I think with everything you do, there is always something to be learned from the experience.  For me, the lesson I learned was anything is possible when everyone is working together.  From ALA President Molly Raphael’s School Library Task Force to the ALA Think Tank on Facebook who bought ads on Facebook to the vendor community who sent out messages to all their customers to the librarians and their supporters who convinced their families to all sign the petition to the ALA divisions who helped pull in the entire library community to the other national organizations and associations that partner with AASL who spread the word through their websites and memberships as well, it truly was a team effort.   This group certainly took full advantage of the powers of social media.  It was amazing to watch the power of everyone working together and the results paying off when we crossed the magic 25,000 line.

We now wait for the White House response.  There is no timeline given by the White House other than they will respond as quickly as is possible.  The response will be posted on the White House – We the People – website and everyone who signed the petition will receive the response via email.  There is no guarantee that the response will include any action from the White House.   However, the petition will help raise awareness of the issues facing school libraries today.

But, the petition is not a silver bullet.  As we work towards getting school libraries included in the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, it will be important that we keep up the effort.  We need to be talking to Senators and Representatives, encouraging them to support the Skills Act.  On January 17, U.S. Representative Raul Grijalva (D-AZ, 7th), along with Representatives Rush Holt (D-NJ, 12th) and Lynn Woolsey (D-CA, 6th) introduced the Strengthening Kids’ Interest in Learning and Libraries (SKILLS) Act. The SKILLS Act, numbered H.R. 3776 in the House, is a companion bill of S. 1328 that was introduced in the Senate by Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Thad Cochran (R-MS) back on July 6, 2011.

The Congressional Briefing in October, followed by the petition, have been great steps in advocating for school libraries at the Federal level.  But they are just steps in the journey.  We’ve not reach our destination, so we have to keep moving forward as we paint a picture for our legislators about what today’s school libraries can do for students and the importance for each and every student to have access to a quality school library program!

I want to thank Molly as well as the Division Presidents who made sure to spread the word at every major function and event.  In addition, blasting it out to their Boards, their members, and the entire library community.  We are in this together!

As of this second (1/25 at 9:20pm) we are at 14,377 signatures, and we need 10,623 more signatures.  We need to reach 25,000 in just a few days – Feb. 4th.  So, please continue to blast it out on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, and every other venue you have.  Please continue to help get the word out about school libraries and help us ensure the Obama administration has to respond to this petition.

Interview with ALA President Molly Raphael:

Interview with AASL President Carl Harvey:

I got a chance for the first time to hear Stephen Abrams.  He was actually at the Indiana Library Federation conference a few weeks prior, but I had conflicts for each of his session.  So, it was fun to actual hear some of his thoughts on the future of libraries.  Its a very hot topic not only in the public library realm, but also school libraries.  How do we need to adapt and change to be effective and relevant today (and in the future!)?

Arizona has a student book choice award called the Grand Canyon Award, so it was an honor to attend their luncheon.  I also had the opportunity to speak at the Teacher-Librarian division’s business meeting.  Jean Kilker and Kerrlita Westrick, co-chairs of the division, were wonderful hosts and it was great to share with them some of the many projects AASL is working on.

This was my last stop for 2011.  I have loved all my visits this fall to the various state conferences, and am looking forward to the few I visit in the spring.  But, it has been great to be home for a while and play catch-up on things around the house and at school.

WOW!  I could probably sum up my feelings of AASL’s 15th National Conference and Exhibition conference with just one word.  But, as my English teachers in high school reminded me often, short and succinct were not always my strong suit.  I’ll have to say it was such an honor and a thrill to be President of AASL during the National Conference.  The real work of planning, organizing, and running the conference was done by the AASL Conference Committee led by Cheryl Steele and Ty Burns as well as our amazing AASL Staff.  It was so great to see all of that hard work paid off.

As we’re only two weeks since the conference, I’m just catching up at home and work.  The bad thing about that is I’m way behind in writing this post.  The good thing is I’ve had a little more time to reflect and think about the experience in Minneapolis, MN.    I’m sure I won’t be able to truly convey the conference experience in just a few words, but certainly there were many highlights.

The biggest observation I had was the positive tone!  We’ve heard the horror stories as the economy has impacted education funding and in turn effected school library programs.  But, instead of dwelling on that at the conference, everyone I talked with and interacted with was more focused on the future.  How do we move forward?  How do we prepare for the future of our field?  How can I go back to the situation I have and apply what I learned this week?  Sure, we all have stumbling blocks in the way of creating the program we know our students deserve and need.  But, instead of wallowing in what we couldn’t do, the feeling in the conference for me was more about what we can do.  I believe that is a critical path for us to follow.

One of the signs of a good conference is there are so many sessions you want to attend, that you can’t make it to all of them.  This was very true for this conference.  I really had to plot and think about which session was going to benefit me most in my position.  I also used some of the symbols in the book to know that some of the sessions would be available in the virtual conference (more about that in a minute), so I could use that to factor in some of my decisions as well.  I saw amazing sessions from Buffy Hamilton, Steven Baule, Violet Harada, and Annette Lamb just to name a few.

My “big” job during the conference was to kick the conference off with the opening general session.  I’ll have to say I think that will end up being one of the highlights of my presidency.  To walk out on the stage and see a room filled with school librarians eager and ready to spend the next few days learning and sharing with each other was inspiring.  I got through all my talking points without too many fumbles.

The two main speakers brought different perspectives.  I was more familiar with Nicholas Carr as I read his book as part of the online discussion we held on the AASL conference ning.  His concepts about how the Internet is effecting our ability to think are interesting.  It certainly brought some great questions and discussion as I think many of those in attendance.  Certainly, the attendees connected with Dr. Mimi Ito.  Her research about kids and technology and how they are using it was fascinating.  We offered two showings of the movie: Digital Media: New Learners of the 21st Century.  I wasn’t able to get to the showings of the movie, but after listening to her speak I am looking forward to watching the DVD.  This was certainly an interesting combination of opening and closing speakers.  I think both created a great atmosphere for discussion and debate and it provided a rich conversation experience.

The Exploratorium, Author Banquets, Learning Commons, Storytelling Event, and more filled out the rest of the conference.  Unfortunately I couldn’t get to as many of them as I had hoped.  But, those things I couldn’t attend in person, I heard wonderful comments from other attendees.

I did get to spend some time in the exhibit hall.  It was great to catch-up with some of my vendor friends and check out some of the great new products coming down the pike, too.  Of course, there were a few receptions and fun events as well which was also a lot of fun.

One thing AASL is trying is how to bring the conference to some that couldn’t make it to Minneapolis.  The virtual conference provides access to the keynotes, concurrent sessions, and slidecasts of other sessions.  An amazing wealth of professional development you can enjoy while sitting in the comfort of your own home or library.  Using some of the latest technology and tools it does require AASL to charge for access, but it is well worth the dollars spend and a bargain compared to coming to MN.

The conference ended with our traditional closing party at Nicolette Island.  It was a great evening to kick back and have some fun.  We ate, we talked, and we danced (yeah, they even managed to drag me out there a bit!).  It was a great way to end a wonderful few days of learning.

I’ve said it before and likely will say it again, the part I loved best was being able to talk and share and learning from all my friends, colleagues, and attendees.  As I left Minneapolis to come home (at least for a few days), I came away with new friends, new ideas, and at the same time got to connect with some of my dear friends I’ve met over the last 10 years since I attended my first AASL in 2001.

Below are some links to more photos and video clips from the conference posted by friends and colleagues.

Twitter hashtag – #aasl11

Pictures:
AASL 11 Photo Group – http://www.flickr.com/groups/aasl2011/
Capstone Photos – http://connect.capstonepub.com/2011/11/an-aasl-2011-pictorial.html

My Photos -

School Tube Video

Video from School Library Monthly

It has been a lot of fun with the book discussion as we work to get ready for the AASL National Conference in Minneapolis!  Speaking of that…have you registered yet?  There are just a little less than 4 weeks before the end of the advanced rate pricing!

Starting August 15th we’ll start a weekly discussion on the AASL Conference Ning.  Click on groups and join The Shallows-Book Discussion group.    We’re going to take a chapter each week which should take us almost up to the AASL Conference!   I’ll post some discussion starters in a forum, but feel free to respond and ask your own questions, too!   I’m really looking forward to the conversation!  Then, we can continue the conversation on site in Minneapolis on Friday, October 28^th!

In The Shallows, Carr asks the question: “As we enjoy the Net’s bounties, are we sacrificing our ability to read and think deeply?” Carr then describes throughout the book how human thought has been shaped through the centuries by “tools of the mind” — from the alphabet, to maps, to the printing press, the clock and the computer. Our brains, the historical and scientific evidence reveals, change in response to our experiences. The technologies we use to find, store and share information can reroute our neural pathways.  A preview of “The Shallows” is available via the AASL conference website.

Here’s the link to the official press release about our book discussion here.

For me personally, the highlight of the conference was on Tuesday.  I officially ran the first AASL Board meeting as the 2011-2012 President.  Following that was the ALA Inaugural Banquet honoring Molly Raphael at which they recognize all the division Presidents, too.  I am really excited about the year ahead.  I have no doubt it will be filled with all sorts of opportunities and challenges.  However, I also have no doubt we’ll continue to follow a course that moves forward AASL and the school library field.

At the banquet, there were several AASL Presidents from the past, present, and future.  We all got together for a group shot!

back row  (left to right)
J. Linda Williams, 2005-2006
Barbara Stripling, 1996-1997
Ken Haycock, 1997-1998
Carl A. Harvey II, 2011-2012
Nancy Everhart, 2010-2011
Susan Ballard, 2012-2013

front row (left to right)
Cassandra Barnett, 2009-2010
Ann M. Martin, 2008-2009
Sara Kelly Johns, 2007-2008
Frances Roscello, 2003-2004

Earlier this month, there was a post on the Lexile Blog highlighting two of the most important pieces from the article.  We’ve all heard the horror stories of school libraries that had to be organized by a leveling system or students who have been required to read only in their level no matter whether the content was interesting or appropriate.  But, what does the co-creator of Lexlie think about stories like that.

Malbert said, “We do not find it necessary to reorganize a library by Lexile range or level.  Today,  a number of computer catalog providers offer Lexile measures to help guide students to the right reading materials – without actually having to rearrange those materials by Lexile level.”

He also went on to say, “A student should be able to choose what he or she wants to read, regardless of whether that book or article is in his or her recommended Lexile range.”

You can read the entire article from KQ online. It was really a great experience to talk with Malbert and school libraries and Lexiles.  Hopefully this article dispels some of the misconception on how the two should work together!

Many years ago, AASL began sending both the President-Elect and the Executive Director, Julie Walker, to this training together.  The design of the workshop provides for lots of talking, discussion, and sharing between the CEO and CSO.  While Julie has attended before, she told me that each new President-Elect has a different perspective and the conversations are always rich and useful.  There are still a few more months (thank goodness!) with Nancy Everhart as the President of AASL, so I have a little while to ponder and think how the training might be useful during my term!

There were all types of associations at this conference.  The group is kept small — 100-150 — so that you really get a chance to interact with the presenters and attendees.  AASL has had Paul Meyers come and work with us during out strategic planning several times since I’ve been on the board.  His insight has help guide AASL through some pretty heavy topics and come out with a plan and course of action.  So, to have three of the Tecker group leading it was pretty amazing!

In talking with other Past-Presidents, I had been told this was one of the best professional development sessions you’ll attend as President of AASL.  I certainly would have to agree.  For someone who is learning about our organization, you’ll find that much of how the board operates, deliberates, and make decisions is based off this training.  Sometimes with associations, you can come off and on the Board so fast you don’t really get an understanding of how and why it operates the way it does.  This training really is great for the President-Elect to really see there is research and thought behind how the organization operates.

I can only share my experiences, but in the years I’ve been on the Board I’ve seen a real focus on being strategic from the AASL.  We could spend a lot of time in managing the association, but we don’t.  Instead we focus most of our time on the big issues surround the field and how we as an organization can help move it forward.

My two days in Chicago this last week were amazing.  My hope is that I can use some of what I learned to help continue to move AASL and our field forward during my year as President.  I’m still kind of thinking through a “theme” for my year, but I keep coming back to this word – engaging!

• I want us to engage the AASL membership to get active and involved!
• I want us to engage our AASL leadership to help accomplish the work of the association and move AASL and the the field forward.
• I want us to engage in our schools to become leaders within our buildings.  We all have those teacher leaders in our buildings who are respected for what they do and how they do it!  I think as school librarians we should be right there at the top of that list!

But, I know that a lot of what I learned, I can take back and use in my school.  A lot of what I learned in how to work with people, how to thinking strategically, and how to evaluate our effectiveness can work at my school and school library just as well as it will work for AASL.  Anytime I talk with someone who asks why I’m involved in the profession I can give them two quick reasons:

• I feel obligated to give back to a field that has given so much to me.
• Every committee, meeting, conversation, interaction, etc. that I have had in working in AASL, I learn something new that I can transfer back to my day to day job.

So, I can hardly wait to see what all I have to learn in the months ahead.    I’m certain that with all the opportunities to work with many of you, I will be learning a lot!

Last week I had the pleasure to head down to Louisiana and spend a few days at the Louisiana Library Association.  The Louisiana Association of School Librarians is the state affiliate to American Association of School Librarians (AASL).  LASL is a division of the Louisiana Library Association.

One of my favorite parts of being President-Elect of AASL is that I get a chance to represent the association at some of the state conferences.  Many years ago the AASL Board votes to start a rotation so that the AASL President (President-Elects and Past-Presidents) would visit the various state conferences on a consistent basis.  Earlier this year I visited Nevada and the other state on my list this year was Louisiana!  The goal of the program was to help build and reinforce the connection between our affiliates with AASL.

The reason I enjoy it so much is the people.  Over the 2 1/2 days I was there, I got a chance to meet some amazing librarians doing some amazing things.  LASL is luckily to have quite a dedicated group at the helm of their organization.  They ran a wonderful conference.  I had the honor to present a couple of sessions – Engaging the Profession and 21st Century Skills are Elementary.  It was great to share some of the things AASL is working on.  Even more exciting is that we’ll be back in LA for ALA this summer in New Orleans.

Besides the time I was sharing in front of the group, I got time to sit back in the audience and enjoy of the session they offered.  There were some wonderful session such as Skyping with an Author and What to Read Next after  Percy Jackson with some great tech connections.   You can see some of the resources on the LASL wiki!  I also had the chance to attend their awards reception and the author luncheon with Wendelin Van Draanen who is an amazing presenter.

Carl Harvey and author Wendelin Van Draanen

But, as I said before the people are what makes these conference so wonderful.  The little chats and conversations in the hallways, before and after sessions, or at the meal functions were certainly the highlight for me.  I came back for ideas I can use in my own library as well as feedback for AASL, too.  I’d also like to thank LASL for the newest addition to my tie collection.  Its wonderful!  Thank you to all the great librarians in Louisiana for a great visit!  Looking forward to being back there in June!!!