NY S08212

Each school district must employ a certified school library media specialist in every elementary, intermediate, middle, junior high, and senior high school within three years of the law's effective date.

Staffing requirements are based on school enrollment: schools with up to 100 students require 0.15 FTE; 101-300 students require 0.3 FTE; 301-500 students require 0.5 FTE; over 500 students require 1.0 FTE.

Schools with 1,001-2,000 students must employ one certified specialist and one support staff person as 1.0 FTE; schools with 2,000+ students must employ two certified specialists and two support staff persons as 1.0 FTE, plus one additional support staff FTE for each additional 1,000 students.

The commissioner may grant waivers for up to two consecutive years for schools in shortage areas if they demonstrate a compliance plan, but no waivers may extend beyond two years.

School library materials definition is expanded to include audio/visual, online, and electronic materials needed for media literacy programs.