91´«Ã½

CHICAGO – “Is Google making us stupid?” Best-selling author Nicholas Carr will be on hand to discuss this tantalizing question and more during the AASL 15th National Conference and Exhibition in Minneapolis, Minn., Oct. 27-30. Chosen as the conference-wide read for the One Book, One Conference discussion, Carr's book, "The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to Our Brains," asks the question: “As we enjoy the Net’s bounties, are we sacrificing our ability to read and think deeply?”

Throughout "The Shallows," Carr describes how human thought has been shaped through the centuries by “tools of the mind” — from the alphabet, to maps, to the printing press, the clock and the computer. Our brains, the historical and scientific evidence reveals, change in response to our experiences. The technologies we use to find, store and share information can literally reroute our neural pathways.

One Book, One Conference will take place on the Friday morning of the AASL conference. A preview of "The Shallows" is available via the AASL conference website, . Those wanting to start the discussion early are advised to stay tuned to the conference website.

The AASL 15th National Conference & Exhibition, "Turning the 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 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.