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CHICAGO – Attendees of the American Association of School Librarians' (AASL) national conference, held Oct. 27-30 in Minneapolis, will once again get a taste of current programs that are leading the way in school library program development, during one of the conference's most popular events, the Exploratorium. The Exploratorium will be held Thursday afternoon of the conference. To submit a proposal, visit: .

Chair of the Exploratorium for the National Conference Committee, Heather Jankowski, said, "The Exploratorium offers a mixture of ideas and best practices from your peers who have put their concepts to work. See what they have done and replicate them in your library. The Exploratorium is a speedy way to turn the page' in your career development."

The Exploratorium features more than 50 small programs occurring simultaneously that are geared to give attendees a taste of the current research, projects and best practices in the school library field. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore and ask questions at as many presentations as they would like during the afternoon. AASL's last national conference featured programs on promoting non-fiction in the school library, assessing student achievement, cataloging tips and tricks and collaboration strategies.

This year, proposal submissions are being asked to highlight the use of the AASL learning standards and program guidelines in school library programs and school communities. Topics can focus on collection development, meeting special needs, reading promotion and many others. Proposals will be accepted until March 31 through an online submission process. AASL encourages submissions from those whose proposals were not accepted for preconference or concurrent sessions. More information regarding presenting at the Exploratorium is available on the conference's presenter pages on the .

"AASL is excited about your ideas, best practices and successful programs. The Exploratorium provides a fun and exciting way for attendees to quickly gather nuggets of information and inspiration to take home and share with colleagues. Take this opportunity to share your ideas or research," said AASL President Nancy Everhart.

The AASL 15th National Conference & Exhibition, "Turning a Page," is the only national conference dedicated solely to the needs of school librarians and their roles as educational leaders. 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. Registration is now open at a discounted "early bird" rate. For more information on AASL's 14th National Conference & Exhibition 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.