PIERRE, S.D. – Fifteen South Dakota librarians have graduated from the Public Library Training Institute, held in June at the South Dakota State Library in Pierre. Sponsored by the South Dakota State Library, the Institute has long served as a continuing education program for library practitioners, support staff, and trustees of South Dakota public libraries who do not hold formal library degrees.

Fifteen students representing 13 libraries across the state, ranging from library directors to front-line staff, attended this year’s Institute.

“This year, our students delved into crucial aspects of information literacy, library resources, and emerging technologies,” said George Seamon, State Librarian. “They explored topics such as digital literacy, AI in libraries, makerspaces, SDSL-provided resources, educational programming through the SD Discovery Center, and research databases. We were fortunate to welcome professionals who shared their expertise with the group. This could not have happened without the planning and oversight of JoAnne Freitag from the State Library. I know the participants are excited to bring their new knowledge back to their libraries.”

The following individuals earned a Certificate of Public Library Management:

• Tiana McKinney, Canton Public Library;
• Holly Demery, Faulk County Library, Faulkton;
• Crystal Gering Nelson, Freeman Public Library;
• Joanne Urban, Grant County Library, Milbank;
• Heather Lee and Mary Terrones, Hot Springs Public Library;
• Danyelle Brotherton, Huron Public Library;
• Cindy Percy, Marcus P. Beebe Memorial Library, Ipswich;
• Arlene Hicks, Jackson County Library, Kadoka;
• Megan Stietz, Piedmont Valley Library;
• Tanya Bult and Billie Jo Hayes, Scotland Community Library;
• Kelly Namminga, Evelyn Lang Public Library, Springfield;
• Becky Nutley, Viborg Public Library; and
• Sarah Overvaag, Watertown Regional Library

The Public Library Institute began in 1985 at what was then Northern State College in Aberdeen. Financial support has been provided by the South Dakota State Library in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services in Washington, D.C.

Students attend in-person sessions for one week each June, supplemented by online coursework throughout the year. Librarians who complete the program are awarded a Certificate of Public Library Management and are recognized as certified library practitioners.

This year’s class marks the conclusion of the Public Library Institute in its current form. While the South Dakota State Library remains committed to supporting public library staff through continuing education, future training opportunities will evolve to meet changing needs and circumstances across the state.

To learn more about continuing education and certification opportunities through the South Dakota State Library, visit library.sd.gov.

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