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Plano ISD reviews library services, reports large physical and digital circulation and plans for expanded librarian training
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Summary
Director of Learning and Media Services Joni Harris told trustees that last school year Plano ISD libraries logged more than 626,000 physical checkouts and 43,000+ ebook/audiobook circulations; quarter‑one data show the program’s momentum and staff plan expanded professional learning tied to a 'future-ready' framework.
Joni Harris, director of Learning and Media Services, presented the board with a data-driven overview of Plano ISD’s library program and a four‑pillar framework intended to guide future work.
Harris said last school year the district recorded over 626,000 physical checkouts, more than 43,000 ebook and audiobook circulations, roughly 276,000 independent student visits to libraries, more than 32,000 lessons taught by librarians, and about 8,700 instructional collaborations with teachers. For the first quarter of the current year (Aug. 12–Oct. 10), Harris reported more than 176,000 checkouts, roughly 8,200 lessons, and over 71,000 student visits.
Harris described four pillars for library services — literacy champions, instructional partners, information specialists and program administrators — and said professional learning this year emphasizes integrating technology and responsible use of artificial intelligence in instruction.
Trustees asked whether the district can track parental use of the new digital platform and whether data can be aggregated. Harris said the district can track usage and can provide de‑identified, numerical reports: “We do have a way to track that and we can share it with you,” she said, noting that such reports would avoid personal details and respect parent privacy.
Trustees also asked about audiobooks and off‑campus access; Harris said students can use district credentials on school devices or download the Sora app on smart devices and sign in with Plano ISD credentials. On staffing credentials, Harris summarized that school librarians typically enter graduate library programs after a minimum of two years teaching, hold a master’s in library science and complete school library certification.
Harris told the board that a vendor platform had been temporarily unavailable while the vendor worked on compliance; the platform has since been restored and the district has shared guidance with families. The presentation closed with a promise to provide trustees with de‑identified usage metrics and to continue aligning library services to district instructional priorities.
