If your community is considering creating a combined school and public library, Combined School and Public Libraries: Guidelines for Decision Making created by the Wisconsin State Library is a must read. It includes a through discussion of the issues that must be considered during the planning process.

Another must read is Iowa's Is a combined school/public library right for your community? The document provides information regarding the legal and practical issues involved in creating a combined school and public library.

For additional information, contact the Library Development staff at 1-800-423-6665.

Guidelines and Standards

A School Library Task Force was formed in early 2010 to study and update the 2004 South Dakota School Library Standards in relation to best school library practices and national initiatives.

School Libraries in the 21st Century: A Parent's Guide
What can you do to help your child? Flyer designed for parents about the 21st Century School Library Guidelines and Content Standards. Available in both PDF and Microsoft Word format.

School Library Guidelines, South Dakota 2010
Effective school libraries make a powerful difference in student achievement and help to form the habit of reading and learning for a lifetime. To be effective it is essential that a school library have a place, a program, and a professional.

School Library Content Standards, South Dakota 2010
School librarians in collaboration with all content area teachers empower students to fully engage in our global, digital world. To be successful participants in this world, students must be able to carry out the processes of inquiry and problem solving, develop multiple literacies, and practice the tenets of ethical participation in society.

21st Century School Library Self-Assessment [DRAFT]
The South Dakota School Library Guidelines* outline the best practices of a 21st Century school library. We encourage librarians and administrators to use this voluntary self-assessment tool as an aid in implementing the guidelines.

South Dakota/ AASL Standards Crosswalk
A comparison of South Dakota School Library Standards, and AASL Standards for the 21 Century Learner.

Library Science Course Framework

Library Science is a high school course that is available within SD state recognized courses. The code is 22053. As with any course, it is suggested that the course have a course syllabus which includes clear expectations and grading procedures.

The following framework is intended to serve as a guide or "menu" for school districts to use in designing a local Library Science course. It is a starting place to check for information and resources in building a course syllabus. Offering a Library Science course allows students to explore the possibility of a future career while gaining real-world experience.

Library Science Course Framework