The South Dakota State Library recognized the dedication of 38 librarians from 27 libraries across the state, awarding them certification at the annual South Dakota Library Association (SDLA) conference held on Sept. 26 in Aberdeen, S.D. The certification program, which is voluntary, acknowledges library directors and staff who meet specific standards to better serve their communities.
The program encourages continuous professional development, with a focus on keeping librarians’ skills up-to-date through ongoing education. By participating, librarians demonstrate a commitment to improving their ability to provide excellent library services.
Among the recipients earning the certification this year was Andrea Buller, Director of the Lennox Community Library.
She expressed her appreciation for the opportunity, saying, “Last week I had the privilege to attend the South Dakota Library Association Conference in Aberdeen. While I was there I took part in various workshops and mini breakout sessions to get ideas and such for the library. Thursday night is the annual awards banquet where we received our library accreditation certificate and my library certificate.”
In addition to recognizing individual librarians, the SDLA conference also celebrated ten public libraries that received accreditation awards. These awards recognize libraries that meet important benchmarks in areas such as governance, administration, access, collections, funding, staffing, technology, and public relations. The accreditation process is voluntary, and libraries can be certified at one of three levels: Essential, Enhanced, or Exemplary.
Lennox Community Library was honored with an Enhanced accreditation, a significant step up from its previous Essential rating. Buller credited the board of trustees for this achievement.
“The library accreditation is all on the board of trustees,” she said. “There are specific guidelines we must meet, and the trustees must complete 30 hours of continuing education. We have stepped this up from Essential to Enhanced, increasing from 15 CEUs to 30.”
State Librarian George Seamon praised the hard work of library staff and trustees across the state. “By participating in this voluntary program, the staff and trustees of these libraries prove their commitment to quality library services,” he said. “I invite all who live in these communities to visit your library and experience what they have to offer.”
The Lennox Community Library’s trustees, Becky Beringer, Laurel Shaffer, Sharese Ihnen, and Jessica Mikkelsen, were acknowledged for their contributions, along with city council members and school board representatives who have served over the past three years.
Buller noted the importance of their ongoing support, adding that the community could stop by the library to see the mini banner received from the State Library showcasing the accreditation.
Accreditation awards are valid for three years, and a complete list of currently accredited libraries is available on the South Dakota State Library’s website.
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