For immediate release | June 4, 2026
AASL Research Paper Awards Announced
CHICAGO – Two research papers have been awarded the 2026 American Association of School Librarians (AASL) Research Paper Award by the Educators of School Librarians Section (ESLS) of AASL. The award recognizes excellence in manuscripts addressing a persistent and recurring challenge in the field of school librarianship. Researchers will present their papers at the 2027 AASL National Conference in Portland, Oregon.
Recipients of the 2026 AASL Research Paper Award are:
Jenna Spiering, Jennifer Moore, and Valerie Byrd Fort, University of South Carolina, “Navigating the Impact of State Regulations on School Librarians’ Collection Development Practices.”
Pamela C. Harland, Plymouth State University (NH), Susan D. Ballard, Independent Consultant, retired District Supervisor (NH), and Rachel V. Small, Teacher Librarian, Burlington Public Schools (MA), “Building Consensus for School Librarian Collaboration: A Delphi Study.”
“The AASL Educators Section is proud to recognize research that advances both the theory and practice of school librarianship” said ESLS Chair, Jenna Kammer. “These studies address timely and complex issues facing the profession, from strengthening collaborative practice to understanding the effects of censorship-related legislation, and provide valuable insights that will inform research, preparation, and practice across the field.”
“These award-winning papers exemplify the kind of research that moves the field of school librarianship forward,” said AASL President, Amanda Kordeliski. “One offers a rigorous and actionable model for collaborative practice, while the other provides timely insight into the challenges school librarians face in an increasingly complex policy environment. Together, they strengthen the profession’s knowledge base and provide meaningful guidance for research, practice, and professional preparation.”
The AASL award winners will be recognized during the 2027 AASL National Conference taking place October 14-16 in Portland, Oregon.
The American Association of School Librarians, www.aasl.org, a division of the American Library Association (ALA), empowers leaders to transform teaching and learning.
