AASL forms special interest group for school librarian retirees

CHICAGO – At the American Library Association (ALA) 2012 Midwinter Meeting in Dallas, the American Association of School Librarians’ (AASL) Board of Directors approved the creation of a special interest group for school librarian retirees based on a request of 38 AASL members. AASL members looking to join the new interest group should visit connect.ala.org/node/157745.

The Retirees Special Interest Group will give school librarian retirees an opportunity to network with colleagues in person and virtually. Via the group’s ALA Connect Community and meetings during ALA Annual Conferences, retirees can share their experiences and expertise and help AASL move towards the future of the profession.

“The retiree special interest group is a community for passionate school librarians to gather, connect and continue to be actively engaged in a profession they love and value,” said Irene Kwidzinski, chair of the retiree task force. “A school librarian is a learner for life. In the group retirees can look forward to maintaining and improving their skills, participating in lively conversations, discussing the latest books or becoming involved in research opportunities. The possibilities are endless and member driven!”

“Retired school librarians are a very important segment of AASL members,” said Carl Harvey, AASL president. “The experience they gained throughout their career is an invaluable resource not only for school librarians just entering the profession, but for AASL as an organization as we move forward as educational leaders.”

According to the AASL Bylaws, special interest groups can be established when a group of 10 or more AASL members interested in discussing concerns related to the profession and the topic is not currently under the jurisdiction of an already established AASL section or committee. Upon approval of the Board of Directors, the interest group appoints a chair and membership is open to all AASL members who may share its common interest.

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.