Every Student Succeeds Act to Boost Libraries

Felix Davila III
Peet, L., & Vercelletto, C. (2016). ESSA signed into law. Library Journal, 141(1), 12-14. Retrieved from http://libaccess.sjlibrary.org/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=lih&AN=112018050&site=ehost-live&scope=site
Peet and Vercelletto’s article primarily details a new law that was signed by the Obama administration in late 2015. The Every Student Succeeds Act will allow states to determine their own standards for education, so long as they reach a preset difficulty standard, while also allowing federal funding to be distributed to school libraries.

While brief, this article derives its importance, in my opinion, by showing how political action can factor into the success of libraries. Overall, librarians must also consider, beyond just their effectiveness at work, how they can positively impact the industry toward improving itself toward better funding, opportunities and employment. It is a law such as this that can send a message to school districts that school libraries should be looked upon with importance.

Divide with innovation

Shibrie Wilson


Matthews, K. (2016, January 27). Are we creating an innovation divide? Retrieved from 21st Century Library Blog website: https://21stcenturylibrary.com/

Summary: When imagining the word “innovation” we typically have a colossal perspective at to what it consist of. Innovation in technology contains many distinct facets. Innovation is not based on a particular concept, being that individuals and organizations have different notions. Kimberly Matthews, reviews grants and noticed commonality of how organizations stat their contributions to expounding upon innovative technology in their communities. There is often a variety of candidates, unfortunately some libraries do not receive funding because their idea is perceived as not “innovative enough.” There needs to be a balance in funding because libraries are at different stages of innovation in which adhere to their communities. In field of librarianship we are dedicated to providing equal services, Matthews states that persons approve grants should have that same approach to innovation grants. Assuring each community and library has opportunity to receive funding and support is vital so that there is not a subset of libraries in which lack. 

Review: Intriguing article to read and learn about division within technology. As librarians and perspective candidates of officials to decided if organizations receive grants we need to be thoughtful. We are suppose to provide support to all communities, but such is not occurring when we choose to compare libraries on different spectrums. Hopefully, Matthews vocalizing here opinion will reset current ramifications for grant approvals.