Library science is an enormous field, home to every interest you could imagine! This means that there are many organizations out there for you to join, in order to connect with other people who share your professional interests.
So even if you work alone in your library, there are other people out there doing work similar to yours! Each week we will highlight a different library association for you to learn more about, and depending on your work, potentially join! You can also check out our page dedicated to Library Associations.
A majority of our members at CMLE are school library people, so listen up, because this is the organization for you!
According to their website, “The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) is the only national professional membership organization focused on school librarians and the school library community”
AASL is a division of the American Library Association and serves members all around the world. Their mission is “empowering leaders to transform teaching and learning” and you can read their current strategic plan here. AASL has “supported the profession for over 60 years and understands the current realities and evolving dynamics of your professional environment and is positioned to help members achieve universal recognition of school librarians as indispensable educational leaders.”
The AASL website is a great resource to use if you work in a school library. It contains information regarding ESSA, the Best Apps and Websites of 2017 (make sure you are following our series on these), national standards, as well as advocacy tools.
Learn more about membership in AASL here. Some features include:
- A subscription to Knowledge Quest, AASL’s official journal published bimonthly September through June.
- Complimentary access to AASL member-only webinars.
- A nationally recognized voice that ensures and advocates for the highest quality school library professional and program through learning standards, program guidelines, and standards for professional preparation.
- Lobbying efforts by the ALA Washington (DC) Office to ensure school librarians are included in educational initiatives, funding, and legislation.
- Direct access to the ALA Office of Intellectual Freedom including counseling on issues such as book challenges, access, and privacy.