Ohio Department of Education Teaching

The Ohio Department of Education’s Office of Curriculum and Instruction has developed Guidelines for Effective School Library Media Programs. These guidelines were completed in December 2003 and distributed to districts in September 2004. The Library Guidelines represent a standards-based education (SBE) approach to school library programs. The project includes three parts:

• The Library Guidelines which define what students should know and be able to do as a result of an effective school library media program, and identifies conditions necessary to establish quality library programs;
• The Library Toolkit which provides the evidenced-based research that supports the Library Guidelines, and practical examples for implementing the Library Guidelines; and
• The Alignment Guide which aligns the Library Guidelines with Ohio Academic Content Standards.

Library Guidelines

Download the following files by clicking on the title:

• Library Guidelines (PDF)
• Alignment of Benchmarks and Indicators by Gradeband (Word)  
• Alignment of Benchmarks and Indicators by Guideline (Word) 
• Benchmarks by Gradeband (Word) 
• Benchmarks by Guidelines (Word)
• Resources (Word)
• Composite Library (XML)

ESEA/NCLB School Library Funding

Improving Literacy through School Libraries is a program designed to provide students with access to up-to-date school library materials; technologically advanced school library media centers; and professionally certified school library media specialists. Funding is awarded via a competitive grant.

Only school districts in which at least 20 percent of students served are from families with incomes below the poverty line are eligible. To check the eligibility of your district by visiting the U.S. Department of Education's Improving Literacy through School Libraries Web site, click here.

Innovative School Library Practices Award

The Innovative School Library Practices Award (ISLP) Award is sponsored by the Ohio Educational Library Media Association (OELMA) in partnership with the Ohio Department of Education. Applications are due each April 15. Click here for a Word version of the application. NOTE: If April 15 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the applications are due on the following Monday.

Contact Information
Susan Massey
English Language Arts Consultant
(614) 728-2373
susan.massey@ode.state.oh.us