Proposals for AASL professional development can include, but are not limited to: online courses, webinars that are 30-60 minutes in length, and other online learning options (podcasts, mobile learning, etc.).
Read MoreParticipating in discussions on ALA Connect provides valuable networking opportunities, allowing you to connect with school library professionals across the country and expand your professional circle. Engaging in discussions facilitates knowledge sharing, giving you access to innovative technology, best practices, and the latest educational trends from experts and peers. These discussions also serve as a valuable resource for problem-solving, as you can seek advice and solutions from experienced educators who have encountered similar challenges.
AASL hosts several member forums on ALA Connect:
AASL Member Forum
ESLS Forum (Educators of School Librarians Section)
ISS Forum (Independent Schools Section)
SPVS Forum (Supervisors Section)
Since all members of these forums belong to ALA and its divisions, ALA Connect allows school library professionals to engage in honest conversations, seek advice, and share challenges in a welcoming and accommodating space. These forums have restricted access, reducing the risk of misinformation, spam, or interactions with unverified individuals. Discussions remain targeted and relevant, keeping the focus on profession-specific topics rather than unrelated or distracting content. All participation on ALA Connect is regulated by ALA’s Online Code of Conduct.
AASL and division members are automatically added to their respective communities and may edit their notification preferences at anytime.
Read MorePresenting at the AASL National Conference offers numerous benefits, including the opportunity to establish yourself as a thought leader in the school library field while sharing your expertise with fellow professionals. It allows you to network with librarians, educators, and leaders, fostering connections that can lead to collaborations, mentorships, or future opportunities.
Presenting also enhances your professional profile, demonstrating your commitment to innovation and continuous learning. Engaging in discussions about best practices, research, and emerging trends enables you to refine your own ideas while gaining insights from attendees.
Additionally, attending the conference as a presenter often provides deeper engagement with the event, giving you a platform to inspire and influence others while also receiving valuable feedback that can refine your work and impact the profession in meaningful ways.
A one-of-a-kind conference, the 2025 AASL National Conference will feature daily keynotes, more than 140 concurrent sessions, author panels, research into practice sessions, poster presentations, more than 100 exhibitors, the best practice IdeaLab, author signings, and endless networking opportunities. Content provided at the conference will be rooted in AASL’s “National School Library Standards for Learners, School Librarians, and School Libraries.”
Read MoreA one-of-a-kind conference, the 2025 AASL National Conference will feature daily keynotes, more than 140 concurrent sessions, author panels, research into practice sessions, poster presentations, more than 100 exhibitors, the best practice IdeaLab, author signings, and endless networking opportunities. Content provided at the conference will be rooted in AASL’s “National School Library Standards for Learners, School Librarians, and School Libraries.”
By attending the AASL National Conference, school librarians gain inspiration, practical strategies, and professional connections that empower them to support students and other educators more effectively. The experience provides both immediate takeaways and long-term benefits, making it the best investment for professional learning.
Read MoreAASL Gatherings are a dynamic virtual space for school librarians to connect, collaborate, and grow together. This interactive Zoom forum provides opportunities to network, share ideas, ask questions, and explore fresh perspectives on school library topics. Whether seeking inspiration, support, or innovative strategies, this welcoming community fosters meaningful discussions and professional growth. Join the conversation and be part of a vibrant exchange of knowledge and ideas!
Engaging in the chat during the AASL Gathering can helps you connect with school library professionals, potential mentors, and like-minded peers. It can also lead to follow-up conversations, collaborations, or invitations to future events.
Read MoreThe AASL Standards Committee is responsible for guiding the continuous development and evolution of professional learning resources, applicaton materials, advocacy tools, and other initiatives related to the National School Library Standards for Learners, School Librarians, and School Libraries. These resources support school library professionals, at all levels of experience, in effectively implementing the AASL Standards across a range of K-12 educational settings.
Read MoreThe AASL Professional Learning Committee is responsible for the content organization, development and marketing of AASL’s online digital professional development. The PLC is reviews AASL’s online professional development content annually to weed content that is no longer relevant and/or outdated and consider topics or areas of interest for future materials. Additionally, the PLC will identify gaps in content. The PLC will also develop a marketing plan for AASL members, with a focus on the member benefit of AASL’s online professional development content.
Read MoreThe AASL National Conference Committee is key to creating an impactful, engaging experience for conference attendees. By identifying the educational needs of school library professionals, the committee fosters growth and ensures the conference remains a dynamic platform for innovation, learning, and collaboration. Working behind the scenes, the committee’s collaborative efforts shape each event to reflect the diverse needs of the school library profession, elevating the conference as a premier opportunity for professional development and networking.
Read MoreAs a division of the American Library Association (ALA), AASL is afforded the opportunity each year to review, evaluate, and select concurrent programming for the ALA Annual Conference. Proposal submitters are required to designate a “jury” to which their proposal is forwarded for evaluation. AASL, along with the other ALA divisions, are considered a “jury,” as well as the general ALA jury. The submission and review process are managed through ALA’s proposal system and coordinated by the ALA Conference Services Office. All submissions to the ALA Annual Conference are reviewed and scored using a standardized rubric. However, the AASL Annual Conference Panel is specifically tasked with evaluating content based on its relevance and appeal to professionals working in the school library setting.
The Annual Conference Panel conducts its work entirely online, with all volunteer activities completed within an approximate 30-day window during the fall.
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