SLJ budget and funding survey findings

 more than half of school libraries in the United States—57 percent—report operating with “unmet needs,” according to School Library Journal’s 2026 Budget and Spending Survey. The survey, completed by 820 school libraries, examines current year (2025–26), prior year (2024–25), and projected library media center (LMC) budgets, revealing a largely flat funding environment across school types.

Within the data, the survey reveals how multiple factors, including burdensome approval and purchasing processes, rising collection expenses, and a growing need for alternative funding sources, exacerbate the impact of flat budgets in a period of economic uncertainty. This data is not only notable, but should help drive advocacy for school funding going forward.

Topics include demographics, district and state challenges, diversity funding, book fairs, staffing, and partnerships. 

Witteveen, A. (2026). 2026 budgets funding survey: School libraries face unmet needs. School Library Journal. https://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/story/2026-Budgets-Funding-Survey-School-Librarians-face-Unmet-Needs

2024 School Library Budget and Spending Survey

 The School Library Journal's annual budget and spending survey's 2024 findings show stable budgets (although depending more on state and federal money than on local funding) and more spending on print books less spending on ebooks, now that most schools are back to in-person instruction. School librarians also spent money on upgrading their furniture. With book bans and challenges becoming more prevalent, school librarians are sometimes needing to get more approvals for spending choices. More details can be found in the full article.

Cockcroft, M. (2024, April 4). Spend it if you can. School Library Journal. 

https://www.slj.com/story/spend-it-if-you-can-SLJ-2024-school-library-budget-survey

California Public School Parent Survey

A new statewide survey of more than 1,000 Californians with children in public schools provides a first detailed examination regarding how connected and involved parents are with their children's schools. The results of this survey are particularly timely given that parents are playing a greater role in providing input on how education funds are spent through California's new Local Control Funding Formula now being implemented in schools across the state.  Here is a brief summary:

“The survey revealed that while parents knew little about the new school funding law, they were overwhelmingly willing to participate in decisions about school budgets -- if they feel they would be heard. The survey also found distinct differences among high-income and low-income parents when it comes to evaluation of schools and levels of engagement. In addition to providing an important baseline for parent engagement in California, this information can help educators and other stakeholders better understand the obstacles to parent participation and improve their outreach as the state implements its new funding system.

EdSource. (2013). California Public School Parent Survey. Oakland: EdSource.

http://edsource.org/today/parent-engagement

National school library budget survey

The budget status of teacher librarians remains bleak. School librarians, especially those out West, are still struggling to get by on bare-bones budgets. TLs are still battling to keep pace with a slew of additional duties—everything from serving as student advisors to maintaining their buildings’ online networks. This annual report focuses on funding, staffing, and resources.
Farmer, L. (2011, March 15). Brace yourself: SLJ's school library spending survey. School Library Journal. http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/slj/newsletters/newsletterbucketextrahelping2/893538-477/brace_yourself_sljs_school_library.html.csp#.T1aZD86Nhu1.facebook

California district spending report

There is wide variation in per-pupil state spending across California school districts with some low-income districts receiving $620 less per student than is received in more affluent districts, according to a new report. The report also found some disparities in the other extreme and among districts serving students of similar demographic backgrounds. For example, in 2009-10, the latest data available, per-pupil revenue was $14,076 in Palo Alto versus $7,679 in Milpitas, both unified districts serving K-12 students. But clearly, affluence counts: In San Mateo County, the Woodside elementary district took in $18,894 per student, while Millbrae elementary got $7,362.
Education Trust-West. (2012). the cruel divide. Oakland, CA: Author.
http://www.mercurynews.com/education/ci_20044363?source=pkg

Public library funding and tech access survey

New report: Technology demands are up, budgets are down
A pervasive “new normal” of increased demand for library technology resources, paired with decreased funding at state and local levels, is affecting service to millions of Americans, according to a report released June 21 by the Office for Research and Statistics. The 2011 Public Library Funding and Technology Access Study reports that more than 87% of U.S. libraries provide technology training for patrons, but 55% of urban libraries are reporting operating budget decreases during the current fiscal year, followed by suburban (36%) and rural (26%) libraries. The report appears as American Libraries’ Summer 2011 Digital Supplement.

School libraries spending survey report

The biennial School Library Journal national survey of school library spending and services reveals the impact of the economy. Middle schools and the West were hardest hit. The report includes information about acquisitions, collections, staffing, use of technology, and collaboration.
Farmer, L. (2011, March). Spending survey. School Library Journal, p. 42-49.
http://www.slj.com