Omar Wasow to speak at AASL 13th National Conference

Contact: Kathy Agarwal

Communications Specialist

312-280-4381

kagarwal@ala.org

For Immediate Release

November 6, 2006

Omar Wasow to speak at AASL 13th National Conference

CHICAGO – The American Association of School Librarians (AASL), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), is pleased to welcome Omar Wasow as a featured speaker at its 13th National Conference & Exhibition, “The Future Begins @ your library,” October 25-28, 2007, in Reno, Nev. Wasow will deliver closing remarks to conference attendees and exhibitors during the Closing General Session on October 28.

“Proclaimed by Newsweek as one of the ‘fifty most influential people to watch in cyberspace,’ Omar Wasow will tantalize and challenge us at the close of our conference,” said Allison G. Kaplan, co-chair of the AASL National Conference Committee. “Mr. Wasow has demonstrated a deep dedication to the education of our children and puts libraries together with technology as a means for the development of community – for us, our children, and our future.”

Wasow is co-founder of BlackPlanet.com and a respected technology analyst. He is a strategic advisor to Community Connect Inc., the parent company of BlackPlanet.com, as well as a popular guest on TV and radio programs discussing technology related topics and examining current trends. Based on his work on a variety of social issues, including education, Wasow was selected for a fellowship in the Rockefeller Foundation's Next Generation Leadership program. He is currently pursuing a doctorate in African American studies and political science at Harvard.

“AASL is thrilled to welcome Omar Wasow to speak at our National Conference in Reno,” said AASL President Cyndi Phillip. “Mr. Wasow is an expert on current technologies and will have applicable information to share with our conference attendees.”

In addition to Wasow, the AASL National Conference will feature five preconferences, over 100 concurrent sessions, more than 200 exhibiting companies, educational and school tours and special appearances by award-winning authors and illustrators.

For more information on AASL’s 13th National Conference & Exhibition in Reno, visit http://www.ala.org/aasl/reno.

The American Association of School Librarians, www.aasl.org, a division of the American Library Association (ALA), promotes the improvement and extension of library media 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 media field.