The AASL election season is quickly approaching, and we have an outstanding slate of candidates standing for office! AASL is continuing the practice of using the KQ website as a venue for you to learn more about each candidate. Those standing for office were given the opportunity to introduce themselves with a short video on the AASL channel on YouTube and to use this space by responding to the following prompt: “What would you say to someone if they were to ask you ‘Why AASL?’ ”
Each candidate is immensely qualified and is a leader and advocate for our profession. As you view their videos and read their responses, consider how each will lead our profession during these unprecedented times. Consider who can effectively carry out AASL’s mission statement to empower leaders to transform teaching and learning. Our association needs your input as to who will lead us in the future. Vote to show support for our national association and for the candidates standing for office, and encourage other AASL members to vote as well. Voting makes a difference and your vote matters!
Statements and/or videos were a voluntary option offered to all candidates.
Mark your calendar to cast your vote while polls are open, March 14–April 6.
The candidates for the Division Councilor are:
- Deborah Rinio
- Nora Wiltse
Deborah Rinio
When I started my first school library job, I immediately joined the American Association of School Librarians (AASL). It a was no-brainer. As the only national association focused on the issues facing school librarians, I needed to be a part of the conversation. AASL provided me with resources to help grow my library and my learners. It connected me with a network of other librarians through what is now ALA Connect as well as through in person conferences and online webinars. When I became President of my local AASL Chapter, the Alaska Association of School Librarians, I quickly become more involved in AASL through participation in Chapter meetings, and I saw the importance of the two-way communication between state chapter and association.
This same relationship exists between ALA Council and the AASL Board. AASL is an essential part of our library ecosystem, collaborating with the other ALA divisions to advocate for libraries and prepare the library workforce to meet collective challenges now and in the future. The Division Councilor represents AASL in ALA Council, the governing body of the American Library Association; and serves as a communication channel between the AASL Board and ALA Council. This two-way communication ensures that the strengths and impacts of school librarians, as well as the obstacles and challenges are acknowledged. Each piece of the ALA community, from division to chapter to committee, is critical to keeping librarians informed, engaged, and supported in their daily mission to improve the lives of their patrons.
I am proud of my contributions at the state level and within AASL, and I hope to continue to advocate for an serve the broader school library community as ALA Division Councilor.
Author: Kathy Carroll, AASL Leadership Development Committee Chair
As AASL Immediate Past President Kathy Carroll is chair of the AASL Leadership Development Committee.
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