But in many places, these ideas have not adapted well. Across the country, approximately 93 percent of all schools have some kind of library. As a result of fiscal constraints, however, as many as two-thirds of them have outdated or inadequate collections or lack the guidance of qualified media specialists, according to a survey released by the National Center for Education Statistics in 1994. Though the survey was based on data from 1990-91, AASL officials expect the percentages may be even higher when new figures are released in the fall. Librarians have typically been regarded as a secondary resource for teachers and students, and collaboration isn't easily cultivated with teachers who remain skeptical of the library's benefits.
Experts hope that is changing.
As states and districts implement higher academic standards, and technology fuels the demand for more and better information, teachers are starting to turn to librarians for help, said Elizabeth Martinez, the executive director of the American Library Association. Despite the limitations of time, funding, and staff, librarians are trying to step in. The pressure for teachers to change is higher expectations. We now have the vision of what the library media center should be. And I'm confident we will make it happen.