Posts Tagged American Association of School Libraries

What’s Going on at SLJ?

By on August 1, 2025   /   Oh MG News  
Blue background, white letters: SLJ

For over 70 years, School Library Journal (SLJ) has prided itself on being “the premiere publication for librarians and information specialists who work with children and teens.” As a professional resource, its magazine and website are relied upon by librarians and educators who want to stay informed about book reviews, literacy, best practices, and education policy.

 

July Lay-Offs

That’s why it was big news when, in late July, parent company Media Source, Inc. (MSI) laid off Kathy Ishizuka, Editor in Chief, and Rebecca T. Miller, Group Publisher of SLJ and two related publications, Library Journal and Hornbook. Ishizuka has been with the company since 2020, and Miller has worked there since 1998. According to Publisher’s Weekly, “MSI provided no rationale for the layoffs of Ishizuka and Miller.”

 

MSI reports that this change will facilitate their broader work to increase the visibility and impact of libraries. There is also a plan to provide professional development that will equip librarians to become leaders and advocates in challenging times.

 

Leadership

Robert Gogel, President & CEO of MSI, told SLJ, “As libraries continue to evolve, our role is to inform and empower them. Our goal is not only to help librarians meet the needs of their communities, but also to elevate the visibility, impact, and enduring importance of libraries in society. We’re committed to investing in the platforms, content, and leadership that help librarians anticipate change, advocate for their communities, and inspire lifelong readers.” 

 

Former editor in chief of Library Journal Hallie Rich has been named Editorial Director of both  LJ and SLJ. She will be responsible for content development and editorial strategy. Elissa Gershowitz will remain Editor in Chief of The Horn Book.

 

Looking Ahead

With a new school year on the horizon, we’ll watch the changes play out. Will the company be able to balance its advocacy efforts with its support of literacy and best practices? Will librarians feel better supported when facing book challenges and bans? Will the magazine and website continue to provide highly respected reviews of new books? 

 

Time will tell.

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Celebrate School Library Month

By on April 1, 2025   /   Oh MG News  
AALS School Library Month Logo with OMG

The month of April is known for many things. It’s National Poetry Month, of course. And it’s also American Heart Month, National Garden Month, National Autism Awareness Month, and National Financial Literacy Month. But guess what else it is…. April is School Library Month, and the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) encourages us all to join them in both celebration and advocacy.

The idea for School Library Month originated in 1983 with Lucille Thomas, who was appointed to spearhead the School Library Month Committee by then AALS president, Judy King. The idea became a reality on April 1, 1985, which means that this year we are celebrating the 40th anniversary of School Library Month.

Our support for school libraries and librarians is more important now than ever. In many schools, libraries are under attack, librarians are being defamed, and books are being removed from shelves. It’s a critical time to be an advocate for the right to read, access to books, and the vital role played by school librarians.

AASL provides lots of free resources to help you promote School Library Month in your area. They offer an editable Canva infographic that allows you to share data from your own school library. They also provide access to proclamations made by various local officials that can be downloaded for use in your observance. 

Additionally, there are toolkits to assist administrators and other school library advocates in supporting their libraries and librarians. Administrators can learn about the AASL Standards and the strong correlation between school libraries and student achievement. Teachers, students, and parents can download templates for thank-you cards or read about ways to establish Secret Library Pals.

AASL also provides a downloadable copy of the Declaration for the Right to School Libraries. The first page identifies specific attributes of value that libraries contribute to our school communities – empowering individuals, supporting literacy, and preserving our nation’s cultural history, just to name a few. The second page allows space for school communities to create their own declarations.

Within the month of April, several related events are also identified on AASL site:

National Library Week is an annual celebration highlighting the valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening our communities.

For #RightToReadDay, we’re asked to celebrate — and defend — the freedoms that are found in our libraries!

NLWD is a day for library staff, users, administrators and Friends groups to recognize the valuable contributions made by all library workers.

National Library Outreach Day (formally National Bookmobile Day) celebrates library outreach and the dedicated library professionals who are meeting their patrons where they are.

Take Action for Libraries Day is a day to rally advocates to support libraries.

Now more than ever, it’s time to be an advocate for school libraries and school librarians. It’s easy to feel discouraged by book challenges and book bans. However, April delivers the opportunity to harness some springtime invigoration and show our support for school libraries and school librarians.

After all, in addition to being School Library Month, April is also the National Month of Hope.

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