Library Ties

Seems like ages ago (ok, looking at old emails guess it was Sept. 18th) that I told the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) nomination committee that I would run for AASL President. It didn’t ponder their request long. I made sure it was ok with my principal and Superintendent, but I emailed back the committee quickly as I could with a resounding yes. I’ve always believed that my involvement in our state (AIME) and national organization (AASL) has helped make me a better school librarian for my students and staff. I had no doubt this opportunity would do more of the same. I know I’ve shared this story before, but I can still remember Marge Cox, then AIME President, calling me at school. She left this message, “Carl, I have a wonderful opportunity for you. Call me back!” So, I called her back, but certainly had no idea that with that one phone call she would start me down a path to professional involvement that has become a crucial part of my development as a school librarian.

The other candidate was the amazing Ann Dutton Ewbanks. She is a very articulate and passionate voice for school libraries, so I was honored to be on the ballot with her. In the months that followed, we had the candidates forum at ALA Midwinter, as well as the chance to pass out some bookmarks and stickers! Besides a few posting on my Facebook page and a few emails sent to friends and colleagues, that was about all there was to campaigning.

Voting began in mid-March and ended on April 23rd. The results were announced on Friday. It was quite a day at school. Luckily the bulk of my day I had classes in working on research projects, so it gave me little time to wonder as I waited for the phone call. I have such an amazingly supportive school family. Teachers and staff came through all day, “Have you heard yet?” “Have they called?” “Make sure to tell us as soon as you hear.” About 2:30pm, the phone rang with Julie Walker, AASL Executive Director, on the other end to share with me that I had been elected the 2011-2012 AASL President.

I am so honored and humbled by the opportunity the members of AASL have given me. There are amazing leaders on the AASL Board and I’m excited about the chance to work with them to continue to move our association and profession forward. I’m sure in my three years I’ll serve (President-Elect, President, and Immediate Past President) there will be successes and challenges. I look forward to all of it because I know we have an amazing group of leaders, members, and staff who will help work through it all together.

I believe that life often presents us with a variety of opportunities. Some of them turn out better than others, but you never know what will happen until you say “yes!” I am so excited about this next adventure and glad I said “yes” when this opportunity came along. We all have a variety of circumstances in our professional and personal lives, but I hope when the next opportunity comes your way…you’ll consider saying “yes”, too. You never know where it might lead.

Tags:   AASL · AASL Election 2010 · AIME · Reflection1 Comment