AASL extends deadline to submit data analysis proposals

CHICAGO — The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) has extended the deadline for researchers to submit a proposal to undertake a data analysis of its national longitudinal survey of school library programs, School Libraries Count! Those interested in submitting a proposal are asked to send required materials to the AASL office before the extended deadline of June 15, 2012. More information about the RFP, visit the AASL website at www.ala.org/aasl/rfp.

The researcher or research team selected will be expected to create a statistical analysis using five years of raw survey data from School Libraries Count! and create a report to be published and distributed by AASL. While AASL will share the entire report with AASL members, the researcher or research team will work with AASL to submit selected results in peer-reviewed journals outside of the school library profession. Additionally, the researcher or research team will collaborate with AASL to submit programs related to the findings to venues both inside and outside the profession.

Those interested should submit a cover letter describing their qualifications, a resume and a proposal detailing how the required tasks will be completed to the AASL office no later than June 15, 2012. Finalists will be interviewed by phone or in-person during the ALA 2012 Annual Conference taking place June 20-26 in Anaheim, Calif. To view the complete RFP and for contact information, please see the AASL website at www.ala.org/aasl/rfp.

The School Libraries Count! National Longitudinal Survey of School Library Programs aims to gather data on changes in the field to gain understanding of the state of school library programs nationally. The 2011 survey had 4,887 respondents. Data on this and previous School Libraries Count! longitudinal studies can be found at www.ala.org/aasl/slcsurvey.

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.