AASL lauds six programs: Programs align with association’s values, mission

CHICAGO – The Affiliate Assembly of the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) formally commended the following programs based on their support of the profession and their alignment with AASL's learning standards and program guidelines and principles expressed in AASL's mission and value statements – American Girl Place Chicago; Curriculum Instruction and Instructional Technology Section, New York State Education Department; Longwood Summer Literacy Institute; Librarianship Upgrades for Children and Youth Services; Maryland Library Leadership Institute; and READesign® Library Makeover Project – at the ALA 2010 Annual Conference in Washington, D.C.

"This year's commendations stress reading and the importance of supporting the school library profession. Reading is the foundation for lifelong learning and school librarians are the perfect educators to instill a love of reading for pleasure," said AASL Affiliate Assembly Chair Sandra Andrews. "AASL Affiliate Assembly was proud to put forth these six programs for recognition by AASL."

Nominated by the Illinois School Library Media Association, American Girl Place Chicago was commended for its continuous support of Chicago Public Schools' programs.

Curriculum Instruction and Instructional Technology Section, New York State Education Department, was nominated by the School Library Media Section of the New York Library Association. The section was commended for its outstanding support of school librarians in New York State.

The Virginia Educational Media Association nominated the Longwood Summer Literacy Institute for providing teachers and school librarians with professional development and an opportunity to forge collaborative relationships.

Also nominated by the Virginia Educational Media Association, Librarianship Upgrades for Children and Youth Services was commended for providing multifaceted continuing education opportunities focusing on multicultural materials, technology, issues and services to youth services librarians.

The Maryland Library Leadership Institute was commended for its work developing the library leaders of the future and for recognizing and including school librarians as being included among those future leaders. This institute is supported by its nominator, the Maryland Library Association, and the Division of Library and Development Services, a part of the Maryland Department of Education.

Finally, the READesign® Library Makeover Project, a collaborative program between The Heart of America Foundation and the Target School Library Makeover Program, earned commendation for renovating school libraries in need into warm, friendly places that engage children in learning. This project was nominated by the Maryland Association of School Librarians.

The Affiliate Assembly provides a channel of communication for reporting concerns of the affiliated organizations and their membership to the AASL Board of Directors; facilitates discussion of activities and concerns of AASL as reported by the AASL president, executive director and Board of Directors; and reports the actions of AASL to the affiliates. Affiliates nominate outstanding programs and events for commendations which are then reviewed and approved by the AASL Board of Directors. Due to time limitations at Annual Conference, the Board will review two additional commendation nominations at their fall meeting. More information on the Affiliates Assembly can be found at www.ala.org/aasl/affiliates.

The American Association of School Librarians, www.aasl.org, a division of the American Library Association (ALA), promotes the improvement and extension of library services in elementary and secondary schools as a means of strengthening the total education program. Its mission is to advocate excellence, facilitate change and develop leaders in the school library field.