The bill establishes the position of a state school librarian within the Minnesota Department of Education, specifically in the State Library Services Division. This new role is designed to provide technical assistance to licensed school library media specialists and librarians, ensuring that the individual in this position has experience as a licensed school library media specialist. The state school librarian will collaborate with department staff on various initiatives, including academic standards development, data collection, and administering state library aid, while also supporting district and charter schools on issues related to intellectual freedom, media literacy, and promoting reading.

Additionally, the state school librarian will be responsible for sharing information about available grants and resources, assisting with licensure acquisition in partnership with the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board, and providing professional development opportunities for school library media specialists and librarians. The state school librarian will report directly to the director of State Library Services, thereby ensuring a structured oversight and support system for school libraries across the state.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 134.31