AASL webinar explores the power of data

CHICAGO – School library professionals are encouraged to register for Dr. Sandra Andrews’ upcoming webinar, “The Power of Data” at 6 p.m. Central on Nov. 15, 2012. Hosted by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL), the webinar will explore the types of data available to school librarians and how this data can be used to support school library programs. To register, visit www.ala.org/aasl/ecollab/upcoming.

During “The Power of Data,” Andrews will share a variety of datasets at the local, state and national levels that include information on schools and school libraries. Participants will have the opportunity to compare local data with national data to determine how that data can help in decisionmaking at the school level. Andrews will also examine the concept of benchmarking and demonstrate how benchmarking can be utilized. Other topics presented in the webinar include using data for advocacy and communicating needs and successes through the use of data.

Sandra Andrews, Ph.D., an assistant professor at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in the department of library and information studies, has presented regionally and nationally on school library topics, including the use of standards, technology integration and benchmarking. She has written in the areas of curriculum, technology integration and the use of data in developing exemplary programs. Andrews is the author of AASL’s recently released publication, “The Power of Data: An Introduction to Using Local, State, and National Data to Support School Library Programs.” She has worked as both a school librarian and a district media supervisor.

eCOLLAB | Your eLearning Laboratory: Content, Collaboration, Community is a repository of AASL professional development which provides members and subscribers with a central location to find and manage their e-learning as well as to connect with others in the learning community. eCOLLAB contains webcasts, podcasts and resources from various AASL professional development events, as well as the latest issue Knowledge Quest in an interactive PDF format. To access eCOLLAB or to subscribe, visit www.ala.org/aasl/ecollab.

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.