American Association of School Librarians (AASL)

A Conversation with School Administrators at AASL National Conference

CHICAGO – The Friday general session during the 2021 American Association of School Librarians (AASL) National Conference will give attendees an intimate look at what administrators need and expect from their school librarians and school libraries and how administrators can empower a school librarian’s leadership role to impact all learners. Six administrators from across the country will participate in an engaging and interactive conversation sponsored by Sora, by OverDrive Education.

Research finds mentoring to build resilience leads to collaboration

CHICAGO – New research published in the American Association of School Librarians’ (AASL) peer-reviewed online journal, School Library Research (SLR), examines school librarians’ perceptions of the Continuum of Care model for assessment of need, program theory, program process, impact, and efficiency.  Articles can be accessed for free at www.ala.org/aasl/slr.

AASL announces Best Digital Tools for Teaching & Learning

CHICAGO – The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) has released its annual list of Best Digital Tools for Teaching & Learning. The recognition honors electronic resources that provide enhanced learning and curriculum development for school librarians and their educator collaborators. The list can be found at www.ala.org/aasl/best.

New research compares classroom versus school library teaching experience

CHICAGO – New research published in the American Association of School Librarians’ (AASL) peer-reviewed online journal, School Library Research (SLR), examines the relationship between years of traditional classroom teaching experience and teaching in school library instructional environments. Articles can be accessed for free at www.ala.org/aasl/slr.

AASL awards four Inspire COVID Relief Grants

CHICAGO – Four school libraries from across the country have been awarded American Association of School Librarians' (AASL) Inspire COVID Recovery Grants. Made possible by the generosity of AASL member Marina “Marney” Welmers, the grant program provides funds to addresses collection loss and remote access requirements due to COVID-19 school closures. A first round of recovery grants was awarded in the fall of 2020.

AASL National Conference closing session will inspire school librarians to look to the future

CHICAGO – Led by Dr. Joe Sanchez and Dr. Jennifer Moore, the closing general session during the 2021 American Association of School Librarians (AASL) National Conference will provide attendees an opportunity to reflect on their conference learning and contemplate the future paths of the profession. Full information on the conference, taking place October 21-23 in Salt Lake City, Utah, can be found at national.aasl.org.

Thirty AASL members receive Bound to Stay Bound grants to attend first national conference

CHICAGO – Thirty American Association of School Librarians (AASL) members have been awarded $750 travel grants to attend their first AASL National Conference. Generously sponsored by Bound to Stay Bound Books, Inc. (BTSB), the grants will allow recipients to secure housing, transportation, and/or registration for the 2021 AASL National Conference taking place October 21-23 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Grant recipients include:

Three manuscripts awarded AASL Research Grants

CHICAGO – Three manuscripts have been awarded the 2021 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 opportunity to present the paper at the 2021 AASL National Conference 

Recipients of the 2021 AASL Research Grants are:

AASL opens call for Knowledge Quest and School Library Research Editorial Board members

CHICAGO – The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) seeks a dynamic group of school library professionals to serve on the Knowledge Quest and School Library Research (SLR) Editorial Boards. These publications move the profession forward by highlighting school library best practices and emergent research in the field. For more information and the application, visit www.ala.org/aasl/app.