SPRINGFIELD – Libraries are an important cornerstone of a college students’ education and they require professional, union librarians to staff them. State Senator Mike Halpin championed a task force to study the impact of professional librarians on student and university outcomes.

“We must ensure our higher education institutions offer the most competitive and comprehensive learning tools,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “A fully staffed, professional, union library faculty can direct a young mind to diverse, authoritative sources and instruct navigation of evolving data bases. This task force will give us a deeper understanding of professional librarians’ impact on a student’s education and give universities insights on how they can improve their library access.”

Halpin led Senate Joint Resolution 13 to create a University Library and Professional Librarian Access and Transparency Task Force alongside the Illinois Federation of Teachers. This task force would o study the impacts of professional librarians on student and university outcomes.

According to the Association of College and Research Libraries, 88% of students reported that their assignments and course grades improved as a result of library drop-in tutoring service. In addition, a significant percentage of the students who attended information literacy session had higher final course grades.

“We have an opportunity to promote students’ intellectual growth and ensure our libraries are fully staffed and funded,” said Merrill Cole IFT local president to UPI local 4100 chapter at Western Illinois University.  “By investing in our libraries and librarians we can create an environment that allows for curiosity, empowerment and connection.”

Senate Joint Resolution 13 was adopted by the Senate Friday.