Protect Certified School Librarians in Maryland Schools

Montgomery County students need certified school librarians to learn research skills, navigate AI and misinformation, and prepare for college. Yet, Maryland's Department of Education is making a proposal to remove the requirement to staff a full-time certified media specialist at each school from Library Media Regulations (COMAR 13A.05.04). Speak out against these changes by sending an email to Dr. Chelsea Brewer and signing and sharing this petition.

Data consistently shows that students in schools with full-time certified librarians consistently perform better in reading and standardized testing. This change will disproportionately affect students in underfunded and rural areas who rely most on school libraries for access to books and digital literacy. This proposal contradicts the spirit of the 2024 Freedom to Read Act, which was designed to protect library services and professional staff from being sidelined.

Why This Matters for Maryland Schools

Maryland schools have long been recognized for their commitment to preparing students for college, careers, and informed citizenship. Maintaining that standard requires investing in the educators who help students navigate today’s complex information landscape—including certified school librarians, also known as Library Media Specialists.

School libraries are more than rooms filled with books. They are essential learning hubs where students develop critical reading, research, and digital literacy skills. For many students, the library is also a welcoming space for discovery, curiosity, and independent learning.

In today’s world—where artificial intelligence, social media, and online information shape how students learn—the role of certified school librarians has become even more important.

Librarians extend traditional research instruction by teaching AI and information literacy. Students learn how algorithms work, how bias can appear in AI systems, and how to verify AI-generated responses against credible sources. These lessons ensure that students understand not only how to use emerging technologies, but also how to question and evaluate them thoughtfully.

They also guide students through the ethical challenges of the digital age, including responsible technology use, copyright, academic integrity, and data privacy. These conversations help students become responsible digital citizens while protecting their personal information and intellectual work.

Just as importantly, librarians serve as instructional partners for teachers. They collaborate across subjects to integrate research skills, media literacy, and responsible technology use into classroom learning. Their expertise helps ensure that technology enhances learning rather than replacing the critical thinking and analysis that Maryland schools value.

Why This Matters for Maryland Families

Maryland families consistently prioritize strong academic outcomes and preparation for the future. Certified school librarians support several key areas that parents care deeply about.

Strong literacy and academic performance
Research consistently shows that schools with strong library programs and certified librarians see higher literacy achievement and stronger academic outcomes. By supporting reading development and research skills, librarians help build the foundation students need to succeed across all subjects.

College readiness and independent research skills
Colleges expect students to know how to conduct credible research, evaluate sources, and use information responsibly. Certified librarians teach these skills from elementary through high school, helping students develop the independence and analytical thinking required for advanced coursework and higher education.

Navigating misinformation and AI-generated content
Students today face a constant stream of online information, including AI-generated content that can appear convincing but may be inaccurate or biased. Librarians teach students how to fact-check information, evaluate credibility, and recognize misinformation—skills that are essential for both academic success and responsible citizenship.

While students can search online or use AI tools, the explosion of information online requires students to understand the information and master critical thinking to make good use of it. While teachers understand this, they already manage demanding curricula, and librarians serve as essential partners who bring specialized expertise in research, media literacy, and digital citizenship.

Budget decisions are never easy, but removing certified librarians eliminates a role that supports literacy, research skills, technology education, and teacher collaboration across the entire school community.

Maryland families expect schools that prepare students not just to consume information, but to analyze it, question it, and use it responsibly. Certified school librarians are essential to that mission.

Our Request
We call on the Maryland State Board of Education to reject these amendments. We demand that the state maintain the requirement for a certified school library media specialist at every school building. Protecting these roles ensures that every student continues to benefit from strong literacy instruction, research skills, and the critical thinking abilities needed to succeed in a rapidly changing world.

If you believe in strong public schools and well-prepared students, please sign and share this petition to protect certified school librarians in Maryland. Tell your story about how this change would impact you, your work, your students, and your school communities.