AASL Governing Documents

AASL National Conference Attendees learning in a session

Mission

The American Association of School Librarians empowers leaders to transform teaching and learning.

School Librarian with Learners

Every school librarian is a leader; every learner has a school librarian.

AASL National Conference Attendees Collaborating in an Precon
  • Learning
  • Innovation
  • Equity, Diversity, Inclusion
  • Intellectual Freedom
  • Collaboration

The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) empowers leaders to transform teaching and learning. All aspects of the association’s work reflect the following core values: learning; innovation; equity, diversity, inclusion; intellectual freedom; and collaboration. AASL's vision declares that: Every school librarian is a leader; every learner has a school librarian.

AASL is the preeminent national professional association for school librarians. As a division of the American Library Association (ALA), AASL works collaboratively across the greater ALA organization and library ecosystem to increase understanding and promotion of the integral role of school librarians and school libraries for all learners. AASL is a strong partner to school administrators and educational organizations for advocating for and shaping educational opportunities and policy. Other educational organizations understand the integral role of the school librarian in K–12 schools and seek AASL's input and involvement with strategic initiatives and policies for learners. AASL's learner-centered educational policy empowers transformative teaching and learning for all.

School librarians value their AASL membership for the association's leadership in providing professional learning; influencing national, state, and local educational policy; developing comprehensive standards; reading and sharing innovations; promoting research; collaborating within and outside of the school library field; and transforming teaching and learning. AASL provides guidance to members on how to advocate at the national, state, and local level, ensuring school librarians are equipped to advocate for equitable access to educational resources.

AASL influences the school library community's behaviors and practices according to the core values of school librarianship. The work of the association models leadership and facilitates personal and professional learning growth. AASL celebrates school librarians for their powerful role in advocating for the needs of learners.