School Library Services

To view all current professional development offerings for librarians and other educators, please visit sded.sd.gov and in the Categories drop-down, select "Librarians".

View SDSL's Training Calendar.

• Guides and Resources for School Libraries
• The Monthly Update Newsletter
• The School Library Pulse mini-cast
• The School Library Scoop video series

Annual recognition of school libraries that meet the characteristics of a 21^st Century school library through its program, place, and professional. See the previous 21^st Century School Library Award Winners.

School Achievement Through Libraries Award Program

There are a few routes allowing one to serve as an endorsed school librarian in South Dakota:

THROUGH TRADITIONAL ENDORSEMENT
Individuals who hold a teaching degree/certification in South Dakota can add a School Library Science endorsement to their teaching certificate in one of two ways:

1. via Coursework
   • Minor/endorsement from an accredited university (ExCITE! coursework may apply)
   • Emporia State (hybrid, endorsement, and Masters)
   • View more opportunities to expand your education in library science.
2. via Library Media Praxis Test
   SD Department of Education Certification > State Designated Tests

THROUGH EDUCATOR PERMIT ONLY
Individuals who do not hold a teaching degree/certificate in South Dakota but who hold a Master's Degree or higher in Library Science may obtain an Educator Permit ONLY to serve as the paid elementary and/or secondary school librarian.

• Library Science Educator Permit (a note on state-designated test requirements : 5623 Praxis Pedagogy Principle of Learning and Teaching: Grades 5-9 is the required pedagogy test and 5311 Praxis Content Library Media Specialist is the required content test).
• TIP SHEET - Educator Permit ONLY Initial Application
• Renewal Requirement for Educator Permit ONLY

SCHOOL LIBRARY SERVICES GUIDE

SD School Library Standards , 2019

The 3 Pillars of Effective School Libraries

SD Content Standards
Ensuring South Dakota students graduate college, career, and life ready

Oceti Sakowin: Essential Understandings & Standards
Oceti Sakowin history and culture

2025 South Dakota School Libraries Facts & Stats
Annual publication for statewide school library statistics.
View SLDD archives.

School Libraries Survey
Annual library survey completed by school districts in South Dakota