The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) is excited to announce that the proposal submission site for the 2025 National Conference is now open! This is a fantastic opportunity for school librarians to share their insights, innovative practices, and research with peers from across the country. Mark your calendars for October 16-18, 2025, in St. Louis, Missouri, and get ready to contribute to the vibrant community of school librarians.

Conference Details

The AASL National Conference is the only national event dedicated solely to the needs of school librarians and their roles as educational leaders. This is a prime opportunity for professional development and networking, as you’ll connect with colleagues who share your passion for enhancing student learning through effective library practices.

Proposal Opportunities

Concurrent Sessions AASL invites proposals for fifty-minute concurrent sessions to be held on Friday, October 17, and Saturday, October 18. Proposals should include up to three clear learning objectives and demonstrate alignment with the AASL “National School Library Standards for Learners, School Librarians, and School Libraries.” Potential topics include collaboration, collection development, design and create, leadership and advocacy, literacy, and teaching and learning.

Research Empowering Practice Sessions These fifty-minute sessions provide an opportunity to present original, current research from the field and how it applies in practice. You can choose between a “Research Paper Presentation,” featuring 2-3 papers in one session, or a more in-depth “Research Presentation.” This is a great chance to showcase how research can empower practice in school libraries.

IdeaLab Presentations On Thursday, October 16, from 1:00-3:00 p.m., the AASL IdeaLab will showcase best practices and innovative ideas in a “speed learning” format. Presenters should prepare to explain their ideas in just 2-3 minutes, engaging attendees with visuals and hands-on materials.

Poster Presentations Also occurring on Thursday, October 16, from 1:00-3:00 p.m., poster presentations offer a space to discuss innovative library programs, solutions to challenges, or research findings. Presenters will display their posters throughout the conference, allowing for ongoing discussions with attendees.

Important Dates and Submission Process

Key deadlines for proposal submissions are as follows:

  • March 1, 2025: Concurrent and Research Empowering Practice session proposals close.
  • July 1, 2025: IdeaLab and Poster presentation proposals close.

All submissions must be made via the online form—email, mail, or fax submissions will not be accepted. The AASL National Conference Committee will conduct a blind review of all proposals, focusing on clarity, originality, and timeliness.

Submit Today

We encourage you to take this opportunity to submit your proposals and contribute to the growth of the school librarian community. Your insights and experiences can make a significant impact on the profession.

For more information and to start your proposal, visit the AASL conference page. Don’t forget to use the official hashtag #AASL25 to promote your sessions and connect with fellow librarians on social media!