Last spring, thirteen school libraries were awarded as 21st Century School Libraries by the South Dakota State Library. The State Library formally and annually recognizes schools with libraries that meet the characteristics of a 21st century school library through its place, professional, and program. Applicants conduct a self-assessment and provide evidence to support their assessment. Awards are valid for a three-year period and recognize the status of the library as Effective, Enhanced, or Exemplary based on the South Dakota State Library Guidelines.

Congrats to this year's recipients! Check them out in the video below.

For more information about how you can apply for the 2022-25 round of awards, click HERE.

The Electronic Resources Task Force is preparing to evaluate the South Dakota State Library database subscriptions. We want your input!

A survey will be available on the South Dakota State Library website - November 1-19, 2021.

We also want your students to respond to the survey. Print this promotional poster out, put it at your front desk, computer, and any other high traffic areas:

Watch for Episode 8 next week!

I hope you're enjoying this new platform for short tutorials on school library services, technology tips and trends, and so much more. If you have suggestions or requests for future topics, please click the "Topic Suggestions" button below. Past episodes can be viewed on SDSL's YouTube Channel.

The South Dakota Library Association is seeking submissions for the next issue of its quarterly newsletter - Book Marks. Consider sharing your library's news and ideas! Some ideas for submissions include: photos and stories on programming, true stories of life in your library, library themed short fiction or poetry, library art, news about changes in your library, ideas for advocacy, new uses for technology, and so much more! Submissions for the next issue are due by November 10 and can be submitted to editor Kelly Thompson at bookmarkssd@gmail.com.

Put the power of primary sources to work in the classroom. Browse ready-to-use lesson plans, student activities, collection guides and research aids:

https://nativeamericanheritagemonth.gov/for-teachers/

Incorporate programming related to Native American heritage using the resources on this site:

https://www.ebsco.com/blogs/ebscopost/top-resources-native-american-heritage-month

ExCITE! (formerly School Library Boot Camp) is an annual professional development opportunity for South Dakota librarians and educators. The SD State Library partners with Black Hills State University to offer ExCITE! for undergraduate or graduate credit. This two credit course can be applied to the Library Methods requirement of the BHSU School Library Media minor and the SD DOE Library Media endorsement. It can also be used for teacher renewal.

LSTA federal funding through the Institute of Museum and Library Services provides speakers, resources, and full-tuition scholarships for attendees.

Each year brings a new theme, new personal connections, and new learning. Join us during the month of July where we will explore Information Literacy in a fully on-line course. Registration will open in Spring 2022.