COLLECT + CONNECT

Does the school library have a strategic plan? If not, it's time. The American Rescue Plan Act , was signed into law on March 11, 2021. It is a massive economic package - the third in a series provided by the federal government - addressing the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more about federal COVID funding at  doe.sd.gov/coronavirus/caresact.aspx . Now is the time to get the library's desired future on paper via a strategic plan. A school library strategic plan... defines goals to achieve over an extended period of time - usually 3 to 5 years. allows for backward planning. is aligned with the school’s mission, the curriculum, and the School Improvement Plan. connects the dots between the library and student outcomes. creates a baseline and allows the librarian to measure growth. allows librarians to concretely share with administrators the role the library plays in the learning culture of the school. demonstrates the depths and legitimacy of the school library program...

The American Association of School Librarians (AASL)  released a new position statement titled “The Critical Need for and Responsibilities of District-Level School Library Supervisors."  This statement replaces the previous “Role of the School Library Supervisor.” Essentially, this new position statement defines the supervisor as a member of the district-level administrative team. This individual is the visionary, the supervisor, and the coordinator of district- and building-level school libraries. All position statements from AASL  can be used as guidance for creating and sustaining exemplary school libraries. Visit School Library Services  > Advocacy on the SD State Library website for more resources and tools.