For immediate release | April 9, 2025
AASL Opens Distinguished Service Award Nominations
CHICAGO — The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) is pleased to announce the opening of nominations for the esteemed AASL Distinguished Service Award. This prestigious honor recognizes an individual within the library profession who has demonstrated exceptional national contributions to advancing school librarianship and school library development over a sustained period. The award recipient will receive a $1,000 cash prize, complimentary registration for the AASL National Conference, and a three-night stay at the conference hotel. Eligible individuals are encouraged to submit their applications via the AASL website, https://www.ala.org/aasl/awards/service. The submission deadline is May 31, 2025. Applications received after this date will not be considered.
"AASL is deeply honored to witness the reinstatement of this prestigious and impactful award," said AASL President Becky Calzada. "Due to the unwavering, collective generosity of our members, the Distinguished Service Award Fund allows AASL to acknowledge recipients for their indispensable and lasting contributions to the field."
To nominate someone for the Distinguished Service Award, the nominator and the nominee must be AASL members. Self-nominations are allowed. The nominee should exemplify outstanding achievements in one or more areas: visionary leadership and service within AASL and related organizations, scholarly contributions advancing school libraries, advocacy for exemplary library development, and the creation or sustenance of impactful school library practices deserving of special recognition. Up to three reference letters may be submitted in addition to evidence of exhibiting award criteria.
The recipient of the 2025 AASL Distinguished Service Award will be recognized at the AASL National Conference, which will be held October 16-18 in St. Louis, Missouri.
The American Association of School Librarians, www.aasl.org, a division of the American Library Association (ALA), empowers leaders to transform teaching and learning.
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