Skip to main content
School Libraries in the 21st Century

School Libraries in the 21st Century

WWW.MICHIGAN.GOV/SL21

SL 21 logo

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.


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

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: Online application works best in Firefox or Internet Explorer. Do NOT use Chrome.

SL 21 Information

SL 21 Qualified and Exemplary School Libraries List - Updated 06/13/2022
SL 21 Sample Press Release
SL 21 Bibliography to Initiate Conversation and Action
SL 21 Background and How To Use

Model SL 21

2021/2022 Model SL 21 School Library - West Maple Elementary School Library

The Library of Michigan is pleased to announce that West Maple Elementary School Library, in the Birmingham School District, is the 2021/2022 Model 21st Century School Library!  The West Maple Elementary School Library with school librarian, Carrie Betts, is a place where students and the community have opportunities to learn beyond their daily experiences. The library won the SL 21 honor for its focus on bringing diverse life experiences to the school community as well as outstanding academic support. During the uncertain times of this last year, Carrie has brought a virtual read aloud and discussion program, using titles from the MISelf in Books list, to her students and school community groups.

West Maple Elementary School Library staff are available to consult with school district leaders, school librarians, and educators who want to develop, expand, or cast new vision for their school library programs. Interested persons may contact Carrie Betts at cbetts@birmingham.k12.mi.us or me at reishk@michigan.gov.

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

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 at the survey below. Each year, a school library program is selected and highlighted as the Model SL 21 School Library Program of the Year. The expectations for the selected school library is that the staff will meet with other school library staff during their term as the Model library to help promote and encourage quality K-12 school library programs across the state.

Nominations are accepted in the spring, the Model Library 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!