AASL opens call for participation in national research summit

CHICAGO – Research scholars are now invited to submit their interest in participating in the American Association of School Librarians’ (AASL) Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) research summit. Focused on setting an agenda for future school library research, the “Causality: School Libraries and Student Success (CLASS)” summit will take place April 11-12, 2014, in Chicago. More information on the application process can be found at www.ala.org/aasl/rfp.

CLASS will bring together school library and educational researchers to create a national focus and agenda on causal research and provide empirical evidence that school libraries make positive contributions to student achievement. Participants will examine the issues of causality related to student learning and school libraries to articulate a research agenda and investigate causal phenomena in school library instruction, resources and services.

The summit will include a keynote speaker from the field of educational research; a seven-member expert panel of scholars and practitioners from information science, library studies and education and 50 invited participants who have been identified as emerging or established researchers in these areas. Invited participants will have traveling, housing and meals provided through grant funds.

In order to be considered, researchers are asked to submit the following to AASL no later than Jan. 10, 2014:

• cover letter explaining interest in participation and connection to personal research agenda;
• current vita;
• copy of recent peer-reviewed publication, as well as any works in progress;
• recommendation from dean or department chair.

All required materials as a single document to Allison Cline, acline@ala.org, no later than midnight, January 10, 2014. Invitations to scholars will be sent on or before Feb. 14.

This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services grant number LG-62-13-0212-13. The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. Our mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Our grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow IMLS on Facebook and Twitter.

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.