AASL forms special interest group for school librarian students

CHICAGO – The American Association of School Librarians’ (AASL) Board of Directors has approved the creation of a special interest group (SIG) for school librarian students based on a request made by AASL members. AASL members looking to join the new interest group should visit connect.ala.org/node/184925.

“The AASL student special interest group is a place for those members who are eager and excited about the profession,” said Gail Dickinson, AASL president-elect. “It's a place for students to share interests, collaborate on projects and network with others who are at the entry level of the profession.”

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

“In library school, students learn about the profession, but in the AASL student SIG, they will meet other students and form professional friendships that will last an entire career,” continued Dickinson. “It's not just for beginning students either. Doctoral level students will be able to share research interests across library school. The AASL student sig will be an exciting and invigorating place.”

“I am thrilled that AASL has launched a student special interest group, as this provides a wonderful opportunity for the ‘best and brightest’ entering our profession to connect, collaborate and converse about best practice and mutual interests,” added AASL President Susan Ballard. “I have no doubt that this SIG will serve as a proving ground to develop new strategies and ideas to help propel AASL into the future.”

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.