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School Libraries in the 21st Century

School Libraries in the 21st Century

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Strive for Excellence - School Libraries 21st Century

School Libraries for the 21st Century Measurement Benchmarks (SL 21) are a tool to help measure the quality of School Library programs within individual school buildings in Michigan. To achieve Qualified and Exemplary Status for a School Library program, submit completed measurement benchmark evaluations to the Library of Michigan, an Office of the Michigan Department of Education. 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 SL 21 measures are reviewed and revised every three years by the Library of Michigan and the School Library Workgroup to ensure that the measures are relevant and appropriate for Michigan's school library programs. Please contact Karren Reish at reishk@michigan.gov or 517-241-0021 with any questions on the SL 21 program. 

SL 21 Measurement Benchmarks for Michigan School Libraries for 21st Century Schools

SL 21 Measurement Benchmarks for Michigan School Libraries PDF Sample. Application is made online.


SUBMIT an SL 21 APPLICATION

NOTE: The application site for the SL 21 application has changed. You will be prompted to create a new account when you start a new application. 

SL 21 Information

SL 21 Qualified and Exemplary School Libraries List
SL 21 Sample Press Release
SL 21 Bibliography to Initiate Conversation and Action
SL 21 Background and How To Use

Model SL 21

2024/2025 Model SL 21 School Library - Lee Middle and High School Library

The Library of Michigan is pleased to announce that the Lee Middle and High School Library, part of the Godfrey-Lee Public Schools, is the 2024/2025 Model 21st Century School Library! The library, with library media specialist Harry Coffill, is a place where Harry's work to create a new library space, collaboration with teaching staff, and partnership with the local public library has created a high-quality educational environment for students.

Lee Middle and High School Library staff are available to consult with school district leaders, school librarians, and educators who want to develop or expand their vision for their school library programs. Interested persons may contact Harry Coffill at hcoffill@godfrey-lee.org or Karren Reish at reishk@michigan.gov.

Press Release - Lee Middle and High School Library in West Michigan Earns Award!

Press Release - Godfrey-Lee Public Schools and Guests Celebrate its Library’s Top Honor

 Model SL 21 School Library Programs Criteria, Schedule, Expectations and Recommendations 

Previous Model SL 21 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

Model School Libraries - Promoting Quality School Library Programs

The Model 21st Century School Library (Model SL 21) 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 SL 21 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!