Library Media

​New Kentucky Academic Standards for Library Media

704 KAR 8:100 adopts into law the Kentucky Academic Standards for Library Media​, and it is now available at KYstandards.org. 

​In the summer of 2019, approximately 30 school library leaders from across Kentucky began work on the first Kentucky Academic Standards (KAS) for Library Media. The standards-writing team unanimously decided to use the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) Standards Framework for Learners as the foundation of the KAS for Library Media.

The standards-writing team expanded on the AASL standards with learning indicators at each of four grade levels, K-2, 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12. After a nearly 2-year process – which included the drafting and revising of the standards, opportunities for public comment and legislative review – the standards were fully adopted by the Kentucky Board of Education on May 4, 2021.

Although the standards do not have a connected graduation requirement, they are, by law, the standards that must be used if a school has a library media program or elective (which includes all K-12 public schools in Kentucky). The Kentucky Academic Standards for Library Media will be included in the same 6-year cycle of review and revision as all other content area standards.

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The school library media center is regarded as the hub of the school community and integral to teaching and learning. By providing teachers and students with a full range of print and electronic resources to support learning, the school library media center impacts student achievement.

The school Library Media Program is an integral part of the school’s total education program. Success in life and work includes the use of higher-order thinking skills, collaboration, innovation, and information and media literacy. Quality library media facilities, with appropriate resources and certified librarians, are key components to success in these areas, as well as to success in implementing content area standards.

A school library with a flexible (or open) schedule provides an opportunity for classroom teachers to participate in co-teaching and collaboration with the certified librarian. An open or flexible library schedule means students and teachers are able to access the school library throughout the day to use information sources, to read for pleasure and to meet and work with other students and teachers. A flexible schedule also provides opportunities for students and teachers to access the certified librarian for guidance in the inquiry process and for support in accessing print and digital resources for content reading and reading for pleasure.

A substantial body of research since 1990 clearly demonstrates the importance of school libraries to students' education. Whether student achievement is measured by standardized reading achievement tests or by global assessments of learning, research shows that a well-stocked library staffed by a certified library media specialist has a positive impact on student achievement, regardless of the socio-economic or educational level of the community.

More information about Kentucky library media standards, guidelines, statutes and program supports can be found on these pages.

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