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Michigan School Library Evaluation Program (MSLEP)

Michigan School Library Evaluation Program (MSLEP)

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Strive for Excellence - Michigan School Library Evaluation Program

The Michigan School Library Evaluation Program (MSLEP) benchmarks are a tool to help measure the quality of School Library programs within individual school buildings in Michigan. The benchmarks align with the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) National School Library Standards and are organized into four topics:
  1. School and District Infrastructure
  2. Building the Learning Environment
  3. Teaching for Learning
  4. Leadership in Community

Schools can achieve Qualified or Exemplary Status by completing and submitting an evaluation to the Library of Michigan through the online application below. School administrators evaluate their building's library program in conjunction with their School Librarian. Submissions require the signature of the District Superintendent. Status earned is valid for three years. The MSLEP measures are reviewed and revised in conjunction with revisions of the AASL National School Library Standards. These updates are done by Library of Michigan staff and the School Library Workgroup to ensure that the MSLEP measures remain relevant and appropriate for Michigan's school library programs.

The MSLEP measures have been revised and renamed in 2026. The current measures align with the 2025 2nd edition of the National School Library Standards. The measures have also been updated to reflect current practice. The measures were formerly titled the School Libraries in the 21st Century (SL 21) benchmarks.

Please contact Karren Reish at reishk@michigan.gov or 517-241-0021 with any questions on the MSLEP program. 

MSLEP Information

Model School Library

  • The Model School Library Program

    Please see below for more information on the Model School Library program and how to submit a nomination.

  • Model School Libraries - Promoting Quality School Library Programs

    The Model School Library for 2026/2027 is the Scripps Middle School! The Scripps Middle School is from the Lake Orion Community Schools with Media Specialist Rebecca Lowe. Please join us in recognizing excellence in the school library field. More information will be coming soon.

    The Model School Library program provides examples and mentors for K-12 school libraries throughout the state. Libraries interested in serving as models for the school library community are welcome to nominate themselves or another school library at the survey below. Individual school libraries may apply, and districts may apply on behalf of all of their school libraries.

    Each year, a school library program is selected and highlighted as the Model School Library Program of the Year. Eligible district nominations may be selected as the Model School Library District. The expectations for the selected school library and district are that the staff will meet with other school library staff during their term as the Model Library or District to help promote and encourage quality K-12 school library programs across the state. 

    Nominations are accepted in the spring, the Model Library or District for the coming school year is announced in May and serves as a mentor throughout the next year to library staff and schools around the state. Consider nominating your school library!

     

    Nominations are closed for 2026/2027

    • Submit a Nomination for the Model School Library/District -CLOSED

    NOTE:

  • Previous Model School Libraries

    • 2016/2017 - Carpenter Elementary Media Center with Jeannine Crissman, Technology and Library Specialist, in the Lake Orion Community Schools
    • 2017/2018 - East Middle School Library with Katherine Lester, School Library Media Specialist, in the Plymouth-Canton Community Schools
    • 2018/2019 - Lakeview High School Library with Margaret Lincoln, District Librarian, in the Lakeview School District
    • 2019/2020 - Owen Intermediate Library Media Center with Jonathan Richards, Media Specialist, in the Van Buren Public Schools
    • 2020/2021 - Everett High School Library with Joy Currie, Librarian in the Lansing Public Schools
    • 2021/2022 - West Maple Elementary School Library with Carrie Betts, School Librarian in the Birmingham School District
    • 2022/2023 - Troy High School Media Center with Toni Isaac, School Librarian, in the Troy School District
    • 2023/2024 - Allen Park High School Library Media Center with Melissa Lambert, Library Media Specialist, in the Allen Park Public Schools
    • 2024/2025 - Lee Middle and High School Library with Harry Coffill, Library Media Specialist, in the Godfrey-Lee Public Schools
    • 2025/2026 - No selection made
    • 2026/2027 - Scripps Middle School with Rebecca Lowe, Media Specialist, in the Lake Orion Community Schools

    Updated 08/20/2026