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National School Library Standards for Learners, School Librarians, and School Libraries

National School Library Standards for Learners, School Librarians, and School Libraries

by American Association of School Librarians

Published by: American Library Association

Imprint: AASL Standards

248 Pages, 178.00 × 254.00 × 25.00 mm

Paperback
9798892553285
Published: September 2025

£88.00

Pre-order

Paperback
9780838915790
Published: September 2017

£159.00

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Description
Contents
Authors

Now in its second edition, the National School Library Standards for Learners, School Librarians, and School Libraries is an investment in your professional growth, your learners' educational experiences, and the central role your library plays in the academic mission of your school. The AASL Standards position learners as active seekers and creators of knowledge, emphasizing their pivotal role in a learning process that is supported by school librarians and libraries. While the AASL Standards frameworks remain consistent, this edition refines and strengthens the supporting text, effectively bridging theory and practice. You will find valuable insights on how to design, support, assess, and personalize competency-based learning experiences across grade levels and content areas.

As a foundational resource for school librarians, the AASL Standards provide essential context for educational leadership. The second edition is enriched with actionable strategies and practical examples to enhance the application of standards, empowering school librarians to advocate for their essential role within the school system and contribute to broader school and district goals through the school library.

In the second edition, you will discover

a streamlined introduction to navigating the AASL Standards Frameworks, with an emphasis on understanding competencies and interpreting standards across grade levels and content areas;
application examples drawn from contemporary topics such as media literacy, digital citizenship, and literature appreciation that demonstrate the connection between competency and skill development with growth outcomes;
enhanced figures, tables, and actionable examples integrated throughout the book;
greater focus on the five roles of school librarian and the Common Beliefs of the profession;
more than two dozen practice scenarios that incorporate standards-based strategies for approaching common challenges with specific school library audiences;
advocacy best practices for identifying stakeholder concerns, approaching the conversation, and proactively supporting learners, the school library, and yourself;
guidance around goal setting and strategic planning with the Shared Foundations, aligning with other national educational movements and standards important to administrators;
approaches for communicating with administrators to help them understand the extensive work school librarians do behind the scenes to ensure a relevant and effective school library with measurable impact on learning outcomes; and
numerous evaluation tools, including a role-based evaluation checklist

List of Illustrations

List of Tables

Preface

Acknowledgments

Introduction

PART I: STANDARDS AND SCHOOL LIBRARY PRACTICE

Chapter 1: Grounding Principles of the Profession

Common Beliefs
Roles of the School Librarian
Synergy in Action

Chapter 2: Introduction to the AASL Standards

Defining Competency-Based Education
Exploring the Structure of the National School Library Standards
Understanding Competency and Growth
AASL Standards Within the Educational Landscape

PART II: SHARED FOUNDATIONS AND INTEGRATED FRAMEWORKS

Chapter 3: Inquire

Common Beliefs
Think
Create
Share
Grow

Chapter 4: Include

Common Beliefs
Think
Create
Share
Grow

Chapter 5: Collaborate

Common Beliefs
Think
Create
Share
Grow

Chapter 6: Curate

Common Beliefs
Think
Create
Share
Grow

Chapter 7: Explore

Common Beliefs
Think
Create
Share
Grow

Chapter 8: Engage

Common Beliefs
Think
Create
Share
Grow

PART III: ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION

Chapter 9: Measuring Learner Growth

Assessment in a Competency-Based Environment
Integrating Instruction for Holistic Assessment
Creating an Assessment
Types of Assessment
Rating Schemes and Scales for Assessments
Ensuring Success Through Assessment

Chapter 10: Measuring School Librarian Growth

Dimensions of Professional Activity
Developing a Growth Plan
Measurements Through Key Commitments
Fostering Growth Through Self-Evaluation

Chapter 11: Evaluating School Libraries

Engaging Administrators on Effective School Libraries
Analysis Tools Supporting Evaluation and Strategic Planning
Demonstrating Evaluation and Analysis Tools in Practice
Gaining Confidence Through Evaluation

PART IV: SCENARIOS FOR COMMON CHALLENGES

Chapter 12: Scenarios for Working with Learners

English Learners: Locating Accessible Quality Information
Formative Assessment: Modifying Instruction for Struggling Learners
Inquiry Instruction: Serving Multiple Buildings Effectively
Makerspace Start-Up: Establishing a Makerspace Without Funding
Nonresponsive Schedule: Ensuring Access for Learners at Point of Need
Reflective Collections: Representing Underserved Populations
Technology Integration: Modeling Technology-Enhanced Teaching and Learning
Various Perspectives: Promoting Inclusivity in the School Library

Chapter 13: Scenarios for Working with Collaborators

Challenged Collection: Explaining the Collection Development Process
Copyright Compliance: Adhering to Fair Use Guidelines
Excluded Librarian: Promoting the Instructional Partner Role
Inclusive Projects: Ensuring That Learning Tasks Offer Various Perspectives
Misunderstood Professionals: Defining School Library Staff Roles
Reluctant Collaborators: Advocating for Co-teaching with Content-Area Educators

Chapter 14: Scenarios for Working with Administrators

Budget Support: Advocating for Adequate Funding
Makerspace Access: Advocating for Makerspace Access for All Learners
Overlooked Professional: Advocating for Leadership Positions
Professional Growth: Advocating for Inquiry Training
Resource Purchases: Demonstrating Database Usage
Strategic Plan: Advocating for School Library Growth

Chapter 15: Scenarios for Working with Community Members

Book Challenges: Responding to Parent Complaints About Library Books
Committee Representation: Embedding the Library in Campus Improvement
Parent Engagement: Gathering Input for New Resources
PTA Partnerships: Building Common Ground for Collaboration
State Standards: Anticipating Legislative Questions About Standards Adoption
Technology Use: Calming Parent Screen-Time Concerns
Volunteer Management: Protecting Learners’ Privacy and Parent Volunteers

APPENDIXES

Appendix A: AASL Standards Framework for Learners
Appendix B: AASL Standards Framework for School Librarians
Appendix C: AASL Standards Framework for School Libraries
Appendix D: AASL Position Statements and Resources
Appendix E: Library Bill of Rights

Works Cited

Index