Menu
Log in
Forgot password

Massachusetts School Library Study

The Massachusetts School Library Study was conducted by Dr. Carol A. Gordon, EdD and Robin Cichetti, EdD and published in 2018.  To read the full study, visit: 

Salem State University Library  Massachusetts School Library Research Project page

History and Background

About the commission

The Joint Commission on School Library Services in the Commonwealth is comprised of representatives of library, educational, legislative and citizen groups. It is chaired by Senator Kenneth Donnelly of the 4th Middlesex District and Representative Sean Garballey of the 23rd Middlesex District and is comprised of representatives from the Legislature, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), the Massachusetts Teachers Association, the American Federation of Teachers, the Massachusetts School Library Association, the Massachusetts Library Association, the Massachusetts business community, the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents, the Massachusetts Association of School Committees, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, and the Massachusetts Library System.liz phipps-soeiro 

Purpose

The commission’s primary purpose is to study the public school library programs in the commonwealth and the best way to serve the needs of students.

Objectives

The commission will...

  • Conduct public hearings to gather information
  • Collaborate with researchers Dr. Robin Cicchetti and Dr. Carol Gordon to design a survey instrument and collect data on the eleven items outlined in the statute
  • Solicit participation in the survey by reaching out to public school districts throughout the Commonwealth
  • Develop a summary report of the commission’s findings with recommendations for school library facilities, budget, staffing, collection development and curriculum standards for school library programs
  • Share report and recommendations with the Joint Committee on Education and the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Library Commission Members

  • Library Commission Chair: Representative Sean Garballey, Arlington 
  • Senator Ken Donnelly of Arlington
  • Senator Don Humason, Westfield
  • Representative David Vieira, East Falmouth
  • Judi Paradis, Massachusetts School Library Association President, Library Teacher - Waltham Public Schools
  • Kendall Boninti, MSLA Legislation Committee Co-chair - Library Teacher Waltham Public Schools
  • Maureen Ambrosio, Massachusetts Library Association (MLA) President
  • Greg Pronevitz, Massachusetts Library System (MLS) Executive Director
  • Laura Carah, Library Teacher, Sturgis Charter School
  • Carole Shutzer, Teacher - Lynn Public Schools
  • Dr. Jonathan Landman, DESE Assistant Commissioner for Teaching and Learning
  • J.D. Cheslaw, Business Roundtable

Researchers

  • Dr. Robin Cicchetti
  • Dr. Carol Gordon


Back row, left to right: Carol Gordon, Laura Carrah, Robin Cicchetti, Judi Paradis, Dan Callahan, Kendall Boninti

Front row: Judy Marcella, John Rosenberry (aide to Rep. Garballey)


Massachusetts School Library Association

PO Box 336   |   Wayland, MA   |   01778

508-276-1697

Emily Kristofek, Office Manager ekristofek@maschoolibraries.org

A chapter of:


Massachusetts School Library Association. All Rights Reserved. Copyright 2026

Website by Merge Creative Inc.

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software