South Carolina Association of School Librarians

A special thank you to all the presenters and attendees at the SCASL Summer Institute that was held earlier this month, as well as our partners at the University of South Carolina's School of Information Science. Our keynote speaker was Dr. Marshall G. Jones. New Librarian Camp was offered as an ideal opportunity for new school librarians with 2 years or less experience. It consisted of sessions on Destiny cataloging basics, book first aid skills, ways to use SC book award nominees, and a technology troubleshooting toolkit. Concurrent sessions were also offered on topics including AI, GBE support, using data for advocacy, and law for librarians. It is so important for school librarians to have access to professional development opportunities that specifically relate to our unique and multifaceted roles.



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University of South Carolina School of Information Science

We are still celebrating audiobook appreciation month! We have already shared some of the many benefits of listening to audiobooks. Now it is time to tell us what you are currently listening to and/or some of your all-time favorite audiobooks. Speak up SCASL and share your knowledge and expertise! Our goal is to have recommendations to add to your own TBR lists, as well as to get suggestions for your students. We would love to hear your ideas for any age range!

It's summertime! How do you prefer to spend your break? Are you on Team Relax & Recharge or Team Prep & Plan? There are pros and cons to both. 🗣️ Speak Up SCASL! We would love to hear from you.

It's Maurice Sendak's birthday! In honor of the occasion, share a time when there were ""Wild Things"" in your library! Ever had kids swinging from the ceiling or had a full-on wild rumpus break out? Let's enjoy a laugh over your craziest school library adventure!

""Wild Things"" illustration retrieved from the Denver Art Museum: https://www.denverartmuseum.org/en/exhibitions/wild-things-art-of-maurice-sendak

In celebration of Rainbow Book Month, sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA), please share some of the must-read authors that you recommend. Bonus points if you tag them and/or share their websites.

For more information, as well as graphics, visit https://www.ala.org/rrt/rainbow-book-month

🗣️ Speak Up SCASL! We would love to hear your ideas!

How do you promote summer reading to your students? We are interested in how you communicate this initiative, the strategies you utilize to gain more participation, and the incentives you offer to increase motivation. So, Speak Up SCASL! 🗣️ We would love to hear your ideas! Let's support each other so that we can support our students.

We need your help to get the most accurate picture of our school libraries! Data is collected to promote growth, advocacy, & equity. The survey questions are aligned with the SC Distinguished Standards for School Library Programs & Collections.

We encourage full participation. The 2025-26 South Carolina School Librarian Survey will remain open until September 18th. Participate at: bit.ly/SCASL2526

You can view past survey results using data visualizations found at scasl.net

June is audiobook appreciation month! Listening to a book is real reading. Learn the many benefits!

Listening to audiobooks increases reading accuracy by 52%, improves comprehension by 76%, and increases motivation by 67%. It also teaches pronunciation, increases reading speed, expands vocabulary, and improves fluency. Test scores increased 21% when engaged in multi-modal learning versus single-mode. Combining print and audio increases recal 40% over print alone. Audiobooks are great for lower-level readers because students can listen and comprehend 2 grade levels above their reading level.

Access the infographic from Sound Learning, a divsion of the Audio Publishers Association, athttps://soundlearningapa.org/docs/infographic.pdf

Certified school librarians are more than keepers of books—they are instructional leaders, literacy champions, technology guides, and advocates for every student. 💙 They teach research skills, support curriculum, foster a love of reading, and ensure equitable access to information for all learners.

📢 This week’s challenge:
Share ONE reason certified school librarians matter in your school or district.

✨ It could be:
* A student success story
* A collaboration with a teacher
* A program that made an impact
* A data point that shows growth

👉 Then tell us:
* How your role made a difference
* OR how a certified librarian impacted you or your students

💡 Bonus: Tag an administrator or colleague and help them see the impact firsthand!

Let’s amplify our voices and advocate for the essential role of certified school librarians. 💙📖

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AI is changing the way we teach, learn, and lead—and school librarians are in the perfect position to model ethical, thoughtful use. 💙 From lesson planning to reader’s advisory, AI can be a powerful tool when used with intention.

📢 This week’s challenge:
Try ONE AI tool in your library work—and use it responsibly!

✨ Then share:
* What tool you used (ex: ChatGPT, Canva Magic Write, etc.)
* How you used it
* One way you ensured ethical use (accuracy check, student privacy, bias awareness, etc.)

👉 Bonus:
Share a prompt, tip, or mini-lesson you used to teach students about responsible AI use!

Let’s lead the way in using AI with purpose, integrity, and impact. 🚀

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