STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1373-24

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2024

RE: H.C.R. No. 188

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Education, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 188 entitled:

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO ENSURE THAT SCHOOL LIBRARIES AND SCHOOL LIBRARY MEDIA CENTERS ARE STAFFED WITH LICENSED SCHOOL LIBRARIANS AND LICENSED SCHOOL LIBRARY MEDIA SPECIALISTS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to urge the Department of Education to ensure that school libraries and school library media centers are staffed with licensed school librarians and licensed school library media specialists.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Education; Hawaii State Public Library System; Hawaiʻi Library Association; Hawaii Association of School Librarians; and numerous individuals.

Your Committee finds that a well-equipped and staffed school library is essential for fostering student learning, personal growth, and academic success. Schools with a strong school library program and a licensed school librarian provide their students with the best chance to succeed. Your Committee further finds that licensed school librarians collaborate with teachers to enhance learning with print materials, electronic books, and electronic databases. Additionally, licensed school librarians provide guidance, expertise, and support in fostering a love for reading and ensure students have the necessary information literacy skills necessary for college, career development, and community engagement. Your Committee believes that staffing libraries and library media centers with licensed school librarians and licensed school library media specialists will provide all students with the resources and support needed for their growth and success.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Education that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 188 and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Education,

____________________________

JUSTIN H. WOODSON, Chair