The State of School Libraries in Minnesota - A 2024 Census of K-12 School Libraries - Introduction

Oct 15, 2026

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A 2024 census of K-12 school libraries in Minnesota examines the current condition of school library media centers (LMCs) and how staffing, management, collections, budgets, and services affect access to learning resources. The report frames national trends in declining librarian availability, describes Minnesota’s legal oversight requirements, and details state School Library Aid and a MCMT-funded census process. Findings highlight key gaps and priorities for supporting effective LMC programs.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages35

Reading Time1 h 28 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Access to library media centers

Management and staffing of LMCs

What is the work of LMC staff?

Greatest challenges and priorities for LMC staff

Status of collections

Library media center budgets and resources

State School Library Aid

References

Appendix

Limitations

The State of School Libraries in Minnesota A 2024 Census of K-12 School Libraries Authors: Anna Granias, Anne Li, & Naw-Amelia Kacher Contents Introduction ....................................................................................... 1 Access to library media centers..................................................... 3 Management and staffing of LMCs .............................................. 5 What is the work of LMC staff? ..................................................... 12 Greatest challenges and priorities for LMC staff....................... 15 Status of collections........................................................................ 17 Library media center budgets and resources ........................... 19 State School Library Aid.................................................................22 References .......................................................................................25 Appendix..........................................................................................27 Limitations.........................................................................................29 2024 Census of K-12 School Libraries in Minnesota Wilder Research January 2025 Introduction In an era where information is both abundant and increasinglycomplex, school library media centers (LMCs) serve as hubs forlearning, creativity, and critical thought. A large body of researchshows that well-resourced LMCs, staffed by certified school librarians,are closely linked to improved student achievement, especially amongtraditionally underserved students (Esad, 2022; Kachel & Lance,2013; Lance & Kachel, 2018). Yet, little to no data exist describing thestate of school LMCs in Minnesota. National trends indicate a decline in the proportion of schools withdedicated librarians–in Minnesota, there has been a 50% percentagepoint decline in librarians since the 2009-10 school year (SLIDE, 2024) .Many existing positions are part time, with librarians often jugglingmultiple responsibilities outside of the typical librarian purview, suchas substitute teaching, supervising afterschool programs, and providingtechnology support (International Literacy Association, 2022) . As we navigate the landscape of education in the 21st century,understanding the current state of LMCs is essential for supportingschools to foster environments that promote literacy, critical thinking,and instructional collaboration. According to the American Associationof School Librarians (AASL),“an effective school library has a certifiedschool librarian at the helm, provides personalized learning environments,and offers equitable access to resources to ensure a well-roundededucation for every student” (American Association of SchoolLibrarians, 2018a, p.1) . In Minnesota, state law mandates that publicschool libraries be overseen by a licensed media specialist or licensedschool librarian (Minnesota Statutes 2023, section 124D.911) . To assist schools, the 2023 Minnesota legislature appropriated funds(direct payments), School Library Aid, to all eligible school districts andcharter schools in the state. School Library Aid for a district equals thegreater of $16.11 times the district’s adjusted pupil units for the schoolyear or $40,000 . Aid for a charter school equals the greater of $16.11times the charter school’s adjusted pupil units for the school year or$20,000 . The funds could be used to cover infrastructure or staffingcosts (Minnesota Statutes 2023, section 124D.992) . Also during the 2023 Minnesota legislative session, Minnesota’sMulticounty Multitype Library Systems (MCMT) received a one-timeappropriation to conduct a census of licensed media specialistscurrently working in Minnesota schools (2023 Minn. Laws 223) . Thecensus collected vital data on school library staffing, operations, and 2024 Census of K-12 School Libraries in Minnesota 1 | Wilder Research January 2025 use. The findings from

FAQs

What is the purpose of the 2024 census of K-12 school libraries in Minnesota?

It documents the state of school library media centers by collecting data on staffing, operations, and services, then identifying key gaps and priorities for strengthening school library programs.

What does the report say about access to library media centers in Minnesota schools?

It reports that 81% of schools in Minnesota reported having a library media center.

How does Minnesota fund school libraries through School Library Aid?

School Library Aid provides direct payments to eligible districts and charter schools based on adjusted pupil units, with specified minimum amounts, and the funds may be used for infrastructure or staffing costs.

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Melati