ALA: 2009 February 17
CHICAGO – Attendees of the American Association of School Librarians' (AASL) national conference, Nov. 5-8 in Charlotte, N.C., will once again get a taste of current programs that are leading the way in school library media program development at one of the conference's most popular events, the Exploratorium. The Exploratorium will be held Thursday afternoon of the conference.
Co-chair of the National Conference Committee Ann Marie Pipkin said, "The Exploratorium offers a potpourri of ideas from authors and school library media specialists who have put their concepts to work. See what they have done and replicate them in your library. The Exploratorium is a speedy way to 'rev up learning @ your library.'"
The Exploratorium features more than 50 small programs occurring simultaneously that are geared to give attendees a taste of the current research, projects and best practices in the school library media field. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore and ask questions at as many presentations as they would like during the afternoon. AASL's last national conference featured programs on promoting non-fiction in the school library media center, assessing student achievement, cataloging tips and tricks and collaboration strategies.
This year, proposal submissions are being asked to highlight the use of the AASL learning standards in school library media programs and school communities. Topics can focus on collection development, meeting special needs, reading promotion and many others. Proposals will be accepted until March 30 through an online submission process.
AASL encourages submissions from those whose proposals were not accepted for preconference or concurrent sessions. More information regarding presenting at the Exploratorium is available on the conference's presenter pages on the AASL Web site.
"AASL is excited about your ideas, best practices and successful programs. I urge you to submit an Exploratorium proposal. The accepted proposals provide fun and excitement for attendees as nuggets of information and knowledge are shared with colleagues. Take this opportunity to share your ideas," said Ann M. Martin, AASL president.
The AASL 14th National Conference & Exhibition, "Rev up learning @ your library," is the only national conference dedicated solely to the needs of school library media specialists and their roles as educational leaders. The AASL National Conference will feature 10 preconferences, numerous concurrent sessions, more than 200 exhibiting companies, educational and school tours, a storytelling festival and special appearances by award-winning authors. Registration is now open at a discounted "early bird" rate. For more information on AASL's 14th National Conference & Exhibition or to register, visit http://www.ala.org/aasl/charlotte.
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.
