HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 63

(By Delegates Williams, Swartzmiller, Beach, Stemple, Canterbury, Tabb, Crosier, Long, Duke, Sobonya, Poling, Paxton, Romine, Renner, Perry, Sumner, Hartman, Shaver, Wakim, Howard, Shelton, Hamilton, Fragale, Kuhn and Mezzatesta)

(Originating in the Committee on Education)

[March 1, 2004]


Directing the joint committee on government and finance to make a study on improving public school libraries to meet the needs of students and faculty.

Whereas, The Legislature recognizes the critical importance for students to develop strong reading skills in the early grades, for these skills to mature as students progress through the later grades and read for the acquisition of new knowledge, social awareness, and entertainment, and for students to attain the information literacy skills necessary for lifelong learning; and

Whereas, Numerous research studies conducted over the last decade have found that student academic achievement on state standardized tests is greater at schools that have professionally staffed, well-stocked and equipped, school libraries that work in collaboration with teachers to support instruction and teach students how to access information; and

Whereas, School libraries are evolving from book collections to
multimedia repositories to high-tech information centers that are accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the joint committee on government and finance is hereby directed to make a study on improving public school libraries to meet the needs of students and faculty; and be it

Further Resolved, That the said joint committee on government and finance shall conduct the study and prepare a report of its findings, conclusions and recommendations together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and be it

Further Resolved, That the joint committee on government and finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2005, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and be it

Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the joint committee on government and finance.