New resource for school library conversations

For Immediate Release
Fri, 10/03/2014

Contact:

Jennifer Habley

Manager, Web Communications

American Association of School Librarians (AASL)

312-280-4383

jhabley@ala.org

CHICAGO – A new digital magazine issue, featuring articles from prominent members of the profession, showcases the way school libraries and school librarians transform learning. “School Libraries Transform Learning,” an American Libraries digital supplement produced in partnership with the American Association of School Librarians (AASL), is available electronically in ebook format and as a downloadable PDF at www.ala.org/aasl/transforming.

“The digital magazine is a wonderful new tool for school librarians,” said AASL President Terri Grief. “Its easy-to-share format and thought provoking content will open the door to conversations on the multiple ways school librarians transform the learning in their school. I urge school librarians to share the issue with parents, colleagues in their school, school administration, policymakers – anyone who has a stake in student learning!”

The school library-focused digital supplement of American Libraries contains articles and extras, including:

  • A guest editorial from ALA President Courtney Young, ALA Executive Director Keith Michael Fiels, AASL President Terri Grief and AASL Executive Director Sylvia Knight Norton titled “School Librarians: Leaders Transforming Teaching and Learning”;
  • “’I’m an Expert’: School Libraries Build Enthusiastic Learners” and “Reimagining Advocacy for School Libraries” written by Barbara Stripling an AASL and ALA past president and assistant professor in the school of information studies at Syracuse University;

  • “’Do Kids Even Use the Library Anymore?’ Parents Discover the Importance of School Libraries” written by Kay Wejrowski, school librarian at Swan Valley High School in Saginaw, Michigan, and 2013 recipient of AASL’s National School Library Program of the Year Award;

  • “Creating Coalitions: School Librarians Partner with Parents, Teachers to Forge New Path,” showcasing successful partnerships between school librarians, parents and teachers;

  • “Building Advocacy before a Crisis” written by AASL Past President Nancy Everhart, professor at Florida State University’s School of Information, and Marcia Mardis, associate professor at the same;

  • Quotes from notable authors Jeff Kinney, Jarrett Krosoczka, Carmen Agra Deedy, Laurie Halse Anderson, Caroline Kennedy and Mo Willems on why school libraries matter;

  • A brand new infographic, “School Librarians Transform Learning,” detailing the ways school librarians impact not only student learning, but teacher professional development.

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