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CHICAGO - The American Association of School Librarians (AASL), a division of the 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½), will sponsor the attendance of up to four Spectrum Scholars at its national conference. The AASL 15t^h National Conference & Exhibition will be held Oct. 27-30 in Minneapolis. The theme is "Turning the Page." More information regarding the national conference is available at .

AASL will select up to four current Spectrum scholars who are pursuing a library degree concentrating in school librarianship or are working as school librarians. AASL will provide each of the selected Spectrum Scholars with complimentary registration to the national conference and a $750 travel stipend to be applied to travel and housing expenses. Spectrum Scholars will be paired with a mentor for the duration of the conference and will receive special recognition at key events.

Applicants must show demonstrated interest in school librarianship through coursework and/or professional experience, be an AASL member and Spectrum scholar and be a first-time attendee at an AASL conference. Those who wish to apply can find the criteria and application guidelines at . Applications are due on Sept. 2, 2011, and winners will be announced on Sept. 27, 2011.

The travel stipend is generously provided by Capstone, a publisher of children's books and digital products and services, offering everything from nonfiction, fiction and picture books to interactive books, research databases, and literacy programs. Imprints and divisions include Capstone Press, Compass Point Books, Heinemann-Raintree, Picture Window Books, Stone Arch Books, and Capstone Digital. Visit Capstone at .

“We’re thrilled to partner again this year with AASL to offer these grants to future school librarians, helping provide opportunities for professional development. The school library program and school librarian are crucial to students’ success and achievement. We’re very proud to help support an organization like AASL who helps develop leaders in the school library field,” said Matt Keller, Capstone Chief Marketing Officer.

Established in 1997, the Spectrum Scholarship Program is 91´«Ã½’s national effort to increase diversity in the profession by recruiting and providing scholarships that allow students from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds to become librarians. Spectrum Scholars improve service at the local level because they reflect the communities served by libraries in today’s changing world. Spectrum has provided more than 700 scholarships to qualified applicants enrolled in an 91´«Ã½-accredited graduate program in library and information studies or an AASL-recognized School Library program. To learn more about the Spectrum Scholarship Program, visit .

The AASL 15th National Conference and Exhibition, "Turning the Page," is the only national conference dedicated solely to the needs of school librarians and their roles as educational leaders. Taking place in Oct. 27-30 in Minneapolis, the AASL National Conference will feature preconferences, numerous concurrent sessions, more than 200 exhibiting companies, educational and school tours, a storytelling festival and special appearances by award-winning authors. The deadline for "early bird" discounted registration is August 4. For more information or to register, visit .

The American Association of School Librarians, , a division of the 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½), promotes the improvement and extension of library services in elementary and secondary schools as a means of strengthening the total education program. Its mission is to advocate excellence, facilitate change and develop leaders in the school library field.