South Dakota Library Association

The South Dakota Library Association (SDLA) is a statewide organization representing libraries, library employees, library trustees, and library supporters. SDLA provides leadership and educational opportunities, and supports its members in meeting the challenges of providing quality library service to all South Dakotans.

SDLA News

Book Marks Special Issue is published. The special issue has registrations forms and program information for both Branch Out and the Annual Conference.

2/26/12
Branch Out 2012 is coming soon!

Branch Out is a wonderful opportunity for continuing education that is customized for library support staff. If you have initiated something that really works in your library, please share with it with the rest of the state! The conference is slated for May 16, in Pierre, SD.

Please submit your program proposal using this form. Proposals should be for sessions approximately 50-60
minutes in length.

If you have questions please contact co-chairs
Susan Schleicher
Becky Folkerts
Mary Gillick

2/3/2012
Congratulations from SDLA and the Executive Board to Linda Kott – H.M. Briggs Library; Danielle De Jager-Loftus – University Libraries at USD; Kathy Jacobs – Yankton Community Library; and Jodie Barker – Williams Library, NSU for being selected to attend the MPLA Leadership Institute. Unfortunately, Jodie will be unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts, but we’re very proud of all of you. The application process for this award is demanding and these four ladies did an excellent job of describing their leadership experiences and goals and their future dedication to librarianship. The Institute will be held in beautiful Estes Park, CO from May 6 – 11.

2/3/2012
The SDLA Nominating Committee is in the process of selecting candidates for SDLA Recording Secretary and VP/President Elect. The Bylaws allow for ‘Nomination by Petition’ candidates in addition to the candidates selected by the Committee. Any member of the Association may present a petition signed by not fewer than 15 members of the Association proposing additional nominations.

The Nomination by Petition process may be used for self-nomination or to nominate a fellow SDLA member. Interested members should review the Nominating Committee Procedures and complete and submit the Nomination by Petition form.

Petition nominations can be submitted to Kevin Kenkel, the current committee chair (KeKenkel@dwu.edu). The deadline for petition nominations is April 1, 2012.

Public libraries are accredited at one of three levels: Essential, Enhanced or Exemplary. Accreditation at the Essential level means a library satisfactorily provides the basic services required by state law and feder guidelines. Each subsequent level of accredittion builds on the previous with additional indicators that libraries must meet. Exemplary is the highest level of services.

The following public librariies were accredited in 2011 by the S.D. State Library

Yesterday Senate Bill 5 to update the state document depository law was approved 7-0 by the Senate Education Committee. Dan Siebersma, State Librarian, provided the primary testimony and Larry Nelson, SDLA Lobbyist, testified in support on behalf of SDLA. The committee moved the bill to the consent agenda which means the Senate will vote on it without debate. Next it will go to the House Education Committee. Thank you to all of you who made contacts and came to Pierre last week. The unanimous vote is evidence that our interactions helped legislators understand and approve the bill. We will continue to monitor and report its progress.

Deb Hagemeier
SDLA Library Issues Committee

The South Dakota Library Association commends Governor Daugaard and his administration for the Better Government Initiative which targets the elimination of red tape, the implementation of open government policies, and development of e-government resources.

The Association supports the creation of a state law that formally establishes a state archival repository of electronic documents and designates the State Library as its administrative agency. Such a law would require State agencies to contribute all of their publications to the repository in a timely manner. The repository would preserve and protect our citizens’ ability to access information of both current and historical relevance and importance.

The Association supports the principles of open government at all levels of authority—local, state and federal. We believe libraries are fundamental to the free flow of government information in South Dakota and across the nation. It is essential for citizens to be informed of government actions, policies, and goals so that our government can be held accountable. Open access must exist so that the conclusions of citizens are valid and meaningful.

You're invited to participate in the SDLA Legislative Day, January 12th, 2012. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with state leaders and legislators and inform them of the wonderful things libraries accomplish as well as how various funding mechanisms impact their constituents! The schedule of events is as follows.

1:00 – 2:30 SDLA Executive Board meeting (Casey Tibbs Memorial, Ft. Pierre)
3:00 – 4:30 SDLN RFP Meeting (Casey Tibbs Memorial)
4:30 – 5:00 Library Accreditation Awards (South Dakota State Library)
5:00 – 7:00 Legislative Reception (Rawlins Municipal Library)

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