MN HF1856

Creates new law in Minnesota Statutes chapter 124D establishing requirements for school district and charter school libraries and media centers to provide equitable and free access to students, teachers, and administrators.

Requires school libraries to ensure every student has equitable access to organized and cataloged resources, maintain a collection development policy including challenged materials procedures and intellectual freedom statements, be housed in a central location, and provide technology tools and broadband access.

Mandates school districts and charter schools employ a licensed school library media specialist or licensed school librarian to provide student instruction, staff training on resources and equipment, and instructional support to teachers across all disciplines.

Requires the employed librarian or media specialist to participate in schoolwide technology and communications planning, integrate library resources into instructional programs, and model ethical use of information and adherence to copyright laws.