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.

Complete the 2024-25 School Library Survey for Credit

WHEN: March 3 - May 2, 2025 (registration will open in February)

WHO: South Dakota School Library staff

WHERE: Online via Canvas

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

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.

Librarians who took the School Library Survey Course for 2023-24, can take the SLS II course this year. Librarians who did not take the course in 2023-24 can complete the SLS I course this year.

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: The course will be available from March 3 - May 2, and registration will open in February.

Registration

The Department of Education, of which the SD State Library is a division, is excited to present a new professional learning platform.

All items in Instructure Canvas are considered "courses" within the platform even if they are webinars, workshops, conferences, or in-person events.