Library Planning Checklist

Greetings and welcome to the 2022-23 school year! This time of year is often one of new beginnings and goal setting, thus making it a wonderful time to check-in on your district library plan. Wisconsin Administrative Code PI8.01(2)(h)1 requires school districts to have a board-approved long-range plan for library services, and this work is best accomplished when aligned with other professional goals and district priorities, all of which are highlighted right now. Make sure your library program is on track by starting with this checklist:

If you have a district library plan in place:

• Review and understand your board policies and procedures for library programming with specific attention to items related to the selection and reconsideration of materials. These should be accessible in the content of your plan.

• Assess your progress on goals and review scheduled action steps towards their completion. Document any modifications as needed.

• Schedule a time to update your administrators, and possibly your school board, on the progress of your plan’s implementation.

If you are creating a district library plan this year:

• This new one-page overview illustrates the importance of your library plan, where it connects to other district work, and the basic elements of a completed plan.

• WISELearn School Library Planning has great resources, including plans other districts have shared and an introductory slide presentation to help you get started.

• Connect this work to your employee goal requirements to make the most productive use of time and resources.

For the past three consecutive years, the number of school districts working with a current, board-approved library plan has increased. This work has led to more effectively documented library programs, as well as positive relationships between school librarians, administrators, and board members. If you have a success story to share or a question to ask about school library planning, please contact monica.treptow@dpi.wi.gov.