Association of Independent School Librarians

  • About AISL

The Association of Independent School Librarians (AISL) was formed in 1987 to address the specific needs of librarians in independent schools.  The founders envisioned an apolitical and affordable association – complementary to other library associations – that would provide a means of exchanging information, ideas and best practices among a network of independent school librarians.  Membership in AISL currently numbers approximately 700 librarians from across the U.S. and Canada.

Our Mission: The Association of Independent School Librarians facilitates the professional development of independent school librarians and empowers its members to become collaborative and innovative leaders able to advance their school's mission.

Our Vision: The Association of Independent School Librarians provides resources and leadership opportunities to member librarians and: 

◦ Advocates for the importance of school libraries and librarians in advancing learning,


◦ Believes literacy and information literacy skills must be actively integrated into academic curricula,


◦ Promotes equitable access to information for the pursuit of academic and personal growth,


◦ Values inclusion and diversity among its members and school communities.


As an informal organization, AISL is run entirely by volunteers and overseen by a Board of Directors. Each year, a group of library colleagues in a different North American city commits to organize and host the spring Annual Conference, a three-day extravaganza of school visits, workshop sessions, and tours showcasing educational and cultural resources in the host city. A smaller in-depth Summer Institute with workshops on a focused theme is held by a member school each summer. 

We welcome independent school librarians to consider membership in this unique association and encourage you to attend the Annual Conference or Summer Institute if possible.   The network of supportive colleagues from across North America is accessible to you year-round via the listserv, ready and willing to share library experiences and explore new possibilities.

Join us here!

Association of Independent School Librarians

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