For immediate release | September 25, 2012

AASL introduces new dues category for unemployed school librarians

CHICAGO — The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) Board of Directors has approved the addition of a non-salaried/unemployed dues category to its membership rates. The new category, which includes librarians earning less than $25,000 per year or not currently employed, allows those eligible to pay a discounted rate of $25 for division membership.

“AASL acknowledges the challenging economic times that school librarians are facing,” said Susan Ballard, AASL president. “Yet we also recognize that those earning a minimal salary, are unemployed or underemployed, have a compelling need to maintain the competitive edge that the connection to their national association provides. We added this dues category to ensure that they have access to first-rate professional development opportunities, journals and publications and a wide-variety of other AASL/ALA resources and tools that will help them to be well-positioned for professional advancement when the opportunity arises.”

For more information on joining ALA and AASL, visit www.ala.org/aasl/joinnow.

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.

Contact:

Jennifer Habley

Manager, Web Communications

American Association of School Librarians (AASL)

jhabley@ala.org

800-545-2433 ext.4383