PIERRE, S.D. – Eight South Dakota public libraries have been accredited by the State Library in 2022.
Accredited libraries demonstrate that they meet important benchmarks for providing high-quality library services to their communities. Public libraries are accredited at one of three levels: Essential, Enhanced or Exemplary. Libraries are evaluated in the following areas, as outlined in South Dakota Public Library Standards: governance, administration, access, collections and resources, funding, staffing, technology, and public relations.
The following libraries have been accredited:
- Cozard Memorial Library (Chamberlain) – Essential
- Grant County Public Library (Milbank) – Essential
- Gregory Public Library – Essential
- Hill City Public Library – Exemplary
- Lennox Community Library – Essential
- Potter County Free Public Library (Gettysburg) – Enhanced
- Watertown Regional Library – Exemplary
- Yankton Community Library – Enhanced
Detailed requirements for each level of tiered accreditation, as well as a complete list of all currently accredited libraries, are available on the South Dakota State Library’s website at http://libguides.library.sd.gov/services/cert_accred.
(The S.D. Dept. of Education contributed this report/news release.)
