Four Spectrum Scholars to attend AASL national conference

CHICAGO –The American Association of School Librarians (AASL), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), will sponsor the attendance of four Spectrum Scholars at the AASL 15^th National Conference & Exhibition in Minneapolis, Oct. 27-30.

AASL will sponsor the following Spectrum Scholars:

• Nancy Gallegos, speech language paraprofessional for the Chicago Public Schools and currently working towards a master of library and information science from Dominican University
• Hannah Gómez, first year graduate student at Simmons College in Massachusetts, studying towards a master of arts in children’s literature and a master of science in library and information science
• Jade Torres-Morrison, a library assistant at Simms Library – Albuquerque Academy in New Mexico, attending San José State University for a masters of library and information science
• James Wallace Jr., new student success program coordinator and adjunct professor at Indiana University Northwest, attending Indiana University-Purdue University to obtain a master in library science.

Each of the selected Spectrum Scholars will receive complimentary registration for the 15th National Conference & Exhibition and a $750 travel stipend. Spectrum Scholars will be paired with a mentor for the duration of the conference and will receive special recognition at key events.

The travel stipend is generously provided by Capstone. Imprints and divisions include Capstone Press, Compass Point Books, Heinemann-Raintree, Picture Window Books, Stone Arch Books, and Capstone Digital. Visit Capstone at www.CapstonePub.com.

Established in 1997, the Spectrum Scholarship Program is ALA’s national effort to increase diversity in the profession by recruiting and providing scholarships that allow students from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds to become librarians. Spectrum Scholars improve service at the local level because they reflect the communities served by libraries in today’s changing world. Spectrum has provided more than 700 scholarships to qualified applicants enrolled in an ALA-accredited graduate program in library and information studies or an AASL-recognized School Library program. To learn more about the Spectrum Scholarship Program, visit www.ala.org/spectrum.

The AASL 15th National Conference and Exhibition, "Turning the Page," is the only national conference dedicated solely to the needs of school librarians and their roles as educational leaders. Taking place in Oct. 27-30 in Minneapolis, the AASL National Conference will feature preconferences, numerous concurrent sessions, more than 200 exhibiting companies, educational and school tours, a storytelling festival and special appearances by award-winning authors. The deadline for advance registration is September 29. For more information or to register, visit www.aasl11.org.

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