91´«Ã½

CHICAGO – Three manuscripts authored by five researchers have been awarded 2020 American Association of School Librarians (AASL) Research Grants by the Educators of School Librarians Section (ESLS) of AASL. Sponsored by ABC-CLIO, the grants recognize excellence in manuscripts addressing a persistent and recurring challenge in the field of school librarianship. Each grant consists of a $350 award and the opportunity to present the paper at the 2021 AASL National Conference.

Recipients of the 2020 AASL Research Grants are:

• “School and Public Library Collaboration: A Phenomenology of Working Together” by Jenna Kammer and Denise Moreland, University of Central Missouri
• “Rethinking Curation in School Libraries and School Library Education: Critical, Conceptual, Collaborative” by Jenna Spiering, University of South Carolina, and Kate Lechtenberg, University of Iowa
• “Application of the Teacher Citizenship Behavior (TCB) Theory to the Extra-Role Work of School Librarians” by Karen Reed, Middle Tennessee State University

“AASL aims to advance research that informs school librarian practice,” said Mary Keeling, AASL President. “As we study strong school libraries and examine behaviors that shape our work, we learn what practices create the most impact for the learners we serve. Each of these research teams brings insight to their study of school librarians that will help us as we continue to develop effective school libraries. Many thanks to these researchers and to ABC-CLIO for sponsoring these grants.”

“ESLS congratulates the winners of the 2020 AASL Research Award,” said Elizabeth Burns, ESLS chair. “Each of the selected papers address the multifaceted role of the school librarian and how these roles impact and inform practice.”

The AASL award winners will be honored during a virtual AASL Awards Ceremony during the fall of 2020. The virtual ceremony will replace the live ceremony traditionally presented during the 91´«Ã½ Annual Conference. Out of concern for the health and safety of all members of the community, the 91´«Ã½ Executive Board felt it was important to cancel the 2020 conference taking place in Chicago. Details for the virtual ceremony will be shared as they are finalized.

The American Association of School Librarians, , a division of the 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½), empowers leaders to transform teaching and learning.