Empowering Learners, Chapter 3: Budget

Empowering Learners, Chapter 3: Budget

            The school library media specialist has to create a budget that will cover the immediate expenses but that will also help the program of learning and teaching grow for the future. When planning a budget, the LMS must assess the needs and wants of the library program, create an action plan to achieve success, diligently document the progress made, keep track of evidence that proves the value of the SLMP for teachers and students both on a local and national scale and look toward future improvement and development plans. By showing how the library media center can positively impact the students’ (and teachers’) continued learning through documented achievements, the library media specialist has a better chance of receiving optimal funding for the program.  

            The LMS should meet on a regular basis with the principal to discuss the budget, including any concerns, plans for fundraising, grant opportunities or parent donations. The LMS can help stretch the budget by using good free web-based apps and tools and by working with discount book vendors.

            The library media specialist must be proactive when it comes to not only the development and continuation of the SLMP, but must also be proactive when it comes to funding the program and the LMS must document everything! If you can’t prove that your program is working, you’re more than likely not going to receive the money you want and need.

Works Cited:

Empowering Learners: Guidelines for School Library Media Programs. Chicago: American Association of School Libraries, 2009.

Lori Jane Perdew

LIS 5240