AASL National School Library Standards: Progress toward Implementation

Abstract

This mixed-methods, exploratory case study examines perceptions of the implementation of the U.S. National School Library Standards for Learners, School Librarians, and School Libraries. A survey was first distributed to gain insight into school librarian implementation of the NSLS. Participants included practitioners in the state of Virginia in the United States who had attended professional development training on the National School Library Standards (NSLS). A sample was then interviewed about their implementation. Using the standards implementation levels identified by the California Common Core Implementation Task Force (2019) as a framework, findings indicate that after one year of training and use, many librarians remain at the awareness phase of implementation. Findings do suggest some areas in which practitioners have shown progress as they implement the standards into practice. Finally, common challenges or barriers to implementing the NSLS are noted. Future directions for research and recommendations for training at both the school/district level and national organization level are suggested.