Sara M. Kardasz, Program Administrator
631-595-6834
631-623-4916 (fax)
31 Lee Ave.
Wheatley Heights, NY 11798
The School Library System serves over 85,000 students in 122 schools. SLS provides leadership and assistance to all school library media centers with attention to library automation, staff development, and online databases for library reference. SLS services include:
Collection Development
The School Library System provides TeachingBooks.net to all of our member libraries for free. Access to vendors who provide high quality eBooks that support the Common Core State Curriculum is provided.
Professional Development
Program #506.050
A Professional Learning committee has been formed. This committee consists of volunteer librarians representing each of the three school levels – elementary, junior/middle school, and high school. It also includes a representative from the Palmer School at Long Island University.
The purpose of this Committee is “to investigate, evaluate and suggest potential presenters and/or topics to be offered to school library media specialists to enhance their professional learning and encourage the development of their leadership role in their school and in their district.”
The SLS Coordinator shares information about upcoming webinars, courses or conferences that may be of interest to member librarians through email.
Interlibrary Loan
In May 2015, the SLS established an online Union catalog using MediaFlex, Inc. Schools are continuing to upload their MARC records to this catalog. This will greatly enhance the opportunities for interlibrary loan activity not only within districts; but between districts.
Automation
Program #514.010
The SLS provides technical support in library automation for planning, data conversion, installation, training, and support of Follett Automation Systems. Over 97% of our public school libraries are automated.
Online Databases
Program #514.011
The SLS provides our 18 component districts with cost efficient access to online resources and databases at discounted costs.
Professional Communications
The School Library System Coordinator uses email to keep the member librarians informed and up-to-date regarding issues of relevance including advocacy, Common Core State Standards, the inquiry process, free resources available online for teaching and learning, new offerings from vendors, and much more.