TASL
Promotes library services and librarianship in school libraries in Texas.
Congratulations to Joni Harris and Lauren Jones! They will assume their new roles in April.
TASL Chair-Elect
Joni Harris has served with TASL and TLA for over a decade, holding positions on the Intellectual Freedom Committee, the Conference Planning Committee, and the Chair of Teacher Day @ TLA Committee. A proud graduate of the TALL Texans Class of 2022, she is currently a Specialist for Learning Media Services in Plano ISD and has previously worked in both elementary and secondary school libraries. In her free time, she loves reading and spending time with her family.
TASL Councilor Elect
Lauren has been in education for 17 years, including 9 years as a school librarian at both the elementary and secondary levels. She is currently in her third year as the Library Systems Coordinator for Mesquite ISD, where she provides coaching and monthly professional development for her team. She is dedicated to advocating for the vital role of school libraries in fostering student learning and success. Lauren has been actively involved in TASL and TLA for the past 9 years and is committed to using her experience to support school librarians across Texas, ensuring they have the resources they need.
With more than 2500 members, TASL strives to meet the unique needs of school librarians forming ties with librarians throughout the state. TASL advocates for librarians as teachers who are essential components of a robust educational system. We actively share emerging information and technology with the legislative, administrative, and learning communities.
Professional Development
TASL sponsors numerous programs and workshops at the TLA Annual Conference. Programs include collection development, technology, author and storyteller presentations, school librarian leadership, library facilities, teacher/librarian collaboration, student research, literacy, and many more.
Advocacy
The TASL Legislative/Advocacy Committee leads and organizes TASL efforts on behalf of school librarians of Texas.
- TASL advocates for librarians as teachers who are essential components of a robust educational system. We actively share emerging information and technology with the legislative, administrative, and learning communities.
- TxASL Talks provides a place to find useful information about school library advocacy for Texas School Librarians managed by the TxASL Talks Editorial Board.
- TASL advocates to the state legislature and other decision-makers on behalf of school libraries.
- TASL uses the division’s awards to increase understanding beyond the library community of the integral role school libraries play in the successful education of the state’s children.
- Distinguished Library Service Award for School Administrators (aka Administrator of the Year)
- Shirley Igo School Library Collaboration Award (co-presented with the Texas PTA)
- Media/Virtual Presence Award (MVP)
Collaboration
- TASL co-sponsors programs at the TLA Annual Conference.
- TASL and the Children’s Round Table make recommendations for members to serve on the Texas Bluebonnet Program and Selection Committees.
- TASL is working to forge a strong relationship between school librarians and parents.
- TASL is working with the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) on the Texas Standards for School Libraries.
Officers
Elizabeth Gilbert, Chair
Brooke King, Past-Chair
Katherine Harrison– Chair Elect
Amanda Hunt, Councilor
Shannon Whiteley, Alternate Councilor
Amanda Trowbridge, Secretary
Jillian Pratt, Web Administrator & Executive Board Liaison
Rachael Welsh, Social Media Chair
- Administrator of the Year Award
- Legislative/Advocacy
- Media Virtual Presence (MVP) Award
- Nominations
- Scholarship
- Shirley Igo Award
- Social Media
- Membership
- TxASL Talks Editorial Board
- Operating Procedures
- Teacher Day @ TLA
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Latest News
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