The American Association of School Librarians 13th National Conference & Exhibition:October 25 – 28 in Reno, Nev.
CHICAGO – The largest gathering of school librarians in the nation is taking place in Reno, Nev., at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center from October 25 to 28, for the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) 13th National Conference & Exhibition, themed “The Future Begins @ your library.”
More than 4,000 school librarians, educators, publishers and guests will gather to discuss such key issues as new technologies; “No Child Left Behind” and how the legislation impacts school libraries; and information literacy. The conference will also serve as a platform for the release of AASL’s highly anticipated “Standards for the 21st-Century Learner,” which identify the skills, dispositions, responsibilities and strategies learners will need to survive and thrive in the future.
According to the American Library Association, students make 1.5 billion visits to school library media centers during the school year - 100 million more visits than to movie theaters in 2005.
“School library media programs play an integral role in education,” said Sara Kelly Johns, AASL president. “Research shows that the highest achieving students attend schools with good library media centers that offer access to current print and Web resources. It’s not enough for students to know how to read – they must be information literate, and study after study shows that well-trained library media specialists have a positive impact on student academic achievement.”
The conference will offer a variety of sessions on technology. Programs like “Gadgetpalooza” and “Podcasting!!! What is it GOOD for?” will analyze audio and video podcasting as tools that can be used to excite students and support learning; and hi-tech gadgets that best support student achievement.
The environment will also be an area of focus. Organizers have encouraged all conference presenters and attendees to go “green.” Complimentary wireless Internet access will be available throughout the convention center, so attendees will be able to pull up session handouts on their laptops live during the sessions.
The conference handouts will also be available for a limited time after the conference on the AASL Web site at www.ala.org/aasl.
Several exciting preconference programs offered on Wednesday, October 24, and Thursday, October 25, will focus on current library trends and will guide attendees through the creation of long-term advocacy action plans, dynamic technology tools and Web 2.0. Four school tours will also be offered as part of the conference’s special touring program. The school tours will focus on rural, elementary, independent and public schools that showcase examples of excellence in a wide range of school library media programs.
Best-selling author Dan Pink, expert on innovation, competition and the changing world of work, will keynote the Opening General Session on Thursday, October 25, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Pink also writes “The Trend Desk” column for Yahoo! Finance and has provided analysis of business trends for CNN, CNBC, ABC, NPR and other networks.
Omar Wasow, co-founder of BlackPlanet.com and well-known on-air technology analyst, will keynote the Closing General Session on Saturday, October 27, from 3 - 4:30 p.m. Wasow strives to demystify technology issues through frequent TV and radio segments on shows such as “Today,” CNN’s “American Morning” and public radio’s “Travis Smiley Show.”
Other award-winning author events will feature Wendelin Van Draanen, author of the “Sammy Keyes Mysteries”; David Lubar, “Hidden Talents”; Julie Ann Peters, “Luna”; Marilyn Reynolds, “Detour for Emmy”; Laura McGee Kvasnosky, “Zelda and Ivy”; and Kathleen Duey, “The Unicorn’s Secret” series.
The conference will feature three full-day and five half-day preconference workshops, several school and educational tours, more than 100 educational sessions, author events and more than 200 exhibiting companies.
The American Association of School Librarians, www.aasl.org, a division of the American Library Association (ALA), promotes the improvement and extension of library media 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 media field.
