The South Dakota State Library (SDSL) provides leadership for innovation and excellence in libraries and services to state government. SDSL is a division of the SD Department of Education.
SDSL School Library Services seeks to provide guidance, advocacy, tools, and professional development for school library staff across South Dakota. We offer online and hybrid coursework specifically for school librarians, paraprofessionals, and other types of educators working collaboratively with the school library.
ExCITE! 2024: Creating an Impactful School Library
REGISTER HERE (opens March 4)
Join us this July for an on-line course focusing on the unique aspects of school librarianship and what it takes to create an impactful school library. Topics will include Implementing Policy and Procedure, Managing Behaviors Like a Pro, Practicing the Power of the Pause, Advocating for the School Library, Collaborating and Connecting Locally and Globally, Transforming the Library Space, Facilitating Innovative Programming, Understanding Current Trends, and Leading from the Library. This is a professional development opportunity specifically for school librarians, other school library staff, and anyone interested in becoming a school librarian.
WHEN: July 1 - August 2, 2024
WHO: All South Dakota school librarians, educators, and other library staff are welcome!
WHERE: Online via Canvas
COURSE CREDIT:
2 graduate or undergraduate credits through USF
OR 30 CECHs offered by SDSL
Readings, viewings, activities, projects, and evaluations are designed to equal a total of 30 hours of your time.
COST AND REGISTRATION:
ExCITE! is provided for 30 librarians for free with funding from the South Dakota State Library and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Registration will open in March 2024.
HOW: Instruction will be provided through asynchronous Canvas assignments. Instructional methods will include a digital learning platform, class discussion, independent forms of communication, collaborative innovation work time, and the use of digital tools. There will be one in-person module at the SD State Library in Pierre. Details below:
As a supplement to and in conjunction with ExCITE! 2024, SDSL's School Library Services is hosting the School Librarian Leadership Retreat. This will be an in-person session for ExCITE! students and will also be open to other school librarians from across the state. It is not required for ExCITE! students as part of the ExCITE! coursework; however, travel/meals/lodging will be covered for these students and they will earn an additional 15 CECHs on top of what they are already earning for the ExCITE! course. This will be a 1.5 day session with networking/socializing/collaborating time in addition to presentations from SDSL staff and others on important topics in school librarianship.
Questions? Contact Scottie Bruch at scottie.bruch@state.sd.us.
The 2024 School Librarian Leadership Retreat
The School Librarian Leadership Retreat is an in-person summer training opportunity for school librarians. It is being held at the end of the ExCITE! course as an optional in-person module for ExCITE! students but also open to other school librarians from across the state. The travel fees of the ExCITE! students are paid for. Participants will earn 15 CECHs OR 1 G/UG credit upon successful completion of the training. For ExCITE! students, these credits are in addition to what they are already earning for ExCITE!
Registration Details:
Program Description and Date
Program Platform and Instructional Methods
The School Librarian Leadership Retreat is an in-person training in which participants will network, share ideas, participate in hands-on activities, and listen to knowledgeable speakers on the topics that were presented during this year’s ExCITE! course.
SCHEDULE
| 1:00-1:30 | Group Activity |
|---|---|
| 1:30-2:00 | Welcome Address |
| 2:00-3:00 | Breakout Groups (ExCITE! students and non-ExCITE! students) |
| 3:00-4:00 | Group Activity |
| 4:00-5:00 | Group Activity |
| 5:00-6:00 | Dinner (catered in) |
| 6:00-7:00 | Group Activity |
| 9:00-9:30 | Keynote on Leading from the Library |
|---|---|
| 9:30-10:30 | The State of School Libraries |
| 10:30-10:45 | Break |
| 10:45-11:15 | Why Data Matters |
| 11:15-11:45 | Self-Care for School Librarians |
| 11:45-12:15 | Accessible Library Services |
| 12:15-1:15 | Lunch (catered in) |
| 1:15-1:45 | Understanding Current Trends |
| 1:45-2:15 | Innovative Programming |
| 2:15-2:30 | Break |
| 2:30-3:30 | Cardigan Camp Mini Session on Managing Behaviors |
| 3:30-4:00 | Final Questions/Wrap-Up |
ExCITE! Reboot 2024: Civic and Ethical Literacy
*Registration is closed.
Join us this winter for an on-line course focusing on the third strand of the SD School Library Standards, Civic and Ethical Literacy, in which we'll focus on topics related to the rights, responsibilities, and opportunities of living and learning in an interconnected world. This is a professional development opportunity for librarians, teachers, specialists, para-professionals, administrators, and coordinators.
WHEN: January 29-February 29, 2024
WHO: All South Dakota school librarians, educators, and other library staff are welcome!
WHERE: Online via Canvas
COURSE CREDIT:
2 graduate or undergraduate credits through USF
OR 30 CECHs offered by SDSL
Readings, viewings, activities, projects, and evaluations are designed to equal a total of 30 hours of your time.
COST AND REGISTRATION:
$90 payment made to the University of Sioux Falls (for undergrad/grad credit)
Free if taking for CECHs
*More information about registering/paying for undergrad/grad credit will come after course registration.
HOW: Instruction will be provided through asynchronous Canvas assignments. Instructional methods will include a digital learning platform, class discussion, independent forms of communication, collaborative innovation work time, and the use of digital tools.
Questions? Contact Scottie Bruch at scottie.bruch@state.sd.us.
Feedback from ExCITE! 2023 (ExCITE! Reboot 2024 is a re-offering of this original course)
"The best part of ExCITE! is all the resources and lessons we developed through out the course. I have actual teaching plans to take back to my class. "
"I love the practicality of ExCITE. There are so many things that I can take back and begin to use immediately in my instruction."
"I absolutely love these classes. I am so appreciative that I am allowed to take them (since I'm an ELA teacher, and not a librarian), but every class, I take away so many awesome new ideas/strategies/etc. that I can use in my classroom."
"Excite is always an amazing opportunity to connect with other professionals outside of my district. I always come away so refreshed, enlightened and energized."
"Having an online class that not only used theoretical concepts but also provided practical examples and practice."
"I was really impressed by this course and the knowledge and tools I gained by taking it. I would highly recommend others to take this course."
"Scottie is wonderful. I appreciate her down to earth approach to the class as well as her availability and willingness to answer questions and help in any way she was able. I would definitely take another class from her in the future!"
2024 Library Book Study: Cultivating Connected Learning
Registration is closed.
For this on-line book study, librarians will read, complete online journal entries/assignments for, and discuss the book, "Cultivating Connected Learning", by Megan E. Barrett and Rebecca J. Ranallo. The content and coursework is suitable for any librarian who is looking to implement more, different, and/or better library programming.
Book Study Dates and Platform:
March 4-31, 2024
Via Canvas LMS
Credit Information:
Earn 18 CECHs from SDSL
Book Information
Cultivating Connected Learning: Library Programs for Youth
Authors: Megan E. Barrett and Rebecca J. Ranallo
ISBN: 978-1-4408-5538-2
The first 20 registrants will receive a free copy of this book from SDSL. All other registrants must purchase their own copy.
Objectives
Students will discover and explore the connected learning framework and how it relates to their library programming.
Students will gain a deeper understanding of their own library's programming priorities.
Students will create useable content to guide them in their future library program planning.
Students will create a comprehensive plan for a new library program.
Evaluation Criteria
Chapter readings and activities
Final project
Evaluation survey
School Library Collect + Connect Meet-Ups
REGISTER HERE (to have access to all of the meet-ups for the 2023-24 school year)
Every Month: September 2023-May 2024
SDSL’s School Library Collect + Connect Meet-ups will be held monthly via Canvas and are an opportunity for school librarians across the state to gather, discuss, share, and learn.
January
Monday 1/22, 3:30pm CT/2:30pm MT
Topic: Policies and Procedures
February
Thursday 2/15, 4:30pm CT/3:30pm MT
Topic: Collection Maintenance
March
Wednesday 3/6, 3:30pm CT/2:30pm MT
Topic: Open Chat
April
Wednesday 4/3, 4:30pm CT/3:30pm MT
Topic: Creating a 5-Year Plan with Guest Speaker, Cheyenne Chontos
May
Wednesday 5/8, 3:30pm CT/2:30pm MT
Topic: Passive Programming
Past 2023-2024 School Year Dates and Topics
(Past Meeting Notes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1i4oJOi-kNAXSHAfuuiNJTy5UdrXfaJd0Kw-dLutjDyY/edit?usp=sharing)
September
Wednesday 9/20, 3:30pm CT/2:30pm MT
Topic: Open Chat
October
Monday 10/16, 4:30pm CT/3:30pm MT
Topic: Learning to Read at School, Loving to Read at the Library
November
Thursday 11/9, 3:30pm CT/2:30pm MT
Topic: Accessible Library Services with Guest Speaker Josh Easter
December
Wednesday 12/13, 4:30pm CT/3:30pm MT
Topic: Open Chat
PAST 2022-23 TOPICS
August Meet-Up: Wednesday 8/10, 9am MT
Topic: Back-to-School
September Meet-Up: Wednesday 9/7, 3:30pm MT
Topic: Collaboration with Teachers and with Public Libraries
October Meet-Up: Wednesday 10/5, 3:30pm MT
Topic: Favorite Technology Tools
November Meet-Up: Wednesday 11/2, 3:30pm MT
Topic: Genrefication and Weeding
December Meet-Up: Wednesday 12/7, 3:30pm MT
Topic: Must-Have Books for the New Year
January Meet-Up: Wednesday 1/4, 3:30pm MT
Topic: Favorite Databases & How You Use Them
February Meet-Up: Wednesday 2/1, 3:30pm MT
Topic: Book Clubs
March Meet-Up: Wednesday 3/1, 3:30pm MT
Topic: Favorite Library Lesson Plans
Library Methods On-Demand: Textual Literacy Course
Learn all about Textual Literacy, which is the first strand of the SD School Library Standards. Topics covered in the course will be related to reading and engaging for academic and personal growth. This is a professional development opportunity for librarians, teachers, specialists, para-professionals, administrators, and coordinators.
Course Objective
Textual Literacy: Students will demonstrate an understanding of reading for personal and academic growth.
Course Offered
Fully online and self-paced via Canvas (suggested time frame is one month)
Course Credit
2 grad/undergrad credits through USF
OR 30 continuing education contact hours (CECHs) issued by the SD State Library
Readings, viewings, activities, projects, and evaluations are designed to equal a total of 30 hours of your time.
Cost and Registration
No fee if registering for CECHs
$45 per credit if registering for grad/undergrad credit ($90 total); payment will be direct to USF
Evaluation Criteria
Participants will complete all asynchronous requirements and a course project.
Library Methods On-Demand: Information Literacy Course
Learn all about Information Literacy, which is the second strand of the SD School Library Standards. Topics covered in the course will be related to the research process from start to finish. This is a professional development opportunity for librarians, teachers, specialists, para-professionals, administrators, and coordinators.
Course Objective
Information Literacy: Students will demonstrate an understanding of the research process from start to finish.
Course Offered
Fully online and self-paced via Canvas (suggested time frame is one month)
Course Credit
2 grad/undergrad credits through USF
OR 30 continuing education contact hours (CECHs) issued by the SD State Library
Readings, viewings, activities, projects, and evaluations are designed to equal a total of 30 hours of your time.
Cost and Registration
No fee if registering for CECHs
$45 per credit if registering for grad/undergrad credit ($90 total); payment will be direct to USF
Evaluation Criteria
Participants will complete all asynchronous requirements and a course project.
Library Methods On-Demand: Book Study on "The Artful Read-Aloud"
For this book study, you'll read and complete online journal entries/assignments for the book, "The Artful Read-Aloud", by Rebecca Bellingham.
Credit Information:
Earn 15 CECHs from SDSL
Book Information
The Artful Read-Aloud: 10 Principles to Inspire, Engage, and Transform Learning
Author: Rebecca Bellingham
ISBN: 9780325109169
Participant is responsible for book purchase
Objectives
Students will discover 10 principles to an effective and engaging interactive read-aloud.
Students will reflect on each of the principles outlined in the book
Students will practice implementing the principles outlined in the book.
Students will gain knowledge about innovative ideas that will enhance the effectiveness of their read-alouds.
Evaluation Criteria
Chapter readings and activities
Optional online discussion
Final project
Evaluation survey
Outline
Module 1: Let’s Begin - Introduction, Chapter 1, Chapter 2
This module MUST be completed first.
The rest of the modules (except for the Let’s Finish! module) can be completed in any order.
Modules 2-10: Chapters 3-12
As the introduction explains, you can read these chapters in any order that makes sense to you.
For each module, read the chapter and complete all of the activities.
Module 11: Finale and Final Project
Read the final chapter.
Complete the final project.
Library Methods On-Demand: Book Study on "Cultivating Connected Learning"
For this book study, you'll read and complete online journal entries/assignments for the book, "Cultivating Connected Learning", by Megan E. Barrett and Rebecca J. Ranallo. The content and coursework is suitable for any librarian who is looking to implement more, different, and/or better library programming.
Credit Information:
Earn 18 CECHs from SDSL
Book Information
Cultivating Connected Learning: Library Programs for Youth
Authors: Megan E. Barrett and Rebecca J. Ranallo
ISBN: 978-1-4408-5538-2
Objectives
Evaluation Criteria
Library Methods On-Demand: Entrepreneurship for Librarians
This Library Methods On-Demand online course focuses on how you can support entrepreneurs and small business owners in your libraries and in your communities. This course has specific resources and information for school, public, and academic libraries.
Course Offered
Fully online and self-paced via Canvas (suggested time frame is one month)
Credit Information:
Earn 15 CECHs from SDSL
Course Objectives:
Students will learn about entrepreneurs and the challenges they face.
Students will discover what resources are available to them that will help them better support the entrepreneurial-minded, the entrepreneurs, and the small business owners in their communities.
Students will establish a vision and goals for how their library will support entrepreneurs.
Students will explore the resources that are available to share with their patrons.
Students will get inspiration and ideas from librarians who are already providing support for entrepreneurs.
Students will set their goals for their library in their endeavor to become a hub for entrepreneurial support, resources, and services.
Students will create a Minimal Viable Product for their library that will serve as a resource, service, or program for entrepreneurs.
Completing the 2023-24 School Library Survey for Credit (NEW this year!)
The school librarian can choose to complete the School Library Survey for no credit OR for 6 CECHs (continuing education credit hours). If completing the SLS for no credit, the school librarian will only be required to submit the survey.
If completing the SLS for credit, the school librarian will be required to complete 6 hours of coursework which includes watching short informative video presentations, completing reflections about their school library, creating an Annual Report using the data collected for the SLS, and submitting the survey.
*If a school librarian is completing multiple surveys for schools in their district, they can only receive credit for the completion of one SLS and will submit the other school surveys for no credit.
You can view the course syllabus below.
Enrollment for the course is open, and the course will be available from March 4 - May 3.
If you would like to ONLY complete the survey and not receive CECHs, click the link below (available March 4-May 3).
School Library Survey (available starting March 4)
*There will also be a live training and Q&A session on Monday, March 4, at 2:30pm MT/3:30pm CT, via TEAMS. Access the meeting HERE.
Information about the School Library Survey
The State Library uses data collected from the School Libraries Survey (SLS) to track changes and trends in South Dakota School Libraries.
Survey information gathered from school libraries helps us provide services such as the statewide electronic resources for research and education, programs like the ExCITE! Library Methods Course, and interlibrary loan services.
The annual School Libraries Facts & Stats provides a snapshot of statewide summary data from the SLS. School districts have access to the data for comparison across districts and over time.
School library staff will fill out one survey PER SCHOOL. It is okay to project an estimate for survey questions, like circulation, that require a year-end total.
School Library Survey Course Syllabus
Course Dates: March 4 - May 3, 2024
Course Platform: Canvas (asynchronous, online)
Facilitated By: SD State Library
Credit: Earn 6 CECHs for successful completion of the course
Module 1 (45 minutes)
READ: General information about the School Library Survey
VIEW: Video presentation on Why Data Matters
REFLECT: Reflection activity on what makes your library special
Module 2 (45 minutes)
READ: Information about the School Library PLACE
VIEW: Video presentation on The Library as the Heart of the School
COMPLETE: Sections 1 and 2 of the SLS Worksheet
REFLECT: Reflection activity on your library's place
Module 3 (45 minutes)
READ: Information about the School Library PROFESSIONAL
VIEW: Video presentation on The Librarian as the Heartbeat of the School
COMPLETE: Section 3 of the SLS Worksheet
REFLECT: Reflection activity on your library's professional(s)
Module 4 (45 minutes)
READ: Information about the School Library PROGRAM
VIEW: Video presentation on School Library Programming
COMPLETE: Section 4 of the SLS Worksheet
REFLECT: Reflection activity on your library's program
Module 5 (3 hours)
COMPLETE: The School Library Survey
CREATE: Your Annual Report
SUBMIT: The End-of-Course Survey
SDSL Electronic Resources for Teachers Course
*June 10-23, 2024 - via Canvas
This 2-week course is designed for K-12 teachers as an introduction to the electronic resources provided by the South Dakota State Library. Participants will discover the benefits of the SDSL Electronic Resources and how to incorporate them into their lessons.
Course Objective
Students will explore SDSL's Electronic Resources and discover how to use them in their classrooms as instructional tools.
Course Offered
Fully online via Canvas
Course Credit
8 CECHs offered by SDSL
Readings, viewings, activities, projects, and evaluations are designed to equal a total of 8 hours of your time.
Cost and Registration
No Cost
Registration will open April 10
Evaluation Criteria
Participants will attend all online synchronous meetings/presentations .
Participants will complete all asynchronous requirements.
Participants will complete a course project.
Contact Scottie Bruch, School Library Coordinator | 605-295-3152 (direct) | SD State Library