Implementing National Guidelines and Standards‪.‬

In 1995 the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) engaged Public Communications Inc., a professional marketing firm, to undertake an extensive survey of the field to assess the professional needs of members and nonmembers that might be met by their national association, and the reasons professionals join or do not join AASL. Among many related findings, conclusions and recommendations, the study affirmed the continuing education requirements of teacher-librarians, identified time and money as the chief barriers to professional development, made suggestions for improved communications and identified the need for a long-term advocacy and public relations program.