2023 AASL Research Grants Awarded

CHICAGO – Three research papers have been awarded the 2023 American Association of School Librarians (AASL) Research Grants by the Educators of School Librarians Section (ESLS) of AASL. Sponsored by ABC-CLIO, the grants recognize excellence in manuscripts addressing a persistent and recurring challenge in the field of school librarianship. Each grant consists of a $350 award and the researchers will present their papers at the 2023 AASL National Conference in Tampa, Florida.

Recipients of the 2023 AASL Research Grants are:

Joyce Kasman Valenza, Associate Teaching Professor, Rutgers University, Heather Dalal, Gihan Mohamad, Brenda Boyer, Cara Berg, Leslin H. Charles, Rebecca Bushby, Megan Dempsey, Joan Dalrymple, and Ewa Dziedzic-Elliott, “First years' information literacy backpacks: What's already packed or not packed?”

Katie Klein, Doctoral student, University of South Carolina, “What Library? A Survey of Charter School Leaders About School Library Services.”

Mary H. Moen, Assistant Professor and Coordinator of the School Library Media Program, University of Rhode Island, “1:1 Computing: A Case Study Examining How a Large District Leveraged School Librarians to Improve Teacher Practice, Learning Environments, and Digital Content.”

“The research explored in this year’s recipients' work reinforces the role of school librarians as leaders and innovators,” said Pamela Moore, ESLS chair. “We can see that leadership is multi-faceted, from mentoring those new to the profession, working with classroom educators, and engaging students. By offering these grants and acknowledging the grant winners, AASL looks to increase the visibility of school library research while also providing evidence-based practice to school librarians in the field.”

“AASL made a commitment in our strategic plan to advance research that informs school librarian practice,” said AASL President Kathy Lester. “We know that school librarians are teachers, instructional partners, learner advocates and so much more, but our research colleagues are assisting us by providing evidence to help us advance and advocate for our critical role in providing equitable education and student success.”

The AASL award winners will be recognized during the 2023 AASL National Conference taking place October 19-21 in Tampa, Florida. The 2022 and 2023 AASL Research Grant recipients will present their papers as part of concurrent sessions during the conference.

The American Association of School Librarians, www.aasl.org, a division of the American Library Association (ALA), empowers leaders to transform teaching and learning.