AASL launches new research into content supporting the national standards

CHICAGO – The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) has launched new research into the content and materials of the “National School Library Standards for Learners, School Librarians, and School Libraries." A set of online surveys for school library professionals, collaborators, and AASL Chapters is open from November 6-20, 2023. Survey links and more information can be found at standards.aasl.org/research. 

"Our standards are still visionary, but a lot has changed in the six years since the 'National School Library Standards' book was released,” said AASL President Courtney Pentland. “Therefore, it is critically important for us to examine our guiding document to ensure that AASL is providing a relevant, valuable, and continuously referenced professional learning resource for school librarians. Once again, we are seeking practitioner input to inform this work. Your experience and ideas are not only incredibly valuable but necessary for future planning.”

The creation and evolution of the “National School Library Standards” and supporting content and materials was guided in 2015 and 2019 by a series of community touchstones. Current research will follow earlier models, beginning with online surveys and leading to more in depth focus group discussions in early 2024.

When the “National School Library Standards” was developed, content surrounding the AASL Standards frameworks was crafted to help school library professionals and stakeholders adapt to and integrate the standards with their learning communities. While the structure and components of the AASL Standards frameworks is not under evaluation, the 2023-2024 research will help to ensure AASL is continuing to provide educational leaders with content that strengthens further adoption of the standards and advocacy for the role of school librarians.

The online surveys are the most inclusive phase of the research process and an opportunity for all members of the school library community to share information that will influence project scope, content, and materials around the National School Library Standards.

Survey links and instructions will be further distributed via email and AASL communication channels beginning Monday, November 6. School library professionals are encouraged to share the survey with colleagues and their professional networks. Surveys will be open through Monday, November 20.

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