Austin, Texas was a happening place in April with both IFLA and IASL events drawing people from around the world.

IFLA’s standing committee reviewed the new School Library guidelines, and brainstormed ways to disseminate information: get UNESCO endorsement, create a brochure on the guidelines, provide a guidelines booklet, translate the guidelines (at least the summary), conduct workshops.

They also discussed ways to improve and expand communication: phoenix the listserv, make more use of the section’s Facebook, start a Twitter account

The group also strategized about the section’s future, which can result in programs and publications. Possible themes are: Inclusion and cohesion: contributions of school libraries; Professional development for school library professionals, College and career readiness: roles of school librarians, Evidence-based practice in school libraries, School libraries and sustainability.

That evening both IFLA and IASL participants enjoyed pizza and more at a friendly local restaurants.

The next day was jam-packed with presentations at the IASL Regional Conference — by top professionals in the field.

Building on the prior day’s discussion, Barbara Schultz-Jones gave an overview of the IFLA School Library Guidelines, and Dinne Oberg discussed Canada’s efforts for national school library guidelines.

Access issues were addressed. Tom Adamich virtually shared multi-language catalog record processes, Clayton Copeland gave heartfelt strategies for creating accessible school libraries, and Karfen Gavigan shared how students provided access to HIV/AIDS info through producing a graphic novel on the subject.

Innovations were featured. Amanda Hovious showed how digital games were literacy and learning tools, Lesley Farmer explained how to teach visual literacy through comics, and Daniella Smith talked about teachers’ perceptions about technology integration.

Workplace realities and possibilities were discussed. Jeff DiScala described school district librarian responsibilities, Jennifer Wood noted public-school library collections, and Judi Moreillon showed how Twitter can be used for professional department. Keith Curry Lance and Karen Gavigan shared data about the impact of teacher librarians in South Carolina.

Best Practices were inspiring. Lunch speaker Joan Wink shared the power of storytelling through quilts and other metaphors, Linda Kay showed how a single book title can spread throughout the school, and Kay Gooch explained Camp Summer Read.

The group brainstormed ways to implement these exciting efforts, and ways that IASL can support such ideas. Networking continued at a TexMex restaurant.

The bottom line? IFLA and IASL are in good hands as expert school librarians and educators are leading the way — and encouraging the membership to get involved and contribute to the success of school librarians — and students.