You matter and your vote makes a difference. The 2017 ALA/AASL Election is quickly approaching, and it will only take a few moments of your time in the days leading up to the election to get connected with the candidates. AASL is using this public forum as an opportunity to introduce the candidates running for office. Each candidate was given the opportunity to respond to this question: If elected, what will you do to advance AASL’s new position statement on effective school library programs?

Be involved. Be informed. Be a voter. Read the candidates responses over the next few day, and get out your vote beginning March 13. It is important for all members of AASL to exercise the right to vote in ALA’s Spring election process.

Sedley Abercrombie

My name is Sedley Abercrombie and I am running for Region 4 Director for AASL.  I am currently president of the North Carolina affiliate, NCSLMA.  I also work for Davidson County Schools as the lead librarian for 31 school libraries and as an adjunct instructor for East Carolina University.  I have also worked as a school librarian in the elementary, middle and high school levels.  I am also a Knowledge Quest contributing blogger and chair for the ABC-CLIO Award Committee.

I have presented at library and technology conferences across my state of North Carolina, shared my work at the national level, and just 2 years ago I was the only school librarian selected to be on a team of 12 educators, conducting research on a special project at the National Archives in London. I have also lobbied for school libraries in Washington, D.C. for Library Legislative Day and hope to return again this year (God willing) for a third time.

In today’s climate where it seems our country is so divided, we need school libraries more than ever.  School libraries aren’t just where students go to find a book to read or a resource for a school project.  School libraries are the heartbeat of the school where students and staff can congregate, seek refuge, or become empowered learners.  If elected, I will work with school librarians throughout region 4 to improve the accessibility and inclusivity of the school library, work to elevate our profession by promoting the Future Ready Librarians framework, and helping librarians advocate for their programs by educating them about ESSA.

I appreciate your support in the upcoming election, and I hope next time I see you it will be as your new Region 4 director.  Thank you.

Heather Moorefield-Lang

My name is Heather Moorefield-Lang and I am an assistant professor for the School of Library and Information Science at The University of South Carolina. For this blog entry I have been asked to address the question: “If elected, what will you do to advance AASL’s new position statement on effective school library programs?”

The American Association of School Librarians stands on the idea that an effective school library program supports a certified school librarian, provides modified/individualized learning environments, and delivers equitable access to resources ensuring education for all students. I have been working in the field of education/librarianship for 20 years. While my career has moved from K-12 to higher education my focus has always remained on how to further the work that is happening in our schools and with our students.

My research and practice reside in the area of emerging technologies in libraries and education. Currently I am working on makerspaces and their use in libraries. I collect stories, narratives and practices sharing what I learn with my peers in the field. I have also been involved for the past eight years with the AASL Best Websites for Teaching and Learning Committee and now offer my own YouTube channel focusing on technology tools and how they can be used in instruction.

AASL’s Region Four contains four states where I have either lived, worked, or served. Working as the Director of Region Four would allow me to further serve my peers and in turn their students and school communities in these six states. This position would allow me to further communication across states and from these states directly to AASL. It is my honor to be nominated for this position and I will strive to serve you in this role.

Meet the Other AASL Candidates:

• 2017 ALA/AASL Election – President-Elect
• 2017 ALA/AASL Election – Treasurer
• 2017 ALA/AASL Election – Member-at-Large
• 2017 ALA/AASL Election – Region 6 Director
• 2017 ALA/AASL Election – Region 8 Director
• 2017 ALA/AASL Election – Educators of School Librarians Section
• 2017 ALA/AASL Elections – Independent Schools Section
• 2017 ALA/AASL Elections – Supervisors Section

Author: Leslie Preddy, Leadership Development Committee Chair and 2016-2017 AASL Past President

Categories: Association News, News