National School Library Standards for Learners, School Librarians, and School Libraries
9798892553285
Paperback / softback, published 2 September 2025
248 pages
25.4 x 17.8 x 2.5 cm, 0.454 kg
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
