ............ | 1.0512

2000 ....... | 107.0 | 172.2 || 2000-01 ....... | 175.1 | --- | --- | --- || 2000 ............ | 1.0779

2001 ........ | --- | --- || 2001-02 ....... | --- | --- | --- | --- || 2001 ...... | 1.1062

________ | ________ | ________ || __________ | ________ | ________ | ________ | ________ || ________ | ________

---Not available.

\1\Index for urban wage earners and clerical workers through 1977; 1978 and later figures

are for all urban consumers.

\2\Consumer Price Index adjusted to a school-year basis (July through June).

NOTE: Some data have been revised from previously published figures.

SOURCE: Council of Economic Advisers, Economic Indicators, August 2001; U.S. Department of Labor,

Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Price Index; Research Associates of Washington, "Inflation

Measures for Schools and Colleges, 1990 Update," and unpublished data; and U.S. Office of

Management and Budget, Budget of the U.S. Government, Fiscal Year 2002. (This table was prepared

August 2001.) Data provided for this table provided by U.S. Department of Education, National Center

for Education Statistics, Digest of Education Statistics 2001,table 35.
B-6
C-1

Appendix C

States in Regional Accrediting Associations
C-2
C-3

STATES IN REGIONAL ACCREDITING ASSOCIATIONS

New England

Connecticut

Maine

Massachusetts

New Hampshire

Rhode Island

Vermont

Middle States

Delaware

District of Columbia

Maryland

New Jersey

New York

Pennsylvania

North Central

Arizona

Arkansas

Colorado

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Michigan

Minnesota

Missouri

Nebraska

New Mexico

North Dakota

Ohio

Oklahoma

South Dakota

West Virginia

Wisconsin

Wyoming

Northwest

Alaska

Idaho

Montana

Nevada

Oregon

Utah

Washington

Southern

Alabama

Florida

Georgia

Kentucky

Louisiana

Mississippi

North Carolina

South Carolina

Tennessee

Texas

Virginia

Western

California

Hawaii
C-4
D-1

Appendix D

Standard Error Tables
D-2
D-3

Variances

The standard error is a measure of the variability of estimates due to sampling. It indicates the variability 

of a sample estimate that would be obtained from all possible samples of a given design and size. 

Standard errors are used as a measure of the precision expected from a particular sample. If all possible

samples were surveyed under similar conditions, intervals of 1.96 standard errors below to 1.96 standard

errors above a particular statistic would include the true population parameter being estimated in about

95 percent of the samples. This is a 95 percent confidence interval. For example, the

estimated percentage of all public schools with library media centers in 1999–2000 is 92 percent, and the 

estimated standard error is 0.6 percent. The 95 percent confidence interval for the statistic extends from

[92-(0.6 times 1.96)] to [92+(0.6 times 1.96)] or from 90.8 to 93.2 percent.

Standard errors for Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS) data from 1990–91, 1993–94, and 1999–2000 

appear on the following pages.
D-4

Table D-1. Standard errors for school and library characteristics, by state and selected characteristics: 1990–91 

Characteristic

Number of public 

schools

Number of pupils 

in public schools

Number of public 

schools with 

library media 

centers

Percent of public 

schools with 

library media 

centers

Number of pupils 

in schools with 

library media 

centers

Percent of pupils 

in schools with 

library media 

centers

Number of 

schools with a 

librarian

Percent of 

schools with a 

librarian

National.................................. 197.3 362,552.6 13.6 0.0 357,522.3 0.2 435.6 0.5

Regional

New England........................ 21.9 47,992.4 50.1 1.0 46,850.4 0.8 88.4 2.2

Middle States........................ 56.1 125,303.3 78.6 0.6 116,076.2 0.8 147.8 1.2

North Central........................ 146.5 136,723.8 230.5 0.6 149,092.4 0.4 299.0 0.9

Northwest ............................. 51.9 51,362.7 60.4 0.9 54,763.6 0.4 85.2 1.5

Southern ............................... 99.2 163,869.6 136.5 0.4 165,835.2 0.1 180.7 0.7

Western ................................ 50.8 191,678.3 119.5 1.5 192,414.1 0.3 259.4 3.6

School level

Elementary ........................... 231.51 234,339.3 284.05 0.36 240,831.9 0.2 446.1 0.7

Secondary............................. 155.13 285,723.5 182.73 0.71 279,920.5 0.2 186.1 0.7

State

Alabama ............................... 22.2 25,826.8

Alaska................................... 9.1 7,244.9 22.2 0.0 25,826.8 0.0 40.2 2.8

Arizona................................. 11.5 29,836.3 10.5 1.3 7,186.7 0.2 21.1 5.1

Arkansas............................... 10.0 17,241.9 29.3 3.1 30,455.0 0.2 37.8 3.2

California.............................. 50.8 192,501.1 10.0 0.0 17,241.9 0.0 31.2 2.7

Colorado............................... 18.0 22,808.6 119.4 1.5 192,516.0 0.3 259.1 3.7

Connecticut........................... 14.2 18,797.1 20.6 0.9 23,107.7 0.3 38.0 2.7

Delaware .............................. 2.7 6,486.1 21.8 1.8 21,245.7 1.2 35.7 3.3

District of Columbia............. 7.4 3,420.1 5.8 4.0 6,699.5 0.4 6.5 2.1

Florida .................................. 33.7 77,016.2 7.4 0.0 3,420.1 0.0 7.4 0.0

Georgia................................. 37.7 48,515.8 44.2 1.9 78,442.2 0.3 47.0 1.2

Hawaii .................................. 0.0 4,820.6 38.4 0.4 48,552.2 0.0 45.3 1.4

Idaho..................................... 9.7 11,613.9 2.4 1.1 5,647.6 2.0 3.4 1.1

Illinois .................................. 72.1 84,452.0 14.9 2.1 11,911.0 1.8 19.5 3.7

Indiana.................................. 27.3 30,290.1 93.9 1.7 89,021.0 1.8 223.0 5.4

Iowa...................................... 53.3 24,418.8 36.3 1.4 30,963.6 0.5 55.7 2.9

Kansas.................................. 8.8 21,642.3 56.2 1.4 24,405.4 0.4 66.8 3.0

Kentucky .............................. 30.5 33,360.7 20.4 1.3 21,896.9 0.4 39.9 2.4

See notes at end of table.
D-5

Table D-1. Standard errors for school and library characteristics, by state and selected characteristics: 1990–91—Continued

Characteristic

Number of public 

schools

Number of pupils 

in public schools

Number of public 

schools with 

library media 

centers

Percent of public 

schools with 

library media 

centers

Number of pupils 

in schools with 

library media 

centers

Percent of pupils 

in schools with 

library media 

centers

Number of 

schools with a 

librarian

Percent of 

schools with a 

librarian

States (continued)

Louisiana.............................. 32.0 30,760.9 50.3 3.1 33,668.9 0.5 52.9 1.5

Maine ................................... 5.5 12,138.0 37.8 2.0 31,894.5 1.0 50.0 3.1

Maryland .............................. 38.3 31,905.2 22.5 3.0 12,087.2 1.2 26.5 4.6

Massachusetts....................... 8.6 43,759.1 42.7 1.6 34,490.2 1.1 46.0 2.0

Michigan .............................. 37.9 64,119.9 37.0 2.1 42,328.5 1.6 82.0 5.0

Minnesota............................. 35.5 37,425.8 115.9 3.8 69,133.3 1.6 160.0 4.2

Mississippi............................ 17.0 17,829.3 50.3 2.0 38,148.7 0.3 40.8 2.1

Missouri................................ 28.3 30,541.6 18.8 1.1 18,158.1 0.8 26.3 2.9

Montana................................ 14.7 11,346.7 41.8 1.5 32,596.5 1.0 69.4 3.2

Nebraska............................... 34.3 15,828.3 32.7 3.2 11,226.7 0.7 33.6 4.2

Nevada ................................. 3.9 9,889.0 59.5 3.5 16,110.6 0.6 68.8 4.6

New Hampshire.................... 12.1 7,859.6 9.5 2.7 10,070.0 0.3 13.7 3.6

New Jersey ........................... 9.8 46,841.8 20.9 4.3 8,508.6 1.3 19.8 3.6

New Mexico ......................... 12.3 13,711.3 34.3 1.6 43,489.4 1.2 55.6 2.4

New York ............................. 25.8 93,369.5 21.7 2.7 14,517.3 0.6 28.8 3.7

North Carolina...................... 20.9 37,923.0 50.3 1.1 89,114.5 1.9 100.2 2.3

North Dakota........................ 12.4 8,277.1 25.8 0.8 38,002.5 0.1 45.3 1.7

Ohio...................................... 60.2 73,906.9 20.7 3.0 7,481.9 2.1 21.3 3.5

Oklahoma ............................. 33.2 30,257.1 63.0 0.5 74,946.6 0.4 155.8 4.3

Oregon.................................. 40.1 20,045.3 40.4 1.7 31,028.8 1.0 65.4 3.2

Pennsylvania......................... 35.0 64,184.2 10.4 2.5 19,881.4 0.2 41.0 3.5

Rhode Island......................... 3.9 5,830.5 38.8 0.6 64,527.4 0.5 76.4 2.0

South Carolina...................... 11.3 27,039.1 9.1 2.8 6,344.1 1.0 8.0 1.9

South Dakota........................ 24.3 9,841.6 13.1 0.6 26,977.5 0.7 12.9 0.5

Tennessee ............................. 30.3 39,225.6 30.6 2.7 9,606.0 1.6 32.4 4.2

Texas.................................... 45.1 94,112.9 41.8 2.0 40,593.8 0.7 47.9 2.9

Utah...................................... 6.7 24,617.4 46.7 0.3 94,198.3 0.0 100.0 1.7

Vermont................................ 0.0 3,857.9 17.9 2.3 25,067.9 0.3 28.6 4.1

Virginia ................................ 6.4 44,456.7 13.7 4.1 4,199.2 0.7 14.7 4.4

Washington........................... 26.4 33,258.6 9.3 0.4 43,909.2 0.1 20.4 1.2

West Virginia ....................... 22.4 15,929.5 38.0 1.6 36,025.2 0.9 52.9 2.6

Wisconsin............................. 59.8 42,241.2 38.4 3.6 17,620.7 2.8 32.6 4.3

Wyoming.............................. 13.6 7,078.2 64.4 1.3 41,879.5 0.7 80.4 3.4

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics: Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” 1990–91.
D-6

Table D-2. Standard errors for school and library characteristics, by state and selected characteristics: 1993–94 

Characteristic

Number of 

public 

schools

Number of 

pupils in 

public 

schools

Number of 

public 

schools with 

library 

media 

centers

Percent of 

public 

schools with 

library 

media 

centers

Number of 

pupils in 

schools with 

library 

media 

centers

Percent of 

pupils in 

schools with 

library 

media 

centers

Number of 

schools with 

a librarian

Percent of 

schools with 

a librarian

Books per 

pupil

Library 

expenditures 

(excluding

salaries) per

pupil*

Book 

expenditures 

per pupil*

National..................... 182.7 393,745.6 333.6 0.3 404,238.1 0.2 570.6 0.7 0.4 $0.36 $0.21

Regional

New England........... 25.3 25,945.8 60.7 1.3 27,865.6 0.6 79.6 1.8 0.7 $0.65 $0.41

Middle States........... 68.8 159,241.6 127.3 1.0 167,251.6 0.8 184.2 1.5 0.8 $0.77 $0.48

North Central........... 109.6 133,976.0 194.7 0.6 140,973.5 0.2 264.9 0.9 0.8 $0.43 $0.19

Northwest ................ 20.5 46,218.2 56.1 0.9 46,733.7 0.1 89.4 1.5 0.5 $0.72 $0.47

Southern .................. 96.3 205,522.3 163.4 0.6 208,705.3 0.2 225.5 0.9 0.5 $0.59 $0.41

Western ................... 73.8 174,255.9 129.6 1.3 177,150.4 1.0 317.5 4.1 0.8 $1.67 $0.61

School level

Elementary .............. 204.4 311,560.8 284.9 0.4 314,867.9 0.3 494.2 0.8 0.5 $0.43 $0.27

Secondary................ 161.7 183,353.9 201.6 0.5 186,757.9 0.1 183.0 0.6 0.6 $0.76 $0.31

State

Alabama .................. 12.6 26,323.5 24.4 1.6 27,007.3 0.5 32.9 2.4 0.8 $0.89 $0.56

Alaska...................... 5.6 6,064.8 10.3 1.9 6,119.6 1.3 16.5 3.1 2.3 $4.03 $2.23

Arizona.................... 8.5 21,360.3 12.0 1.1 21,419.5 0.5 44.9 4.2 1.0 $1.10 $0.81

Arkansas.................. 8.5 18,712.2 8.5 0.0 18,712.2 0.0 8.5 0.0 1.3 $1.10 $0.64

California................. 74.0 173,805.0 130.3 1.3 177,310.0 1.0 319.8 4.3 0.9 $1.78 $0.64

Colorado.................. 15.2 30,150.3 14.7 0.6 29,949.0 0.3 32.2 2.5 1.3 $1.32 $0.72

Connecticut.............. 9.3 12,440.7 18.7 2.0 12,677.4 0.5 29.6 3.4 1.3 $1.45 $0.86

Delaware ................. 2.0 3,936.4 3.7 2.3 3,906.7 0.3 1.7 1.7 0.8 $0.98 $0.54

District of Columbia 4.5 2,966.6 5.0 3.3 3,022.5 0.2 6.3 4.0 0.9 $0.72 $0.44

Florida ..................... 29.2 59,138.4 31.3 0.8 59,171.2 0.1 33.8 1.3 1.7 $0.93 $0.37

Georgia.................... 9.6 24,786.6 9.6 0.0 24,786.6 0.0 9.6 0.1 0.5 $1.05 $0.67

Hawaii ..................... 1.1 8,142.8 5.1 2.2 8,170.8 0.0 5.6 2.4 1.0 $0.98 $0.65

Idaho........................ 5.8 10,043.2 13.1 2.1 10,250.6 0.7 17.6 3.3 1.3 $1.04 $0.56

Illinois ..................... 60.7 44,900.1 85.4 1.3 47,278.3 1.0 98.7 2.5 1.1 $1.31 $0.48

Indiana..................... 8.0 27,257.7 15.1 0.9 28,769.4 0.9 57.6 3.1 2.7 $1.32 $0.71

Iowa......................... 20.4 20,091.5 28.5 1.3 20,979.9 0.5 37.7 2.2 2.0 $1.65 $0.90

Kansas..................... 9.2 19,599.5 23.5 1.5 19,811.3 0.2 23.2 1.5 2.1 $3.41 $0.96

Kentucky ................. 28.2 29,647.0 29.0 1.0 29,705.2 0.0 37.1 1.8 1.4 $1.36 $0.75

Louisiana................. 6.8 18,495.2 18.9 1.2 20,231.2 0.6 24.5 1.7 0.7 $4.41 $4.38

Maine ...................... 7.1 9,750.6 19.1 2.4 10,669.1 1.3 38.6 5.3 3.0 $2.43 $1.30

Maryland ................. 6.6 12,372.1 6.6 0.0 12,372.1 0.0 21.2 1.6 0.5 $0.75 $0.47

See notes at end of table.
D-7

Table D-2. Standard errors for school and library characteristics, by state and selected characteristics: 1993–94 —Continued

Characteristic

Number of 

public 

schools

Number of 

pupils in 

public 

schools

Number of 

public 

schools with 

library 

media 

centers

Percent of 

public 

schools with 

library 

media 

centers

Number of 

pupils in 

schools with 

library 

media 

centers

Percent of 

pupils in 

schools with 

library 

media 

centers

Number of 

schools with 

a librarian

Percent of 

schools with 

a librarian

Books per 

pupil

Library 

expenditures 

(excluding

salaries) per 

pupil*

Book 

expenditures 

per pupil*

States (continued)

Massachusetts.......... 19.0 21,920.7 46.8 2.7 24,531.9 1.2 54.6 3.3 1.3 $1.10 $0.78

Michigan ................. 36.5 64,672.5 127.1 4.0 69,662.8 0.8 143.1 4.5 1.5 $1.68 $0.71

Minnesota................ 31.1 35,669.8 37.1 1.7 36,289.8 0.4 37.4 2.1 2.0 $1.75 $0.85

Mississippi............... 7.7 20,161.9 17.6 1.7 22,503.4 1.0 31.8 3.3 0.9 $3.10 $0.46

Missouri................... 10.6 39,313.3 26.9 1.2 39,828.4 0.6 37.5 1.7 1.3 $1.52 $0.78

Montana................... 5.4 9,298.6 10.3 1.0 9,207.5 0.6 23.3 2.5 3.2 $3.31 $1.41

Nebraska.................. 47.2 16,775.8 45.2 0.8 16,829.6 0.7 59.7 4.4 3.6 $3.31 $1.56

Nevada .................... 5.7 7,684.9 7.1 1.0 8,079.1 0.7 9.2 2.1 1.5 $1.36 $0.65

New Hampshire....... 0.0 10,691.0 15.4 3.5 10,888.4 1.1 19.1 4.3 1.6 $2.01 $1.13

New Jersey .............. 30.8 54,745.2 62.4 2.7 60,364.0 2.0 65.7 2.8 1.8 $2.32 $1.62

New Mexico ............ 3.3 12,935.2 15.6 2.4 13,359.1 0.4 24.9 3.7 1.1 $4.01 $0.90

New York ................ 28.2 95,365.7 63.1 1.5 100,965.5 1.7 128.4 3.2 1.3 $1.24 $0.63

North Carolina......... 28.2 41,208.4 30.1 0.8 40,776.3 0.7 29.2 0.4 0.8 $1.34 $0.81

North Dakota........... 10.6 6,945.1 18.0 2.8 6,593.6 1.5 21.6 3.4 10.4 $2.81 $1.89

Ohio......................... 60.2 60,861.3 81.0 1.4 62,873.2 1.0 136.1 3.8 4.2 $1.24 $0.72

Oklahoma ................ 18.1 23,390.2 29.5 1.3 24,617.2 0.7 55.2 2.9 1.2 $2.03 $1.20

Oregon..................... 7.5 21,106.5 8.6 0.2 21,116.9 0.0 47.1 4.1 1.5 $1.99 $0.91

Pennsylvania............ 44.4 101,295.6 84.1 2.3 97,920.9 1.0 107.4 2.7 1.8 $1.60 $1.03

Rhode Island............ 7.0 6,120.3 12.3 3.4 6,152.7 1.0 12.5 3.6 1.8 $1.20 $0.80

South Carolina......... 9.8 31,711.0 13.7 0.7 32,377.3 0.7 17.2 1.2 3.3 $1.23 $0.78

South Dakota........... 13.1 7,449.5 14.4 0.9 7,183.1 1.4 19.0 2.4 2.5 $2.69 $1.24

Tennessee ................ 10.7 31,680.8 34.6 2.2 33,435.2 0.6 48.4 3.1 1.1 $0.98 $0.58

Texas....................... 52.1 147,365.1 128.9 2.0 150,380.1 0.6 175.6 2.7 1.1 $1.73 $1.11

Utah......................... 10.6 16,403.3 15.4 1.3 17,120.6 0.4 17.5 2.6 0.9 $0.81 $0.45

Vermont................... 7.1 4,671.8 7.1 0.0 4,671.8 0.0 14.7 4.9 2.3 $3.04 $2.12

Virginia ................... 40.2 46,220.2 49.6 1.5 47,997.3 1.6 49.5 1.5 1.4 $1.56 $0.92

Washington.............. 11.4 30,697.3 46.0 2.4 31,056.0 0.1 57.7 3.1 1.0 $1.55 $1.26

West Virginia .......... 29.8 16,618.5 38.6 3.5 16,036.3 1.9 39.8 4.1 1.4 $0.73 $0.44

Wisconsin................ 17.7 28,233.8 19.7 0.4 28,262.4 0.2 51.8 2.5 1.4 $1.78 $0.83

Wyoming................. 8.4 5,579.1 12.1 2.1 5,611.6 0.3 18.1 3.8 3.2 $2.53 $1.14

*Data are in adjusted 1999–2000 dollars.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics: Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” and “Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire,” 

1993–94.
D-8

Table D-3. Standard errors for school and library characteristics, by state and selected characteristics: 1999–2000 

Characteristic

Number of 

public 

schools

Number of 

pupils in 

public 

schools

Number of 

public 

schools with 

library 

media 

centers

Percent of 

public 

schools with 

library 

media 

centers

Number of 

pupils in 

schools with 

library 

media 

centers

Percent of 

pupils in 

schools with 

library 

media 

centers

Number of 

schools with 

a librarian

Percent of 

schools with 

a librarian

Books per 

pupil

Library 

expenditures 

(excluding

salaries) per 

pupil

Book 

expenditures 

per pupil

National..................... 261.6 332,483.5 419.7 0.4 340,219.2 0.3 533.2 0.5 0.2 $0.18 $0.15

Regional

New England........... 35.5 43,549.8 54.3 0.7 45,147.8 1.0 63.9 1.5 0.5 0.61 0.36

Middle States........... 53.8 96,116.7 93.7 0.9 122,812.9 0.9 120.1 1.0 0.6 0.47 0.33

North Central........... 199.0 182,383.4 276.1 0.3 192,977.6 0.6 287.7 0.8 0.3 0.31 0.20

Northwest ................ 40.2 66,725.7 69.7 0.4 63,227.0 0.9 93.6 1.3 0.7 0.60 0.46

Southern .................. 156.0 197,223.0 196.2 0.3 195,523.4 0.5 235.4 0.7 0.3 0.35 0.29

Western ................... 106.5 172,259.1 216.3 1.4 177,715.9 2.5 268.1 3.2 0.8 0.96 0.92

School level

Elementary .............. 256.0 229,801.9 375.9 0.5 244,447.2 0.4 475.3 0.7 0.3 0.26 0.23

Secondary................ 202.6 230,861.2 199.3 0.8 228,637.8 0.3 208.4 0.7 0.3 0.23 0.18

State

Alabama .................. 15.0 24,796.3 15.4 0.6 23,648.3 0.7 19.2 0.9 1.6 0.73 0.49

Alaska...................... 7.9 8,224.5 16.8 3.2 8,518.6 0.8 12.2 2.4 0.8 1.51 1.28

Arizona.................... 23.2 48,708.4 70.6 5.9 49,029.2 1.5 38.4 2.9 1.5 0.58 0.50

Arkansas.................. 0.8 13,692.2 8.0 0.7 13,826.3 0.6 15.5 1.3 0.8 1.19 1.15

California................. 106.1 172,506.8 216.1 2.6 178,005.5 1.5 268.1 3.3 0.8 0.99 0.95

Colorado.................. 10.0 30,230.5 25.5 1.6 31,572.6 0.5 35.4 2.5 0.9 1.24 1.23

Connecticut.............. 5.3 18,023.6 16.5 1.7 18,785.6 0.5 23.7 2.4 1.2 1.23 0.71

Delaware ................. 8.7 11,219.7 9.0 2.9 11,355.2 0.6 10.0 2.0 0.7 0.61 0.51

District of Columbia 2.3 1,785.3 4.3 3.1 2,365.2 3.0 2.8 1.7 1.8 0.42 0.34

Florida ..................... 36.8 86,722.9 44.5 1.2 88,249.8 0.3 43.9 1.3 1.0 0.62 0.58

Georgia.................... 30.8 40,118.7 33.7 1.0 41,857.3 0.7 34.3 1.5 0.5 0.66 0.46

Hawaii ..................... 1.7 3,785.6 1.7 0.0 3,785.6 0.0 1.8 0.0 0.4 0.62 0.46

Idaho........................ 5.5 4,128.9 11.2 1.6 4,236.4 0.2 13.9 2.2 1.2 2.17 2.06

Illinois ..................... 46.5 56,790.7 92.2 2.1 62,687.8 0.7 116.1 2.7 0.7 1.00 0.57

Indiana..................... 31.1 21,931.5 31.8 0.7 22,140.5 0.2 54.8 2.8 1.7 0.68 0.42

Iowa......................... 20.8 20,394.7 22.0 0.8 21,070.7 0.5 30.0 1.6 0.7 1.18 0.55

Kansas..................... 19.3 14,542.0 26.1 1.4 14,970.1 0.3 38.5 2.3 1.0 0.84 0.55

Kentucky ................. 31.9 28,377.5 36.0 1.7 26,857.6 1.2 29.4 1.4 0.5 0.40 0.34

Louisiana................. 23.2 32,941.3 63.7 3.9 38,189.8 2.0 57.5 3.9 0.7 2.38 1.91

Maine ...................... 5.2 8,917.5 17.4 2.3 8,590.2 1.4 22.3 3.1 2.1 1.99 0.72

Maryland ................. 3.7 20,155.9 18.4 1.4 23,860.2 1.4 34.4 2.7 0.6 2.11 0.91

See notes at end of table.
D-9

Table D-3. Standard errors for school and library characteristics, by state and selected characteristics: 1999–2000—Continued

Characteristic

Number of 

public 

schools

Number of 

pupils in 

public 

schools

Number of 

public 

schools with 

library 

media 

centers

Percent of 

public 

schools with 

library 

media 

centers

Number of 

pupils in 

schools with 

library 

media 

centers

Percent of 

pupils in 

schools with 

library 

media 

centers

Number of 

schools with 

a librarian

Percent of 

schools with 

a librarian

Books per 

pupil

Library 

expenditures 

(excluding

salaries) per 

pupil

Book 

expenditures 

per pupil

States (continued)

Massachusetts.......... 30.8 33,747.9 46.0 2.1 36,150.9 1.4 49.5 3.1 0.7 0.70 0.55

Michigan ................. 66.8 79,679.2 121.4 3.1 91,223.2 1.9 136.5 3.4 0.6 0.93 0.77

Minnesota................ 125.3 71,327.2 118.3 2.6 71,179.7 0.7 118.4 2.5 1.7 1.57 1.16

Mississippi............... 6.5 18,199.2 16.1 1.6 18,489.5 0.4 15.2 1.5 1.7 1.02 0.79

Missouri................... 70.2 33,619.0 72.7 1.1 34,762.1 1.0 61.3 2.3 1.3 1.66 0.94

Montana................... 5.6 5,805.4 23.2 2.7 6,169.2 0.8 26.3 2.9 1.5 1.12 0.69

Nebraska.................. 31.9 12,976.3 52.8 4.4 13,246.3 0.2 33.8 2.9 2.1 1.44 1.13

Nevada .................... 7.1 13,431.3 9.9 1.7 14,105.0 0.3 18.4 3.8 1.9 1.67 1.36

New Hampshire....... 4.6 9,773.3 13.0 2.8 8,388.4 2.3 21.4 4.7 0.9 2.76 0.83

New Jersey .............. 12.2 24,564.7 38.2 1.7 28,256.2 1.4 56.7 2.3 0.7 0.87 0.60

New Mexico ............ 6.4 14,598.4 14.1 1.7 14,857.9 1.1 28.9 4.1 2.4 1.09 0.86

New York ................ 18.1 81,583.1 82.4 2.0 103,325.0 1.9 80.9 2.0 0.5 0.39 0.28

North Carolina......... 26.7 36,125.7 52.2 2.3 37,772.0 0.5 41.2 1.8 0.8 1.16 1.13

North Dakota........... 7.2 4,811.3 18.0 3.0 5,082.1 2.5 15.2 2.6 2.2 1.38 0.98

Ohio......................... 65.3 77,271.0 93.9 1.5 79,208.3 1.3 103.9 2.5 0.7 1.07 0.53

Oklahoma ................ 5.9 25,084.1 12.9 0.7 25,338.3 0.6 30.8 1.7 1.0 1.02 0.85

Oregon..................... 33.5 28,278.2 44.4 2.5 26,900.2 1.2 51.7 3.6 2.0 1.45 0.38

Pennsylvania............ 48.7 50,920.6 44.7 1.9 61,924.0 1.2 68.0 1.3 1.9 1.38 1.22

Rhode Island............ 3.8 3,312.3 5.4 1.3 3,552.3 0.3 3.9 0.5 0.3 0.43 0.16

South Carolina......... 17.1 21,500.8 20.2 0.9 23,112.3 0.7 22.5 1.3 0.3 0.72 0.56

South Dakota........... 10.8 7,332.1 26.6 3.4 7,396.7 2.6 27.0 3.4 3.0 1.17 0.66

Tennessee ................ 21.1 42,278.9 24.0 1.0 38,607.1 2.4 37.1 2.3 0.7 2.92 2.78

Texas....................... 65.9 139,780.2 95.0 1.4 136,909.7 0.6 119.6 1.8 0.6 0.74 0.64

Utah......................... 7.1 20,260.6 16.3 2.2 21,567.4 0.8 29.9 3.9 0.5 0.33 0.24

Vermont................... 7.2 6,535.9 7.2 0.0 6,535.9 0.0 13.1 3.5 1.7 1.55 1.10

Virginia ................... 117.3 71,465.0 119.2 1.4 72,889.4 1.0 123.5 1.2 1.6 0.52 0.39

Washington.............. 16.7 45,434.5 33.4 1.6 45,613.0 0.9 50.9 2.5 1.2 1.08 0.87

West Virginia .......... 16.1 12,053.0 30.8 3.3 14,157.4 2.3 25.8 3.1 0.7 0.98 0.76

Wisconsin................ 48.8 52,099.8 48.8 0.2 52,060.4 0.0 58.2 1.0 2.0 0.99 0.70

Wyoming................. 9.0 6,673.7 15.5 3.2 6,888.9 1.1 16.9 3.8 2.6 1.40 1.03

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics: Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS), “Public School Questionnaire,” and “Public School Library Media Center Questionnaire,” 

1999–2000; and 1999–2000 Schools Without Libraries Restricted-Use Data File, September 2003.