Library Frequently Asked Questions

Additional Funding Sources

What grant opportunities are available for books and libraries?

State grant opportunities focused on library improvement include the LSTA (Library Services and Technology Act) , Improving Literacy Through School Libraries (NCLB Grant) , and the Laura Bush Foundation for America's Libraries .

For a list of grants for your school or district, checkout Follet - Grants and Funding . The 137 page documents lists grants for 33 different subject areas and is searchable.
How are school libraries funded in California?

The California Department of Education collects annual information about California public school libraries. Based on responses from about 50% of California Kindergarten through grade 12 schools, the following funding sources were indicated:

Funding sources available in the 2015–2016 fiscal year	The following percentage reflects the number of school libraries funded by each source
General/LCFF (district or site)	53%
State Lottery Funds	8%
Fundraising (parent groups, book fairs, etc.)	49%
Title I (federal)	12%
Local Bond Measures	1%
Start-up Funds (special reserve fund)	0.5%
Other (one-time discretionary grants to districts, etc.)	11%
None of the above	12%

Can the library program be included in the LCAP (Local Control Accountability Plan)?

Yes, your library program can be written into the LCAP. The California School Library Association has created a webpage with webinars and resources to include school library programs in the LCAPS.

School Library Staffing

Where is library paraprofessional training offered in California?

The following community colleges offer library/information technology courses:

City College of San Francisco
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo
Diablo Valley College, Pleasant Hill
Fresno City College, Fresno
Pasadena City College
Palomar College, San Marcos
Sacramento City College, Sacramento
San Bernardino Valley College, San Bernardino
Santa Ana College, Santa Ana
What credentials are required to be a library media teacher in California?

A California teacher librarian has both a valid teaching credential and a teacher librarian services credential. It is considered a pupil services credential. Basic Credential Information . See "Library Service Credentials".
Which California colleges and universities offer the teacher librarian credential?

Find a program to become a California Teacher Librarian
Will a school lose its WASC accreditation if it doesn't have a credentialed library media teacher in the library?

The lack of a library media teacher does not prevent a school from being accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) . The California School Library Association has developed a document to assist with a review of the school library media program called WASC/CDE Focus on Learning (PDF).
How does a library media teacher from another state get credentials and transcripts evaluated for California requirements?

The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) , not the Department of Education, determines whether credentials from other states are valid in California. If the credential holder is already living in California, the evaluation is done by one of the colleges and universities offering the library media teacher credential. If still out-of-state, the credential holder can request an evaluation by the CTC.
Where is help offered for those developing new school library programs?

On-going staff development is often offered to school library personnel by the county office of education. Schools that contract with the county office for library services may have library consulting services offered as part of the contract. The California School Library Association (CSLA) frequently offers workshops, conferences, and exhibits. CSLA is developing a list of retired library professionals who are willing to work with schools and districts on school library development.