Beth Raff is president of the New Jersey Association of School Librarians. This first appeared at nj.com.

Gov. Phil Murphy, in his State of the State Address, promoted his vision of a statewide literacy initiative to improve literacy rates for New Jersey students. There is a dedicated professional partner who is already found in many New Jersey schools — certified school librarians who are prepared to support this initiative. Literacy and school libraries are natural partners and the role that they play in students’ academic success is the missing piece in the discussion.

There is scientific research to support the link between increased literacy rates, a well-stocked school library and the presence of a state-certified school librarian. Numerous studies from around the world have consistently found that schools with certified school librarians and libraries have higher student outcomes across multiple measures, including — but not limited to — reading scores.

One study, Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) — a test administered to 10-year-olds in over 50 countries — found that school libraries and their collections were the main contributing factor to higher reading scores, and made up for some of the negative effects of poverty.

Beyond the fact that school librarians improve student outcomes, it’s also appropriate to include school librarians in school, district and state literacy initiatives. School librarians are trained to support student reading through collection development to ensure that high-quality resources are found in school library collections.

By including school librarians in the planning and development of literacy initiatives, schools ensure that their librarians are providing collections that support curricular and program efforts to engage students with reading. School librarians are uniquely positioned within the school to provide resources and materials that can meet students’ diverse inquiry needs. Unlike classroom teachers, who work with only a fraction of students, school librarians work with all students. School librarians also span subject areas and grade levels.

This allows school librarians to support literacy across the curriculum, bridging the divides between subjects with engaging resources that encourage reading in all subject areas. Not only does this promote increased literacy, but it also helps students to understand that literacy is a part of every subject, and indeed, every facet of their lives. School librarians are privileged in their position to be able to follow students’ academic growth over an extended period.

Not all New Jersey students are fortunate enough to have a certified school librarian. A report published from the School Librarian Investigation: Decline or Evolution? (SLIDE), a research project through Antioch University Seattle and funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, highlights an ongoing decline in the number of districts in New Jersey with school librarians.

According to the findings, which are based on National Center for Education Statistics data, approximately one-fifth of school districts in New Jersey do not have certified school librarians (Kachel, Lance). Data from the NJ School Performance Report cards shows a ratio of a declining number of school librarians to students from 2016-2017 to the latest report card. Every student deserves a certified school librarian in their school.

Yes, Governor Murphy, “reading books is better than banning books.” School librarians are ready and willing to partner with teachers to provide high-level instruction that can improve New Jersey students’ literacy skills, as it has been shown in multiple studies across the country.

It’s time to recognize the value as well as the return on investment that school librarians provide. It’s time to adequately fund schools so districts can hire and retain school librarians: the staff member who supports literacy, teaches research skills, collaborates with teachers to support their classroom curricula, and provides a curated collection of diverse and current resources that promote student achievement. This will ensure that ALL New Jersey students have equitable access to school librarians. It would be money well spent.