2023-24 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.

WHEN: March 4 - May 3, 2024

WHO: South Dakota School Library staff

WHERE: Online via Canvas

COURSE CREDIT: Earn 6 CECHs for successful completion of the course

Complete 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.

REGISTRATION: Enrollment for the course is open, and the course will be available from March 4 - May 3.

SYLLABUS:

• 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