School Library Focus at SXSWEDU 2019

The EveryLibrary leadership team presented two sessions at SXSWEDU 2019, a major national education policy conference in Austin this past week.

Executive director John Chrastka joined Dr. Kafi Kumasi, Allison Mackley, and Azi Jamalian for "Why is the Largest Classroom in the School Empty", an exploration of how state and local school administrators can establish equity and help turn around failing schools by investing in school librarians and effective library programs.

Why Is the Largest Classroom in the School Empty?
With the change from NCLB to ESSA, the role of school librarians and effective school library programs are integrated into federal education policy. Studies show that library programs staffed by certified school librarians have a significant positive impact on student achievement. This moderated panel of national experts will explore policy recommendations on how to improve student learning outcomes, increase equity, and enhance PD while leveraging grant and federal funding through libraries.

Listen to this panel on SoundCloud

Our Political Director Patrick "PC" Sweeney joined a national panel of experts including Kate Tkacik, John Bracken, and Felton Thomas for "Libraries Are Being Starved—Whose Fault Is It?", a deep discussion about how to reinvigorate the funding triad for libraries. Speaking and networking at these kinds of conferences is a key part of our mission to build new support for libraries.

Libraries Are Being Starved—Whose Fault Is It?
Libraries, the most trusted civic institution, have become even more vital resources in the digital age. Yet they face decreased funding and a lack of a high-profile philanthropist like Carnegie or Gates. We will discuss who bears responsibility for rejuvenating public support for libraries. Our public officials, who provide the bulk of library funding? New philanthropists, who seem oblivious to libraries? Or libraries themselves, who have failed at building support for their work?