AASL seeks reviewers for national conference

CHICAGO – The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) is currently accepting applications for volunteers to participate in a blind review and scoring of proposals for the 2021 AASL National Conference. To apply, please use the application form located at www.ala.org/aasl/national/reviewer. The deadline for applications is Mon., Dec. 7, 2020.

A high-caliber peer review system is key for ensuring quality programming that meets the needs of school librarians. AASL members are highly encouraged to volunteer and respond to this call. National conference programming is recorded and available post-conference to all AASL members through the AASL Learning Library. Program reviewers assist AASL’s national conference committee and program chairs with selecting programs that meet conference attendee and member needs and interests.

Reviewers are needed for concurrent session programs, research into practice programs, and IdeaLab presentations. Applicants can select more than one category to review. Reviews will begin in January with assignments occurring on a rolling basis as submissions are finalized. All reviews will need to be completed by March 1, 2021.

Each reviewer will be asked to look at how-to materials before beginning the review process. The total time commitment is dependent on the number of reviewers selected and proposals received. Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Must be a current AASL personal member
• Must have access to the Internet between the above dates to review and score applications

This volunteer position is essential to conference planning and program reviewers should reflect a diverse group of practitioners from within the AASL community. Therefore, reviewers will be chosen based on geographical location, number of years in the profession, and current job title. Past performance as a program reviewer will also be taken into consideration.

The AASL National Conference, taking place Oct. 21-23, 2021, in Salt Lake City, Utah, is the only national conference dedicated solely to the needs of school librarians and their roles as educational leaders. Those communicating about the national conference are encouraged to use the official hashtag, #AASL21.

The American Association of School Librarians, www.aasl.org, a division of the American Library Association (ALA), empowers leaders to transform teaching and learning.