AASL seeks program reviewers for the 2013 AASL National Conference

CHICAGO — The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) is currently accepting applications for one group of 20-30 volunteers to participate in a blind review and scoring of two sets of proposals for the AASL 16th National Conference and Exhibition, “Rising to the Challenge.” This volunteer position is essential to conference planning. To apply, please use the application form located at national.aasl.org/volunteers. The deadline for applications is Friday, Nov. 9.

Interested applicants would be considered to participate in the review and scoring of Concurrent Session proposals and proposals for the Best Practice Showcase, formerly the Exploratorium. These reviews would take place on two different occasions. Review of Concurrent Session proposals would begin Monday, Nov. 19, 2012, with a deadline of Friday, Jan. 4, 2013. Review of the Best Practice Showcase would begin April 1, 2013 with a deadline of April 30, 2013.

Scoring will be handled through an online database and must be completed on or before the dates listed above. The total time commitment will depend on how many reviewers are selected. Each reviewer will be asked to take part in an online training before starting each review process. The following criteria will be considered when choosing reviewers:

• Must be a current AASL personal member;
• Attendance at a past national conference is preferred, but not required;
• Must have access to the Internet between the above dates to review and score applications. (Please note the holiday timeframe.)

Additionally, the Program Review Committee represents a diverse group of practitioners from within the AASL community. Therefore, reviewers will be chosen based on geographical location, number of years in the profession and current job title. Past performance as a program reviewer will also be taken into consideration.

The AASL National Conference and Exhibition, "Rising to the Challenge," is the only national conference dedicated solely to the needs of school librarians and their roles as educational leaders. Taking place Nov. 14–17, 2013, in Hartford, Conn., the AASL national conference will feature preconference workshops, concurrent sessions and an exhibition featuring companies relevant to the school library profession. More information on the conference, including special events, author appearances, and keynote presenters will be available on or before January 2013.

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.