AASL unveils new committee structure
Contact: Kathy Agarwal
Communications Specialist
312-280-4381
For Immediate Release
September 19, 2006
AASL unveils new committee structure
CHICAGO - The Board of Directors of the American Association of School Librarians (AASL), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), has adopted a new committee structure to better align the association with its new strategic plan.
The process of restructuring will begin in the fall, with the new structure in place at the conclusion of the 2007 ALA Annual Conference in Washington, D.C.
The new AASL committee structure will maintain fewer standing committees and employ more task-oriented work groups to carry forward the association's mission.
It will provide a more flexible environment to plan and execute goals - allowing the president to appoint focused task forces when necessary and dissolve them upon completion of their work.
The new structure will create a more nimble and responsive organization, and will provide a wider range of volunteer opportunities for our members.
For more details about the restructuring, and how it will affect current AASL committees, see the AASL website at
http://www.ala.org/ala/aasl/aboutaasl/aaslgovernance/aaslcommittees/restructuring.htm
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"The goal of the restructuring is to provide more meaningful, goal-based opportunities for volunteers and member leaders by capturing their interests and expertise and recognizing the value of their time and commitment," said AASL President Cyndi Phillip.
"We invite all of our members to learn more about the changes within AASL's structure and to get involved - find new, rewarding ways to participate as we move forward to meet the goals of the strategic plan."
In addition to the structural committee changes, AASL is adding a new feature of membership, "professional learning communities" (PLCs), which will provide members with the opportunity to network and to connect on topics of interest in a virtual environment and through face-to-face meetings.
These communities will serve as portals for learning, collaboration, and building a community of peers.
The first PLC is currently under development and will be launched at the AASL Fall Forum this October.
More information will be available closer to the launch.
More information about AASL's strategic plan is available on the AASL Web site
http://www.ala.org/aasl/strategicplanning.
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.
