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’s School Library Coordinator acts as the liaison for 400+ school libraries across the state by providing a variety of outreach and programming services as well as professional development, help desk support, and advocacy for school libraries and school librarians. The School Library Coordinator is committed to empowering school librarians, enhancing their knowledge and skills, and supporting and elevating the role of the school librarian and the school library as a vibrant center of learning and engagement.
Completing the 2024-25 School Library Survey for Credit
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.
There will be a School Library Survey I Course for librarians who have not yet taken the course and a School Library Survey II Course for librarians who took the original course in the spring of 2024. Enrollment for the courses will open in Winter 2025, and the courses will be available from January 13 - May 2.
You can also ONLY complete the survey and not receive CECHs (available January 13 - May 2).
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 Collect + Connect Meet-Ups
REGISTER HERE (to have access to all of the meet-ups for the 2024-25 school year)
Every Month: September 2024-May 2025
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.
(Past Meeting Notes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1i4oJOi-kNAXSHAfuuiNJTy5UdrXfaJd0Kw-dLutjDyY/edit?usp=sharing)
ExCITE! 2025
ExCITE! (Exchange, Create, Infuse, Transform, Energize) is a flexible, engaging, and personalized online professional development course designed for school librarians, classroom teachers, and other education professionals. This course modernizes professional learning by offering micro modules, allowing participants to choose their own learning path while earning professional development credit.
This year's ExCITE! course is structured around the South Dakota School Library Standard of Textual Literacy, focusing on reading engagement for academic and personal growth. The course blends self-paced learning, live discussions, gamification, and practical application, making it both interactive and impactful.
WHEN: Summer 2025
WHO: All South Dakota school librarians, educators, and other library staff are welcome!
WHERE: Online via Canvas
COURSE CREDIT: More information coming soon
COST AND REGISTRATION: More information coming soon
Registration will open in April 2025.
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.
The School Librarian Leadership Retreat will not be held Summer 2025.
Registration is currently on hold.
LMOD School Library 101 Course
This on-line course focuses on the unique aspects of school librarianship and what it takes to create an impactful school library. Topics 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 anyone who works in a school library or who would like to work in a school library.
Course Offered
Fully online and self-paced via Canvas (suggested time frame is 6 weeks)
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.
Registration is currently on hold.
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.
Registration is currently on hold.
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.
Registration is currently on hold.
Library Methods On-Demand: Civic & Ethical Literacy Course
Learn all about Civic & Ethical Literacy, which is the third strand of the SD School Library Standards. Topics covered in the course will be 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.
Course Objective
Civic & Ethical Literacy: Students recognize the rights, responsibilities, and opportunities of living and learning in an interconnected world.
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.
Registration is currently on hold.
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.
Registration is currently on hold.
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
Registration is currently on hold.
"The Joy of Reading"
Join us for an inspiring book study designed specifically for school librarians (and open to all librarians and other educators), focusing on Donalyn Miller's "The Joy of Reading". In this course, we'll explore practical strategies to rekindle the love of reading in students, build a vibrant reading community, and engage even the most reluctant readers. Through thoughtful reflection, applicable activities, and collaborative planning, you'll discover how to create a reading culture in your school that fosters joy, choice, and lifelong literacy. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with fellow librarians/educators and reimagine the impact of reading in your school/library!
Online via Canvas
Earn 15 CECHs upon successful completion of the book study.
You will need to acquire your own book for this book study:
"The Joy of Reading"
Donalyn Miller and Teri S. Lesesne
2022 Heinemann
ISBN: 978-0-325-06156-6
Registration is currently on hold.
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.
Planning and Registration is currently on hold.
SDSL Electronic Resources for Teachers Course
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