Melissa Jacobs receives the AASL Intellectual Freedom Award

CHICAGO – Melissa Jacobs, Director of Library Services, New York City Public Schools, New York, is the recipient of the 2025 American Association of School Librarians’ (AASL) Intellectual Freedom Award. Established in 1982 and sponsored by ProQuest, the award is given for upholding the principles of intellectual freedom as set forth by AASL and ALA.

“The sheer magnitude of a district serving over one million students and garnering essential partners within the district for policy agreement is impressive,” says committee chair Jennifer Balke. "The committee was particularly struck by Jacobs' conviction that ‘denying children access to school libraries is one of the greatest forms of censorship.’ Her commitment to this belief is evident in her efforts to establish a Citywide Digital Library, ensuring students can access resources regardless of location, a legacy that will endure. Her proactive approach, strengthening policies and processes while championing the Teacher2Librarian program, ensures a future with more qualified school librarians dedicated to protecting intellectual freedom."

Having been a school librarian for over twenty-five years, Jacobs notes, “I have actively promoted the NYC Public Schools Collection Development Policy and Citywide Digital Library to administrators and teachers across the city by delivering training, hosting webinars, and facilitating in-person workshops. These initiatives help educators understand the importance of equitable access, intellectual freedom, and how to effectively defend against challenges.”

Cordelia Veve, Chief of Curriculum and Instruction, Division of School Leadership, with the New York City Public Schools, submitted that “As a thought leader in librarianship, Melissa has provided invaluable resources that support the free exchange of ideas, helping to foster intellectual curiosity and growth in students of all backgrounds. Melissa is deeply involved in fostering a culture of collaboration among educators, librarians, and policymakers to ensure that the principles of intellectual freedom are upheld in both public and private educational institutions. She has been a mentor to countless educators and aspiring school librarians, supporting them in navigating the complexities of intellectual freedom while fostering a love of learning and critical engagement with the world around them.”

“School librarians are on the frontlines of intellectual freedom—defending book access, clarifying policies, and dispelling misinformation. To navigate these challenges, school librarians must collaborate with teachers, engage students across subjects, and build understanding among staff, school boards, and administrators,” said AASL president Becky Calzada. “Melissa is demonstrating a dedication to access and bringing the entire New York City public school system community along with her by ensuring that millions of students, educators, parents, and administrators are part of a community that understands and values intellectual freedom.”

The AASL award winners will be recognized during the 2025 AASL National Conference taking place October 16-19 in St. Louis, Missouri.

ProQuest is committed to empowering researchers and librarians around the world. The company’s portfolio of assets -- including content, technologies and deep expertise -- drives better research outcomes for users and greater efficiency for the libraries and organizations that serve them.

The American Association of School Librarians, www.aasl.org, a division of the American Library Association (ALA), empowers leaders to transform teaching and learning.