American Association of School Librarians (AASL)

Effective School Libraries Support Self-Motivated Literacy Practices

CHICAGO – New research published in the American Association of School Librarians’ (AASL) peer-reviewed online journal, School Library Research (SLR), analyzes the use of school libraries by students who receive free school meals. SLR promotes and publishes high-quality original research concerning the management, implementation, and evaluation of school libraries. Articles can be accessed for free at www.ala.org/aasl/slr.

Public and School Librarian collaboration benefits Hong Kong School Libraries

CHICAGO – New research published in the American Association of School Librarians’ (AASL) peer-reviewed online journal, School Library Research (SLR), explores the collaboration between public libraries and schools in Hong Kong from the perspective of school librarians. SLR promotes and publishes high-quality original research concerning the management, implementation, and evaluation of school libraries. 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 inaugural list of Best Digital Tools for Teaching & Learning. Best Digital Tools combines the previously separate lists of Best Apps and Best Websites for Teaching & Learning. The new list follows the evolution of technology as websites develop apps and resources are produced which are not easily classified in either platform. By moving to Best Digital Tools, AASL can recognize the depth and breadth of resources available to educators.

School librarians lead during pandemic learning conditions

CHICAGO – The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) has released a document demonstrating the school librarian’s critical role in meeting the needs of learners in a constantly changing learning environment. “School Librarian Role in Pandemic Learning Conditions” is available as a standalone chart or together with supplemental resources at www.ala.org/aasl/pandemic.

Dollar General Literacy Foundation commits $400,000 to two national library grant programs

CHICAGO — The Dollar General Literacy Foundation has renewed its commitment to the American Library Association (ALA) with two $200,000 contributions in support of national programs to benefit school and public libraries nationwide.

AASL Shares EDI Resources for Educators

CHICAGO – The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) has released Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) resources created by the 2019-2020 Presidential Initiative Task Force. Advised by AASL President Mary Keeling, the committee, hosted office hours, designed informative bookmarks, and presented a webinar on EDI in the school library. The resources can be found at www.ala.org/aasl/all/EDI.  

Jonathan Hunt Wins a Year of Free AASL Membership

CHICAGO – By sharing the wealth of AASL membership with a colleague, Jonathan Hunt, coordinator of library media services for the San Diego County Office of Education, has won a free year of AASL membership. Hunt's name was drawn as a monthly winner of the American Association of School Librarians’ (AASL) Share the Wealth Campaign. By referring Joanna Sargent to AASL, Hunt has been entered to win an AASL National Conference grand prize package, which includes registration, airfare, and hotel accommodations.

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.

AASL opens call for 2021 AASL National Conference Committee members

CHICAGO – The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) seeks a dynamic group of school library professionals to serve on the 2021 AASL National Conference Committee. The conference, taking place October 21-23, 2021, in Salt Lake City, Utah, is the only national conference dedicated solely to the needs of school librarians and their roles as educational leaders. AASL members may apply at www.ala.org/aasl/app.

Three manuscripts awarded AASL Research Grants

CHICAGO – Three manuscripts authored by five researchers have been awarded 2020 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 2020 AASL Research Grants are: