School librarians learn to lead library initiatives with new AASL webinar

CHICAGO — School library professionals can kick off the school year right by learning how to take charge of three major library initiatives: library advisory committees (LACs), Response to Intervention (RtI) and community assessments during a new Knowledge Quest webinar presented by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL). “LACs, RtI, and Community Assessment How-Tos,” will take place at 6 p.m. Central time on Thursday, Oct. 24. To register, visit www.ala.org/aasl/ecollab/upcoming

The webinar will feature authors from the September/October 2013 issue of Knowledge Quest themed “Imagining the Future.” Moderated by guest editor Sue Kimmel, the webinar will feature three 20-minute presentations from Janie Pickett, Jennifer Robins, and IdaMae Craddock. Pickett will outline the steps to create an effective library advisory committee while Robins will discuss how school librarians can play a role in Response to Intervention efforts. Finally Craddock will explore how school librarians can help incorporate community assessments into the research process.

“LACs, RtI, and Community Assessment How-Tos” is open to all. Registrations will be accepted until 10 a.m. on Wed., Oct. 23, and a seat in the webinar is guaranteed to the first 100 attendees. To register, visit www.ala.org/aasl/ecollab/upcoming.

Published bimonthly September through June by the American Association of School Librarians, Knowledge Quest is devoted to offering substantive information to assist building-level school librarians, supervisors, library educators and other decision makers concerned with the development of school library programs and services. Articles address the integration of theory and practice in school librarianship and new developments in education, learning theory and relevant disciplines. The Knowledge Quest webinar series explores topics related to the editorial theme of the most recent issue.

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.