University of Maryland, College Park

Researchers at the University of Maryland’s College of Information Studies will study the demographics and skills of district library supervisors, who have not been the subject of extensive research since the late 1960s. This study will explore the current roles and responsibilities of district library supervision offices in the 100 largest school districts and in 100 mid-sized school districts in the United States, collecting information about responsibilities, staffing, and various types of support they provide to school libraries. At least one school district in each state will be studied. The project will also build an online community for supervisors so that they might more effectively collect and share best practices.