NY S00053

Requires each school district to maintain a school library in every elementary and secondary school and employ a certified school library media specialist within three years of the law's effective date.

Establishes staffing standards based on school enrollment: 0.15 FTE for schools with ≤100 pupils up to 1+ full-time specialists for schools with >2,000 pupils, with additional specialists for every additional 1,000 pupils.

Requires employment of library clerks (1 FTE for schools with ≥1,000 pupils, plus additional clerks for each additional 1,000 pupils).

Allows the Commissioner of Education to waive requirements for up to one year in designated shortage areas if a genuine employment offer was made, but limits waivers to no more than two consecutive years and two total waivers within a five-year period.