Bill
Bill > S3440
NJ S3440
NJ S3440Requires certain ratios of school library media specialists to students in public schools.
summary
Introduced
02/09/2026
02/09/2026
In Committee
02/09/2026
02/09/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill establishes minimum ratios of school library media specialists to students required in school districts. The ratios are:· in each public school having an enrollment of less than 300 students on October 15 of the prior school year, the board of education is required to employ, at a minimum, one half-time staff member who holds an educational services certificate with a school library media specialist endorsement;· in each public school having an enrollment of between 300 and 1,499 students on October 15 of the prior school year, the board of education is required to employ, at a minimum, one full-time staff member who holds an educational services certificate with a school library media specialist endorsement; and· in each public school having an enrollment of 1,500 or more students on October 15 of the prior school year, the board of education is required to employ, at a minimum, two full-time staff members who hold an educational services certificate with a school library media specialist endorsement. The bill specifies how much time in each school day the school library media specialist is required to devote to school library work in public secondary schools, which is dependent upon the enrollment in the school. The bill also requires a public school having an enrollment of 500 or more students on October 15 of the prior school year to employ a minimum of one full-time staff member to serve as a library clerk, and to employ one additional full-time staff member to serve as a library clerk for each additional 500 students enrolled in the school. In order to be college- and career-ready in the twenty-first century, students must be able to use a wide range of information resources including books, media, technology, and the Internet. All students must be able to locate, evaluate, and interpret information accurately for academic and professional success. A qualified school library media specialist is uniquely suited through educational training and professional development to provide this educational foundation for all students. Many states currently require school library media specialists in their schools and most use student enrollment to determine the number of school library media specialists the schools employ.
AI Summary
This bill establishes minimum staffing requirements for school library media specialists and library clerks in public schools, based on student enrollment figures from the previous school year. Specifically, schools with fewer than 300 students must have at least one half-time library media specialist, those with 300 to 1,499 students need one full-time specialist, and schools with 1,500 or more students require at least two full-time specialists. A "school library media specialist" is a staff member holding a specific educational certificate and endorsement, qualified to teach students how to find, evaluate, and use information effectively, which is crucial for academic success. The bill also mandates that schools with 500 or more students employ at least one full-time library clerk, with an additional clerk for every 500 students thereafter. For secondary schools, the bill outlines specific daily time commitments for library media specialists to perform "school library work," which includes teaching information literacy, managing library programs, and guiding students in using various information resources. The Commissioner of Education can grant waivers for up to one year if a school cannot find a certified specialist despite making an offer, but these waivers are limited. The act takes effect immediately and applies to the school year following its enactment.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Education Committee (on 02/09/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S3440 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S3500/3440_I1.HTM |
Loading...