American Association of School Librarians

American Association of School Librarians
Name	American Association of School Librarians
Formation	1951
Type	Professional association
Headquarters	Chicago, Illinois
Parent organization	American Library Association

American Association of School Librarians. It is a professional membership organization dedicated to empowering leaders in the school library field. As a division of the American Library Association, it focuses on the advancement of school librarians and the critical role of school libraries in education. The association provides advocacy, professional development, and resources to support effective library programs for all learners.

History

The organization was established in 1951 as a division within the American Library Association, evolving from earlier committees focused on school library work. Its formation was championed by prominent figures in library science, including Mary Helen Mahar and Frances Henne, who recognized the need for a dedicated national voice for school librarians. Key milestones in its development include the publication of foundational standards like *Standards for School Library Programs* in 1960 and its instrumental role in the passage of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, which provided significant federal funding for school libraries. Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, the association consistently advocated for the profession during periods of educational reform, such as the Nation at Risk report era, and adapted to the technological revolution ushered in by the advent of the Internet.

Mission and goals

The core mission is to advocate for excellence, facilitate change, and develop leaders in the school library field. Primary goals include ensuring all students have access to a professionally staffed school library, promoting the integration of information literacy standards across the curriculum, and supporting the instructional role of the school librarian. The organization works to equip its members to foster critical thinking, ethical use of information, and a love of reading within their learning communities. These objectives are formally outlined in guiding documents such as the *National School Library Standards* developed in collaboration with the Association for Educational Communications and Technology.

Organizational structure

The association is governed by an elected board of directors, which includes officers such as the President, President-Elect, and the Executive Director. Its operational work is carried out through a network of committees, task forces, and regional affiliates that align with the structure of the American Library Association. Major functional areas include the Chapters Assembly, which coordinates with state-level associations like the Texas Library Association, and sections focused on specific membership interests, such as the Educators of School Librarians Section. The national office is located in Chicago, Illinois, and staff work in conjunction with the headquarters of the American Library Association.

Advocacy and initiatives

A primary advocacy focus is lobbying for federal and state legislation that supports school library funding and staffing, often collaborating with organizations like the American Association of School Administrators and the National Education Association. Landmark initiatives include the longstanding advocacy for the Every Student Succeeds Act and the development of the "School Librarian’s Role in Reading" position statement. The association also leads public awareness campaigns, such as Banned Books Week, and promotes digital learning through programs like the National School Library of the Year Award. It actively partners with entities like the Library of Congress and the International Society for Technology in Education on joint initiatives.

Publications and resources

The association publishes several key periodicals, including the peer-reviewed research journal *School Library Research* and the practitioner-oriented magazine *Knowledge Quest*. It produces essential professional texts, most notably the *National School Library Standards*, and offers a vast digital repository of toolkits, lesson plans, and policy guides. Other significant resources include the "AASL Standards Framework for Learners" and regular position statements on issues like intellectual freedom, often developed in response to challenges documented by the Office for Intellectual Freedom. These materials are disseminated through its website and at major conferences like the ALA Annual Conference.

Awards and recognition

The association administers a comprehensive awards program to honor excellence in the profession. Its highest honor is the National School Library Program of the Year Award, which recognizes outstanding school library districts. Other prestigious awards include the Distinguished School Administrator Award, given in partnership with Follett Corporation, and the Frances Henne Award for early-career librarians. It also bestows grants for research and innovation, such as the ABC-CLIO Leadership Grant, and sponsors scholarships in conjunction with the American Library Association to support future professionals.

Category:American Library Association divisions Category:School library associations Category:Education organizations based in the United States Category:Organizations based in Chicago Category:Organizations established in 1951