(Dover, DE) – The Delaware School Libraries Council is pleased to announce the release of the Delaware School Libraries Master Plan: Quality School Libraries = Higher Student Achievement which contains recommendations to develop quality state-of-the-art school libraries. The 18 month-long comprehensive planning effort was funded by the Delaware Department of State and supported by the Delaware Department of Education.

The Delaware School Libraries Master Plan summarizes the current status of school library services, addresses future trends, and informs solutions for development. It was conducted by the Institute for

Public Administration (IPA) at the University of Delaware and Himmel & Wilson, Library Consultants. IPA has an extensive project management and strategic planning background in the public sector. Himmel & Wilson specializes in evaluation and planning services for libraries.

“Delaware’s school libraries, along with our public library system, are tremendous assets that foster a love of learning and drive academic and career opportunities,” Governor Markell said. “I appreciate the School Libraries Council for undertaking this comprehensive study, which demonstrated the impact school libraries can have in improving student achievement, and I welcome the ongoing discussion about ways to more fully support them in the years ahead.”

“Congratulations for these efforts to connect the public and school libraries. This connection will improve access to resources and enhance the lives of students and their families” said Representative Valerie Longhurst, who is leading a pilot to integrate school libraries into the Delaware Library Catalog.

“Delaware has made a great investment in upgrading the services offered to residents in our 33 public libraries across the state,” said Secretary of State Jeffrey Bullock. “The Delaware School Libraries Master Plan provides recommendations to ensure students will have the resources they need to be successful within their schools.”

“This is a tremendous opportunity for our school librarians, teachers, administrators, students and families to help us coordinate important services and resources across our state and between our public school and library systems,” said Secretary of Education Steve Godowsky.

This school library planning process builds upon the strategic Statewide Master Plan for Delaware Public Libraries which resulted in significant improvements in public library buildings and sharing of library collections statewide through the Delaware Library Catalog. “A statewide strategic approach to all library services will support Delawareans in achieving potential in their education, career, and throughout life,” according to Dr. Annie Norman, State Librarian and Chair of the Delaware School Libraries Council.

The consultants reviewed background documents and national library research, and obtained input from school librarians, educators, district administrators, students, parents, legislators, and the public through surveys, site visits, interviews, and focus groups. The final plan submitted to the Delaware School Libraries

Council provides recommendations for an integrated framework for school libraries across 4 categories, including: Staffing, Content & Access, Governance & Infrastructure, and Assessment & Accountability.

The Executive Summary and full report are available at: http://www.ipa.udel.edu/publications/delaware-school-libraries-master-plan2016.pdf

School administrators and community leaders are encouraged to submit a request to the Council for a local presentation on the recommendations by contacting Dr. Annie Norman, Chair, at annie.norman@delaware.gov.

About:

The Delaware School Libraries Council was enacted by Governor Markell in 2011 through Executive Order 30 “to improve and extend school library services that are essential to educational success.”
Delaware School Libraries Council members:
The Honorable David Bentz, State Representative
Erin Daix, UDLib/SEARCH
Jennifer Delgado, Senate appointee
Michael Hojnicki, Department of Technology and Information
Kathy Kelly, Department of Education
John P. Monahan
Dr. Annie Norman, State Librarian, Chair
James Rau
Suzanne Smith, AI DuPont High School
Janine Sorbello

The Delaware Division of Libraries is a state agency dedicated to unleashing the potential in all Delawareans in partnership with Delaware Libraries.

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