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.

ACCESS .  It's so important. Digital access has been spotlighted in the last year with the major transition to distance learning due to the pandemic. This type of access is incredibly important as we address issues that revolve around equity in education and digital learning. That being said, print book access continues to be vital. Research has shown that print access helps to level the playing field by contributing to academic achievement and positive student outcomes. This is especially true for underserved students, younger students, and students without Internet or without reliable Internet. The South Dakota State Library created a new brochure titled Book Access and School Libraries to go along with its South Dakota Future Ready Libraries brochure .  This document lives on the SD State Library website under School Libraries > Advocacy and under School Libraries > Reading Resources.

- a smattering of two random reads about libraries, education & growth - "What Teachers Want You to Know: A Letter to Administrators" via The Cult of Pedagogy ...You stand right in the middle, wedged between those who make the policies and the teachers and students impacted by them. "How To Speak Administrator"  via School Library Journal ...Because we can’t speak to every principal, superintendent, and school board member directly, allow us to help you be heard with these seven tips to make the case for your library.