Statement of Concern
ALA recognize that many AASL affiliates are not part of their counterpart state ALA chapter organizations and thus not officially represented by a state chapter councilor. As a result, council communications and strategies are not readily shared with AASL affiliate organizations except through the efforts of the AASL Division Councilor. Consequently, there is a general lack of understanding by school librarians regarding how ALA is structured and operates. In addition, some state library agencies do not consider school library needs within their mission or purview and do not engage school librarians in conversation or efforts to strengthen the public perception of the needs of all types of libraries within each state. This contributes to ongoing isolation/siloing of school library practitioners from the rest of ALA and the profession in general.
Action Requested
That AASL work with ALA to develop a campaign and strategies to encourage state chapter councilors to establish two-way communication with state AASL affiliate organizations and encourage State Library Agencies to do likewise.
