School Librarian Conferences 2023: The Must-Attend Events for Educators

The anticipation for the upcoming school librarian conferences in 2023 is palpable, as librarians, educators, and industry professionals gear up to immerse themselves in a world of knowledge, collaboration, and inspiration. Taking place from October 19th to 21st in the vibrant city of Tampa, Florida, the next national conference promises to be an unforgettable experience. These conferences serve as a golden opportunity for school librarians to enhance their skills, discover innovative approaches, and connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for fostering a love of reading, research, and digital literacy in the educational community. From engaging keynote speakers and thought-provoking workshops to a vast array of exhibitors unveiling the latest educational resources and technologies, attendees will undoubtedly be in for an enriching journey that will empower them to elevate their profession and make a profound impact on the lives of students.

Where Is the 2024 ALA Annual Conference?

The 2024 ALA Annual Conference is set to take place in the vibrant city of San Diego. This event, organized by the American Library Association, isn’t only highly anticipated in the library community, but also serves as a valuable platform for librarians, educators, and professionals in the field to come together and exchange ideas, share best practices, and learn from industry experts.

Moving back in time, the 2022 ALA Annual Conference was held in the bustling city of Washington, D.C. This location provided a unique opportunity for attendees to explore the rich history and cultural landmarks of the nations capital while immersing themselves in the world of libraries and information science.

Whether it be in a major metropolitan area like San Diego, Rosemont, Washington, or Chicago, attendees can expect an enriching experience that will inspire and empower them in their professional journey.

Attending library conferences offers a wealth of benefits that go beyond simply gaining new knowledge and staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and practices. The opportunity to network with professionals in the field, both new acquaintances and familiar faces from library school, fosters valuable connections and collaborations. These conferences also provide a platform for sharing ideas, experiences, and challenges, ultimately strengthening the library community as a whole.

What Are the Benefits of Attending Library Conferences?

Attending library conferences also offers the opportunity to gain insights from keynote speakers who’re experts in various fields related to libraries. These speakers provide valuable information and inspiration that can be applied in ones own library work. Additionally, library conferences often feature workshops and breakout sessions where attendees can learn new skills or deepen their understanding of specific topics.

Furthermore, library conferences are a great platform for professional development. By attending these events, librarians can stay updated on the latest trends, tools, and techniques in the field. This helps them enhance their knowledge and expertise, which ultimately improves their ability to serve library patrons. Moreover, conferences often include sessions on leadership and management, enabling librarians to develop valuable skills that can benefit their careers and contribute to the overall success of their libraries.

Emily Drabinski, the 2023-2024 President of the American Library Association (ALA), is an active member of the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL). ACRL, which represents nearly 9,000 individuals and libraries, is the largest division of the ALA. As an ACRL member, Drabinski contributes to the development of programs, products, and services that support those working in academic and research libraries. She also serves as the co-chair of the ACRL President’s Program Planning Committee and the reviews editor for College & Research Libraries.

Who Runs American Library Association?

Emily Drabinski is the 2023-2024 President of the American Library Association (ALA), a prominent organization dedicated to promoting libraries and advocating for library professionals. As ALA President, Drabinski is responsible for leading the association and representing it’s members, who include librarians, library staff, and library supporters from across the country.

Drabinski is also an active member of the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), which is the largest division of the American Library Association. ACRL represents nearly 9,000 individuals and libraries and focuses specifically on academic and research libraries. The division develops various programs, products, and services that help those working in these libraries to learn, innovate, and take leadership roles within the academic community.

In addition to her involvement with ACRL, Drabinski serves as the co-chair of the ACRL Presidents Program Planning Committee for the year 2020-202This committee is responsible for planning and organizing the Presidents Program, which is a special event held at the ALA Annual Conference that focuses on a specific topic or issue of importance to the library profession.

Furthermore, Drabinski holds the position of reviews editor for College & Research Libraries, a respected journal within the library and information science field. In this role, she oversees the review process for articles submitted to the journal, ensuring their quality and relevance to the academic library community.

Through her various roles and responsibilities within the American Library Association and it’s divisions, Emily Drabinski demonstrates a commitment to advancing the library profession, promoting access to information, and supporting the needs of library professionals and library users. Her leadership and involvement in organizations like ACRL contribute to the ongoing development and improvement of libraries throughout the United States.

To celebrate School Library Month, there are numerous creative and engaging ways to recognize the importance of libraries in education. Some ideas include creating a “student picks” book display, organizing a poster contest, hosting a “drama festival” where students can showcase their favorite stories, and challenging students to write a graphic novel centered on the school library. Additionally, hosting an after-school book swap for both students and faculty can promote a love for reading and foster community engagement. These are just a few of the top 10 ways to embrace the celebration of School Library Month.

How Do You Celebrate School Library Month?

Invite local authors or librarians for special presentations or workshops.. Organize a book donation drive to replenish the librarys collection.. Collaborate with teachers to create library-themed lessons or activities.. Encourage students to create book trailers or book reviews to share with their peers.. Organize a reading challenge or competition, with rewards for those who read the most books during the month.

Collaborate With Local Businesses or Organizations to Offer Library Discounts or Promotions During School Library Month

  • Partner with local restaurants to offer discounts for library cardholders during School Library Month
  • Collaborate with nearby bookshops to provide special promotions on select titles
  • Work together with community centers to organize joint events or activities focused on reading and learning
  • Create partnerships with local museums or theaters to offer discounted admission for library patrons
  • Cooperate with nearby art galleries or cultural organizations to showcase student artwork or hold special exhibits during the month
  • Join forces with local schools to offer library orientation sessions or workshops for students and educators
  • Engage with local businesses to sponsor prizes or giveaways for library contests or reading challenges
  • Partner with health and wellness centers to offer library programs or resources focused on mental well-being
  • Collaborate with local technology companies to provide workshops or demonstrations on digital literacy skills
  • Work together with employment agencies or job training centers to offer career development resources or workshops at the library
  • Create partnerships with local sports clubs or recreational facilities to promote physical activity and healthy lifestyles

Kelly Yang, an award-winning and bestselling author, has been designated as the honorary chair for National Library Week 2023 by the American Library Association (ALA).

Who Is the Honorary Chair of National Library Week 2023?

As a renowned author and advocate for literacy, Kelly Yang is a fitting choice for the honorary chair of National Library Week 202Her commitment to promoting libraries and library education aligns perfectly with the mission of the American Library Association (ALA). With her vast experience in the literary world, Yang will undoubtedly bring a wealth of knowledge and insight to the position.

She understands the importance of libraries not just as repositories of books, but as crucial community spaces that provide valuable resources and support for individuals of all backgrounds. By highlighting the vital role that libraries play in promoting literacy and lifelong learning, Yang will help raise awareness and garner support for these essential institutions.

Her passion for literature, commitment to education, and understanding of the importance of libraries make her an ideal ambassador for the event. National Library Week is fortunate to have such a dedicated and inspiring honorary chair to lead the way in celebrating the power of libraries.

The American Library Association’s Mission and Initiatives

  • Providing leadership for the development, promotion, and improvement of library and information services
  • Advocating for the value of libraries and librarians in enhancing learning, supporting research, and promoting literacy
  • Promoting equitable access to information and intellectual freedom
  • Supporting the professional development and empowerment of librarians and library workers
  • Collaborating with other organizations and stakeholders to strengthen the collective impact and effectiveness of libraries
  • Engaging in research and innovation to help libraries adapt to the evolving needs of their communities
  • Addressing critical social issues and promoting diversity, inclusion, and social justice in library services
  • Advancing copyright policies and fair use guidelines that balance the rights of creators and users of information
  • Strengthening public policy and advocacy efforts to advance libraries at the local, state, and national levels

Watch this video on YouTube:

The AASL National Conference is widely recognized as the best conference for school librarians due to it’s exclusive focus on the needs of this specific professional community. With over 7,000 members and a global reach, the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) is the leading national professional membership organization for school librarians. By providing a platform for networking, professional development, and knowledge sharing, the AASL National Conference offers invaluable resources to enhance the practice of school librarianship.

What Is the Best Conference for School Librarians?

The AASL National Conference is widely regarded as the best conference for school librarians. With over 7,000 members, AASL is the only national professional membership organization focused on school librarians and the school library community. This conference offers a unique opportunity for school librarians to come together and share ideas, collaborate on innovative strategies, and learn from industry experts.

Attendees can choose sessions that are relevant to their specific needs and interests, whether it be technology integration, information literacy, or curriculum development. The conference also hosts keynote speakers who’re experts in the field, providing valuable insights and inspiration to attendees.

Lastly, the AASL National Conference offers ample opportunities for professional growth and development. Attendees can earn contact hours and certificates through the various sessions and workshops they attend. This allows attendees to both learn from their peers and showcase their own expertise, contributing to the overall advancement of the profession.

It’s comprehensive program, networking opportunities, exhibit hall, and focus on professional growth make it a must-attend event for any school librarian looking to enhance their skills, connect with their peers, and stay at the forefront of the profession.

Highlights From Past AASL National Conferences: Provide Examples of Popular Sessions, Keynote Speakers, and Networking Events From Previous Conferences to Give Readers a Sense of What They Can Expect.

Many people are curious about what to expect from the AASL National Conferences. Here, we will provide a brief overview of highlights from past conferences.

The AASL National Conferences have been known for their impressive lineup of sessions, keynote speakers, and networking events. Previous conferences featured sessions on a wide range of topics, such as innovative teaching techniques, technology integration, and library management. Attendees had the opportunity to learn from experts in the field and gain valuable insights into the latest trends in school library services.

Keynote speakers have included renowned authors, educators, and thought leaders who’ve inspired and motivated attendees. These speakers shared their expertise and offered perspectives on the future of school librarianship and the importance of information literacy.

In addition to educational sessions and keynote speeches, the conferences offered numerous networking events. Attendees had the chance to connect with colleagues, share ideas, and build professional relationships. These networking events facilitated collaboration and provided opportunities for attendees to expand their professional networks.

Overall, attendees can expect a diverse range of sessions, engaging keynote speakers, and ample networking opportunities at the AASL National Conferences. These events provide valuable learning experiences and offer a platform for school librarians to connect, collaborate, and grow.

Source: Conferences & Meetings – American Library Association

Conclusion

Taking place in the vibrant city of Tampa, Florida, from October 19-21, this conference is a prime opportunity for school librarians from around the country to come together, exchange ideas, and stay informed about the latest advancements in their field. With a focus on empowering students, promoting literacy, and fostering a love for reading, this conference will provide participants with valuable insights, networking opportunities, and practical strategies to enhance the educational experience of students in their communities. As we look forward to this highly anticipated event, educators can anticipate a dynamic and enriching conference that will enable them to make a significant impact on the lives of their students and ensure their libraries remain vital hubs of learning and discovery.

Scroll to Top