Back-to-school Basics for School Librarians: 2020-21 Edition

As you prepare for this new school year, have you...

• Become acquainted with the Starting Well 2020 page from the South Dakota Department of Education? This is loaded with information for South Dakota schools as they return to school during pandemic circumstances.
  
  
• Reviewed the resources, updates, and reopening guidance specific to SD school libraries at Starting Well 2020: A Guide for School Libraries & Newest Updates on School Libraries & COVID-19 Resource Guide.
  
  
• Introduced yourself to new staff in person and by email? Don't forget to share critical services and resources while keeping it short and simple. New staff are already overwhelmed, right?
  
  
• Reached out to staff in a staff meeting to communicate the library's plan to address COVID-19. Share critical resources, changes in programming, Makerspaces, schedule changes, updates, etc.
  
  
• Touched base with your administrator IN PERSON?
  
  
• Created your back-to-school newsletter with vital resources for students, families, and teachers?  This year, in particular, you might focus on resources that support distance learning like digital books and the SD State Library's free databases (and those with ebook options!) as well as, books with themes of empathy, grit, and inclusion.  You might also include the objectives you'll be working on from the 2019 SD School Library Standards, new books, read aloud links, tutorial videos, etc.
  
  

Image by Wokandapix from Pixabay

• Really thought about how you will alter your library space to ensure equity and inclusion while also keeping in mind the health and safety of patrons. See Starting Well 2020: A Guide for School Libraries.
  
  
• Figured out how you will promote the SD Children’s Books Awards: Prairie Bud, Bloom, Pasque Awards for K-5 grades & The YARP Awards for 6-12 grades. Do you have the new titles ordered yet? It's a great year to use these awards to also teach about democracy and the voting process.
  
  
• Updated your virtual library/website? At the very least, make sure your contact information is updated and that all current your links are live. Dead links happen all the time without warning.
  
  
• Consider easier access for students by linking directly to specific SDSL databases? Just copy/paste the unique URL to your website or blog or OPAC system dashboard.
  
  
• Updated your management/OPAC system?
  
  
• Updated and shared any resource lists you've curated? There are many online tools for this like Pearltrees, Wakelet, or Diigo. Even many OPAC 's have this feature.
  
  
• Considered how library orientation might look this year?
  
  
• Organized a yearly outline with curricular units, celebrations, programs, events, visits, book fairs, testing, etc? 
  
  
• Created and shared any booking/check-out calendars for media carts, labs, library times, etc.?
  
  
• Researched and created bulletin boards that can last awhile? Limit your stress during stressful times. 😆
  
  
• Considered what your Makerspace will look like this year? Will you still use it at its same capacity or at all... at least for awhile?
  
  
• Made a back-to-school display with new books about beginnings, adventure, courage, self-esteem, etc.?
  
  
• Updated signage? Created new signage related to social distancing, circulation, etc.
  
  
• Printed and posted the 2019 School Library Standards? Yes, school library is a content area!
  
  
• Posted your award badge if you're a recent awardee of the 21st Century Library Award?
  
  
• Displayed the School Library Data Digest poster? Newest edition coming to you in the fall via snail mail to your district office.
  
  
• Posted your library mission statement in your physical library and on your virtual library?
  
  
• Subscribed to the School Library Listserv for deadlines, current events, and email communication for SD school library staff? Encourage others who spend professional time in the library (like a para-professional, teacher, volunteer, secretary) to subscribe too.
  
  
• Subscribed to Collect+Connect for practical blog posts about school libraries?
  
  
• Bookmarked the SDSL School Libraries page from the SD State Library?
  
  
• Bookmarked the SDSL K-12 databases page? Go further and bookmark specific student research lists based on age level. Read more about this.
  

Disclaimer: The South Dakota State Library does not endorse any service, product, or recommendation listed in this post.