AASL’s School Library Month webinars focus on programming and advocacy

CHICAGO – Created with the busy school librarian in mind, the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) will present short, on-demand professional development focused on improving and advocating the school library program during School Library Month. The 2012 theme, You belong @ your library®, will highlight the role strong school libraries play in a student’s educational career. More information can be found at www.ala.org/aasl/slm.

Susan Kowalski, school librarian at Pine Grove Middle School, one of the 2011 National School Library Programs of the Year award winners, will present four webinars on programs designed to bring stakeholders into the library. Topics to be covered include using curriculum and content to connect stakeholders to the library program; how to involve stakeholders in programs that empower thinking, innovation and problem solving; how to prepare students for college/careers through library programs and leadership opportunities; and how to create programs that support students’ personal interests, talents and expertise. The first in this series, Powerful Connections through Content, is now available at www.ala.org/aasl/slm.

A webinar presented by Debra Logan, 2008 Ohio Educational Library Media Association/Follett Library Resources School Librarian of the Year and past chair of the AASL Advocacy Committee, will help school librarians become intentional about looking at what school library stakeholder groups want from their libraries. Logan will cover how to make school libraries relevant and indispensable by tailoring programs to fit the needs of students, parents, administrators, classroom teachers and other stakeholders.

Webinars will be posted on the AASL website throughout the month of April and school librarians are also encouraged to visit www.ala.org/aasl/slm often for updates.

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.