Support AB 279 to update the CA Model School Library Standards

Notice any differences in finding information between now and 2010? That’s the last time the CA Model School Library Standards (MSLS) were updated. California’s students deserve equitable access to instruction that equips them with relevant skills to keep up with a digital, AI-powered information world. Join me in asking CA representatives to support updating the Model School Library Standards by voting yes on AB279.

Assembly Member Patel, author of AB279, states, “Libraries are a fundamental part of our schools and  communities at large. They are learning centers and are crucial to student literacy. In our current  times, there is not just a need for reading and writing literacy but also media literacy. As we  know, technology has transformed media in the last decade. This new landscape requires new  resources for students to better interact and learn. However, our library standards have not been  updated in 15 years. By updating these standards, we will better engage in the technological  world we live in and prepare our students for the media they consume.” 

In the 15 years since the MSLS were written the following online media trends have emerged or become more significant: the presence of disinformation in social media, algorithms pushing content that puts users in an information bubble, and the rise of generative AI.  All of these impact how we access and evaluate information for personal and academic use.  

The Model School Library Standards guide information literacy and media literacy instruction for students in every grade level  The MSLS establish critical learning goals for all students: locating information, identifying reliable and authoritative resources, thoughtfully using information, reading for information, and reading for pleasure.  Updating the MSLS will give guidance to teacher librarians, experts in information access, evaluation, and use, in educating students and addressing the many strands in a holistic manner that will benefit the your community.    

Send a letter to your CA State Assembly Member asking them to support AB279 and share this with others in your community.