AASL is the only national professional membership organization focused on school librarians and the school library community. This organization advocates for the best quality school library professionals and school libraries through National School Library Standards and standards for professional preparation. I look forward to utilizing AASL’s resources like continuing education and professional development, Knowledge Quest, Learning Library, and the Office of Intellectual Freedom to provide counseling on issues such as book challenges, access, and privacy.

https://www.ala.org/aasl/

The Intellectual Freedom Round Table (IFRT) provides opportunities to participate in intellectual freedom issues at the national level. As a member of IFRT, I will meet other library professionals who are interested in censorship and the freedom to read. There are numerous ways to advocate by serving on and chairing a committee, and participating in round table discussions at ALA.

      

https://www.ala.org/rt/ifrt/

I first became aware of AJL during a library visit to a synagogue and meeting with the special collections librarian. AJL is a professional organization that promotes access to information and research in all formats relating to all things Jewish. In addition, this Association promotes Jewish literacy and education and provides a community for peer support and professional development. Through my membership with AJL, I will be able to connect with diverse librarians and benefit from their knowledge.

      

https://jewishlibraries.org/jewish-libraries-around-the-world/

Gwyneth Jones, a.k.a. The Daring Librarian is an award-winning innovative middle-school librarian with a robust web presence on Twitter, Youtube, Instagram, and more. Recognized as an agent of change in librarianship, I will stay informed of the latest library trends, information resources, and technology available to school libraries.

     

https://www.thedaringlibrarian.com/

As a member of the RRT, I am devoted to serving the LGBTQIA+ professional library community’s information needs and the LGBTQIA+ information and access needs of individuals at large. As a school librarian, all students must see themselves reflected in the library. Being a part of the RRT will keep me abreast of new LGBTQIA+ resources and titles available to students.

      

https://www.ala.org/rt/rrt

SJL is offered in print and digital formats of high-quality content related to the school library. The journal features book reviews and recommended books and media. In addition, there are articles highlighting diversity, advocacy, technology, curriculum, and budgets. The annual subscription is $159.99, an excellent investment for professional learning and collection development.

     

https://www.slj.com/

Teen Librarian Toolbox (TLT) is a professional development website for librarians who work with teens. The site was created by Karen Jensen, an MLIS librarian, to assist libraries serving teens and to create a supportive community of librarians. I will be able to share quality resources and read book reviews, watch seminars, and take professional development courses.

       

https://teenlibrariantoolbox.com/

The mission of the Virginia Association of School Librarians is to be the recognized voice for excellence in Virginia’s school libraries, promoting lifelong learning and academic success of all students. Providing resources and support through VAASL is an excellent way for school librarians to feel like a part of a community that could otherwise be isolating. In addition, joining VAASL gives librarians opportunities to network and connect with other school librarians.

 

https://www.vaasl.org/

We Need Diverse Books is a non-profit organization celebrating and recognizing all diverse experiences, including (but not limited to) LGBTQIA, Native, people of color, gender diversity, people with disabilities, and ethnic, cultural, and religious minorities. Teaching in a school with a diverse population, I am always searching for literature that will reflect and appeal to all student identities. This is an excellent resource for librarians to curate an inclusive library collection.

 

https://diversebooks.org/

American Association of School Librarians. (2019a). AASL_Member-web-badge.png [photograph PNG]. Retrieved from www.ala.org/aasl/sites/ala.org.aasl/files/content/aboutaasl/aaslmembership/AASL_Member-web-badge.png

Association of Jewish Libraries. (n.d.). AJLLogoTransparent.jpg [photograph JPG]. Retrieved from https://jewishlibraries.org/jewish-libraries-around-the-world/

The Intellectual Freedom Round Table. (n.d.). IFRTLogo.jpg [photograph JPG]. Retrieved from  https://www.ala.org/rt/ifrt/

Jensen, K. (n.d.). TeenLibrarianToolbooklogo.png [photograph JPG]. Retrieved from https://teenlibrariantoolbox.com/

Jones, G. (2019). DL logo [photograph PNG]. Retrieved from https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5579/30356851773_45ed1c8804_o.png

Rainbow A Round Table of the American Library Association. (2020, February 6). RRTlogo.png [photograph PNG]. Retrieved from https://www.ala.org/rt/rrt

School Library Journal. (2018). SLJ-logo [photograph JPG]. Retrieved from https://www.slj.com/webfiles/1556899002799/images/SLJ-Logo.jpg

Virginia Association of School Librarians. (n.d.). VAASL-logo [photograph PNG]. Retrieved from https://www.vaasl.org/assets/site/vaasl.png

We Need Diverse Books. (2022, April 11). WeNeedDiverseBooks.png [photograph PNG]. Retrieved from https://diversebooks.org/

Left Image:

EdTech Magazine (n.d.). Tynanonlineextra.png.jpg. [photograph JPG]. Retrieved from https://edtechmagazine.com/higher/sites/edtechmagazine.com.higher/files/styles/cdw_hero/public/articles/%5Bcdw_tech_site%3Afield_site_shortname%5D/201904/HiEd_042219_tynanonlineextra.png.jpg?itok=Qmqvsy0N.

All other publication and association logos and banners are trademarks of their respective organizations and are used in compliance with fair use provisions of U.S. copyright law.

American Association of School Librarians (AASL). (2018). National school library standards for learners, school librarians, and school libraries. Chicago, IL: American Library Association.

Rubin, R. E. and Rubin, R. G. (2020). Foundations of library and information science (5th ed.). ALA Neal-Schuman.