OCTOBER 10, 2008
This is the first of an occasional report as we prepare for the second annual school library annual report. Questions and recommendations are welcome as this activity proceeds.
Changes in place for the 08-09 report:
1. Each library media center within a district will be able to enter its data simultaneously with others within the same district.
To accomplish this, each library will have its own User ID and Pass Code.
2. As a result of #1, the district-wide questions have been eliminated. However, there is a way to gather a district’s numbers
when the data are entered into Connect, the web-based data retrieval application.
3. The data entry site is compatible with MAC computers and browsers besides Internet Explorer.
4. Library media centers will receive the report form in mid-March in advance of the data submission start date of April 15.
5. In order for the vendor to meet the April 15 date, all changes need to be submitted by the end of November.
6. Short webinars on completing the form will be archived to permit library media staff to access the information at times convenient to them.
7. The annual report packet will include an FAQ sheet on data entry.
An ad hoc committee formed to review the questions and definitions. The members are Mary Mehsikomer, Region 1, NW LINKS, Gary Ganje, St. Cloud Public School District, Linda Wise, St. Paul Public Schools, Jim Glazer, South Washington County School District, and Suzanne Miller, state librarian.
At the September 19 teleconference meeting, the committee focused on those questions that need to be updated annually, such as the collection size and number of class instructions. The attached table indicates the items that will be deleted.
The committee did not add any questions.
The committee will work on definition issues that arose during our discussions on several items during an October 15 teleconference meeting.
The committee accepted the remaining questions because these items change infrequently and are important to have. Once entered, the information will automatically transfer to subsequent years’ reports. Library media staff will be able to change the answers as developments require.
2007-2008 MCA reading proficiency scores will soon be entered into the data base,
The 2007-2008 financial data will come from school districts’ business office that are filed in November.
