COLLECT + CONNECT

As we look toward summer and (possibly) have a little extra time on our hands, it might be a good time to create/refine/boast your library website. A virtual library is a MUST for any library existing in the 21st century. A virtual library needs to work just as hard as a physical library. The presence of an updated, well- functioning, engaging website is not just good for patrons/students, it's good for librarians and the profession as a whole. School librarian extraordinaire Jennifer LaGarde writes, " we cannot afford to maintain spaces (physical or virtual) that leave people wondering what our value is. Every ounce of real estate we control should send the message that our work changes lives - because it does." Check out LaGarde's post Creating GREAT Library Websites for TODAY's Learners! Even those of you who are limited to a certain interface -say, if the district requires you to use its web development tool - can supplement with other features that enhance yo...

View the SD Teen Choice Book Awards winners! And for the Prairie Awards... View the winners and the complete list of nominees.

With the unprecedented influx of money headed to South Dakota schools and libraries, it's super important to start thinking about what your library needs to make its services more effective and efficient. This applies specifically to technology and curbing student learning loss due to the pandemic. The State Library will be receiving approximately two million dollars with which to distribute to all types of libraries. This American Rescue Plan Act funding will be made available to libraries through grants. This means librarians need to be ready and waiting with a strategized list. Here are some items to think about: wifi hotspots for checkout computers laptops printers copiers ILS systems self-checkout systems recording studios to record music, podcasts, etc. digitization equipment (scanners, computers, VHS to digital converter) tables with tech embedded charging stations ebooks and audio book subscriptions (with the understanding that this money is one-time money and the subscript...