School library self-assessment tool gets BOE approval

The South Dakota Board of Education formally endorsed a self-assessment tool based on the South Dakota School Library Guidelines last month. The South Dakota Library Association and South Dakota State Library Board previously gave it their seal of approval as well.

The South Dakota School Library Guidelines outline the components of an effective 21st century school library and librarian. They describe what is necessary to be exemplary in three specific and distinct areas: Program, Place and Professional.

Based on that model, a task force developed a scale as a self-assessment tool with accompanying instructions and an award application. The task force was comprised of both certified and non-certified school librarians, teachers and administrators, as well as representatives from the South Dakota Library Association, South Dakota State Library, and the Department of Education.

For more information, go to the South Dakota State Library webpage or contact Daria Bossman.