Abstract
School libraries in California are staffed by a wide range of personnel, including credentialed Teacher Librarians (TLs) and paraprofessional staff working under a variety of job titles. Analysis of responses from the California School Library Survey revealed substantial variation in self-reported library staff titles, raising questions about the relationship between job titles, job descriptions, and professional responsibilities. This study examined the titles used by individuals working in California school libraries as paraprofessionals and analyzed corresponding job descriptions to determine whether distinctions exist between professional standards and descriptions and paraprofessional duties. Using survey data from the 2022–2023 California School Library Survey, researchers categorized self-reported titles and identified job descriptions from the twenty largest California school districts. Findings revealed more than 100 self-reported paraprofessional titles, although district job descriptions generally clustered into four categories: Clerk, Assistant, Technician, and Specialist. Across these categories, responsibilities were highly similar and focused primarily on circulation, technical services, collection management, record keeping, and student supervision. Several job descriptions also included duties related to information access and instructional support traditionally associated with credentialed Teacher Librarians. The results suggest that distinctions between professional and paraprofessional roles have become increasingly blurred, with paraprofessional staff frequently expected to perform complex information and instructional tasks without corresponding professional preparation or credentials. These findings raise concerns about the deprofessionalization of school librarianship and highlight the need for clearer differentiation of responsibilities, professional standards, and staffing models within California school libraries.
Recommended Citation
Harlan, Mary Ann
(2026)
"When Everyone Is a Librarian: Examining Job Titles and Responsibilities in California School Libraries,"
Learning Hub: Vol. 1:
Iss.
2, Article 11.
Available at:
https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/learning-hub/vol1/iss2/11
Article History
Article History | Submitted: August 5, 2026 | Peer-Reviewed and Approved: August 5, 2026 | Published Online: August 14, 2026
