AASL News May 28, 2008
Posted by mjones in : AASL News , add a commentAASL seeks applications from Spectrum Scholars to attend AASL 2008 Fall Forum
AASL will sponsor the attendance of up to two Spectrum Scholars at its 2008 Fall Forum. The 2008 forum, entitled “Assessment, Part II: Constructing and Interpreting Viable Tools for Effective Student Learning in the Library Media Center,” will be held October 17-19 in Oak Brook, Illinois (Chicago area).
Applicants must be currently pursuing a library science degree with a concentration in school library media, or working as a school library media specialist. Each of the selected scholars will be provided with complimentary registration to the AASL 2008 Fall Forum and a $750 travel stipend to offset travel and housing expenses. Spectrum Scholars will be paired with a mentor for the duration of the conference and will receive special recognition at key events. The travel stipend is generously provided by Capstone Publishers.
Those who wish to apply can find a copy of the criteria and application guidelines in the Spectrum page on the ALA Web site. Applications are due on September 12, and winners will be announced on September 18.
ALA is now accepting applications for the 2009 class of Emerging Leaders
The Emerging Leaders program is designed to enable more than 100 new librarians to get on the fast track to ALA and professional leadership. Participants are given the opportunity to work on a variety of projects, network with peers, and get an inside look into ALA structure and activities.
An ALA division, round table, ethnic affiliate, state chapter, or AASL Affiliate will sponsor approximately one-third of the selected applicants. However, sponsorship is not required for participation in the program. In order to be eligible for participation in the program, those selected must meet the following criteria:
- Be under 35 years of age or be a new librarian of any age with fewer than 5 years post-MLS experience, and
- Have a recent MLS degree from an ALA or NCATE accredited program or be in an MLS program currently, and
- Be able to attend both ALA conferences and work virtually in between each,
- Be prepared to commit to serve on an ALA, Division, Chapter, or Round Table committee, taskforce, or workgroup upon completion of program, and
- Be an ALA member or join upon selection if not already a member.
Applications can be found at http://cs.ala.org/hrdr/emergingleaders. The deadline to apply is July 31. Program information will be available and updated at wikis.ala.org/emergingleaders. For questions or more information regarding the program, contact Beatrice Calvin at bcalvin@ala.org.
Volunteer with AASL
Appointments are currently being made for the 2008-2009 committee year. If you have ever considered volunteering for your national organization, now is the time to fill out a volunteer form.
Currently, AASL has openings for two-year appointments on the Appointments, Bylaws and Organization, Legislation, and Publication Committees. There are also one-year terms on two task forces, Best List for Teacher Resources and School Library Media Month. Descriptions of all AASL committees can be found on the About AASL section of the Web site.
The volunteer form will ask for three AASL committee preferences, but it is also extremely important to be specific when you list your major areas of interest in school library media services. This information will help AASL as new task forces and special committees are formed. If a short-term assignment is something that interests you, please be sure to check the box at the bottom of the form.