Library Information Services ...Helping students become Independent, Information - literate, Lifelong Learners! Department Staff

Spring Branch Independent School District Dr. Barry M. Bishop 9016 Westview Houston, TX, 713-365-5616

1. The budget process may begin as early as November, so plan to have a 30 minute sit-down meeting with your principal sometime in late Fall.

2. First, determine your principal's priorities. Usually student achievement is # 1. 

3. Analyze your Library, Library Program, Library resources, and your own strengths and weaknesses. Determine what areas need to be bolstered by the next year's budget.

4. Consider the District and Board 5-year Educational Goals, the District Core Competencies (Board), and the Portrait of the Graduate as you look for ways the Library program can support the school. Be aware of campus curriculum initiatives including Roadmapping.

5. Prepare to highlight the Library Program needs that if met, could assist in accomplishing the principal's priorities. Make specific proposals. Great resources for helping make this point can be found at: 

The Texas Study, Texas School Libraries: Standards, Resources, Services, and Students’ Performance.
www.tsl.state.tx.us/ld/pubs/schlibsurvey/index.html

Article on the Texas Study published in the Summer 2001 issue of Texas Library Journal. www.txla.org/pubs/tlj77/summer01.html (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

The current (2005) Texas School Library Standards:
http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/ld/schoollibs/index.html

6. When meeting with the principal, stay positive. Point out how he or she can be more successful at accomplishing his or her goals (TAKS) by supporting your proposed Library budget and plan.

Other Information:

School Library Journal publishes average price for books each year in their March issue. For 2005 go to this link: http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA507329.html

Each campus budget is made up of about $12.00 per student for the Library. However, once campus monies, federal monies, and/or PTA monies are totaled our campuses spend between $6 and $50 per student on resources. A rough estimate of how to divide a campus Library budget might look something like this:

6329 (books and AV software)  =  70%-80%  of total, (books will probably be about 80% and AV 20%)
6325 (magazines)                       =  10%-20%
6391 (supplies)                          =  5%-10% 
6397 (Computer software)          = $200 for MARC Wizard up-keep

The receiving of Federal funds (Title) or PTA Funds changes the campus budget allocations.