Furloughed, but Not Forgotten: Activism for Displaced School Librarians

This school year, and likely the next, unprecedented numbers of teachers and school librarians have and will be furloughed or demoted. These unpaid leaves of absence can be temporary and scheduled to reflect only a few days out of the academic year, or they can be in effect for the entire school year. State regulations and laws, in conjunction with negotiated teacher contracts, determine the rights and benefits of employees in these circumstances, and vary from state to state. However, what is consistent to those facing more than just a few days of lost pay is a situation that can be demoralizing and depressing, as well as financially punitive. School librarians are likely to be heavily impacted by these furloughs since in many states certificated school librarians are not required. As a furloughed librarian, it is easy to become despondent and discouraged, wanting to hide under the covers all day. However, this time can be seen as an opportunity to meet new challenges, learn new strategies and skills, and become an advocate--not just for school libraries, but for one's self. This article discusses a basic advocacy plan reinforced and inspired by keys on a computer keyboard.