Public relations for school libraries made easy

For Immediate Release
Tue, 09/01/2015

Contact:

Jennifer Habley

Manager, Web Communications

American Association of School Librarians (AASL)

312-280-4383

jhabley@ala.org

CHICAGO – The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) has released a new member-created resource to help school librarians promote the ways their programs transform teaching and learning. Available on the AASL website or as a PDF download, the tool offers strategies, practical tips and key messages school librarians can implement immediately.

“Promotion is something we often struggle with, yet it is a necessity,” said Leslie Preddy, AASL president. “If we remain silent, it is our students who suffer. We advocate for the rights of young people to free and equal access to resources, technology, and learning because school libraries are critical to educational success. Education today requires advocacy and promotion, which is why this toolkit is an invaluable guide and resource.”

The Web-based resource contains sections on how school librarians can promote their library by becoming a leader in their school, building strategic partnerships to create advocates and planning purposeful and varied communications. Sections make implementation easy by providing users with practical suggestions, a look at what helps and what hinders promotion, key messages and success stories from the field.

Supporting the leadership, advocacy and communication sections; the tool offers comprehensive tools and resources. The Web and media links allow school librarians to find tune their promotion plan in consideration of their stakeholders. Users can also delve deeper using AASL and ALA resources, research, online sources and 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.