Second Edition
New Tools. Same Foundation.
This is your moment—and these are your standards. Just like the first edition, the second edition of the National School Library Standards for Learners, School Librarians, and School Libraries was created for you and with you.
This refreshed edition is not a rewrite—it’s a refinement. It builds on the solid foundation we’ve already established together, bringing the standards into sharper focus for today’s learning environments. You’ll find updated context, clarified language, and enhanced tools to help you apply the frameworks with greater confidence and purpose—whether you’re guiding learners, supporting educators, managing your library, or advocating for the essential role of school librarians.
Every insight, every update, every page is grounded in what you told us matters most. Drawing on extensive community input and written by a committee of your professional peers, this edition reflects the real-world challenges and aspirations you face every day.
So, dig in, explore, and make these standards your own—again. Because they always have been.
More context. More depth.
More ways to put the standards into action.
Discover the 2nd Edition of your National School Library Standards—your guide to applying the frameworks with greater confidence and purpose.
Explore the AASL Standards web portal
Find information and resources to deepen your understanding of the Standards and support meaningful implementation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about the Second Edition, including updates to the publication, availability, implementation support, and purchasing options.
Have the AASL Standards changed?
No, the AASL Standards Frameworks have not changed. The structure and elements of the frameworks, as well as the Competencies and Alignments within them, remain consistent with the first edition. The AASL Standards continue to be highly relevant, reflecting school library learning that is both current and adaptable for the years ahead.
In some specific and limited cases, vocabulary updates have been made within the Competencies and Alignments. For example, in the Include Shared Foundation under the Share Domain, for both learners and school librarians, the language has been updated to reflect a more inclusive tone:
- Original: “Learners exhibit empathy with and tolerance for diverse ideas…”
- Edited: “Learners exhibit empathy with and appreciation for diverse ideas…”
These vocabulary changes aim to clarify or modernize language, but they do not alter the intent or core meaning of the standard.
How is the second edition of the book different?
The second edition of the National School Library Standards reflects the ongoing evolution of school library practices. Since the release of the first edition, school librarians have embraced, adapted, and integrated the AASL Standards into their learning communities while responding to new challenges and opportunities within the educational landscape. This edition offers school library leaders a more contemporary context for applying the standards in today’s educational environment.
While the AASL Standards Frameworks remain consistent, the supporting chapters and content have been updated, streamlined, and enriched with fresh strategies, new tools, and examples for effective application across grade levels and content areas, as well as enhanced advocacy resources for engaging stakeholders.
A description with key updates and a detailed table of contents is available on the product page in the ALA Store. This resource will assist school librarians, supervisors, and educators and instructors of school librarians in planning for the academic year.
Are the updates to the second edition research-based?
Yes, the updates to the second edition of the National School Library Standards are research-based. AASL conducted extensive community research, led by the 2023-2025 AASL Standards Committee, which involved a series of online surveys and focus groups. Participation was open to all school library professionals—both AASL members and non-members—as well as AASL Chapter leaders and collaborators from the broader educational community.
The insights gathered from this research directly informed the development of the second edition and continue to guide AASL’s efforts to support implementation of the standards and advocate for the vital role of school librarians. Learn more about the research process and findings.
When will the second edition be available?
The second edition is available for purchase now.
To assist those in planning for curriculum, professional learning, or course integration, a description with key updates and a detailed table of contents is available on the product page in the ALA Store.
When will the first edition of the National School Library Standards be discontinued?
While the first edition is no longer available for purchase from the ALA Store, some remaining stock and used copies will still be available through third-party vendors for a period. We encourage those interested in the first edition to explore these options before it becomes completely unavailable.
It is important to note that the first edition remains a valuable and groundbreaking resource for school libraries, having played a pivotal role in shaping and guiding the profession. The release of the second edition further validates the standards frameworks and concepts established in the first edition, while offering updated context, new tools, and strategies for application, evaluation, and advocacy with the standards.
Does AASL and ALA Editions offer the ability to purchase the second edition using school or district purchase orders?
Yes, the ALA Store facilitates purchases using district or organizational purchase orders. Customers will need to verify their vendor account and tax-exemption status providing current documentation to the ALA fulfillment center before placing the order.
For district bulk purchases of the second edition and other special purchasing arrangements, please contact editionsmarketing@ala.org.
Does AASL offer opportunities for non-members to purchase the second edition at the ALA member price?
Yes, AASL provides a variety of opportunities where non-members can purchase the second edition of the National School Library Standards at the ALA member price.
- AASL Chapters: Chapters can offer AASL books and products, including the National School Library Standards, at the ALA member price to attendees of their state conferences or workshops. The AASL Chapters Publication Program offers options, allowing Chapters to select the most suitable format for their conference or event.
- LIS Students: LIS educators and instructors who adopt the National School Library Standards as a required text for their preparation programs or courses can offer their students a complimentary AASL membership. The AASL Standards Student Membership Program automatically qualifies students to purchase the textbook at the ALA member price. Once the educator confirms the use of the second edition as a course text, AASL will provide a special membership form for distribution to students.
For more information on these programs, please contact aasl@ala.org.
Can I get the book in an accessible digital format?
Purchasers who require an accessible version of the National School Library Standards for Learners, School Librarians, and School Libraries (first or second edition) may submit their request to AASL directly. For more information, please email aasl@ala.org.
Additional questions?
If you have specific questions regarding the National School Library Standard for Learners, School Librarians, and School Libraries, second edition, please contact AASL at 312-280-4382 or aasl@ala.org.