School Library Services

• ExCITE! Library Methods Course, June 1 - August 31, 2025
• School Library Collect + Connect , monthly
• School Library Survey Courses, Spring 2026

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• Library Methods On-Demand
  • School Library 101 course
  • Book Study: The Artful Read-Aloud, self-paced course
  • Book Study: The Joy of Reading coming soon
  • Civil & Ethical Literacy, self-paced course
  • Information Literacy, self-paced course

• Guides and Resources for School Libraries
• SDSL Database Handouts and Downloads for Schools

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

American Association of School Libraries: National School Library Standards , AASL.org

International Society for Technology in Education Standards , ISTE.org

Future Ready Librarian Framework , futureready.org

Crosswalks

ISTE Standards for Educators and Future Ready Librarians , iste.org

National School Library Standards crosswalk with Future Ready Librarians , AASL.org

National School Library Standards crosswalk with ISTE Standards for Students and Educators , AASL.org

2024 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

South Dakota's Future Ready School Libraries brochure

The South Dakota Library Association sponsors two annual book awards:

• SD Children's Book Awards for grades PreK-5
• South Dakota Teen Choice Book Awards for grades 6-12