Library programs

Having been somewhat of a lurker on the list till now I searched the entire site this morning for "library," "librarian," and "library media teacher."
A few interesting items came up but I'm disappointed that there is really very little discussion of the value of the library media teacher (the most accurate title for the position I hold).
There is, in the general plan for education an expressed need for "teachers, counselors, and librarians" in order to provide the best educational experience for all students. However, there is no requirement in California that school's provide LMTs. There is only a rather vague requirement that "library services" be provided. Thus many school libraries in the state are staffed by well-intentioned clerks, parent volunteers, and so forth, some of whom have educated themselves to a very high level of competency. Nevertheless, they are not library media teachers.
One of the correspodents mentioned "just-on-time" instruction. This is what LMTs do regularly--and most schools just don't have technology teachers who are available in a centralized public location for "just-on-time" instruction so LMTs fulfill this role as well to the extent that they are able.
There has also been some mention of the role the piblic library plays in literacy instruction. It seems that if we had LMTs in all schools we would not be playing catch-up through the public library systems. Of course, public libraries reach certain adults who have not had the opportunity to learn vital skills earlier but certainly well-stocked libraries and qualified LMTs at each school would go a long way to providing all our garduates with the literacy skills they cannot do without in their adult life.
In closing, I would advocate for the master plan to include a strong requirement for LMTs at every level.
Take a look at the reports from the recent White House Conference on School Libraries for much more information on the value of LMTs to the educational enterprise.