Still the One: Reflections on Sixty-Five Years of Resilience and Relevance

2016 marks an important milestone for the American Association of School Librarians (AASL). Despite the ever-changing and always-challenging economic, political, and societal landscape, for nearly sixty-five years the association has grown and prospered within the structure of the American Library Association (ALA) and remains "the only national professional membership organization focused on school librarians and the school library community" (AASL, 2014c). This article provides an overview of the history of AASL by discussing the following: (1) Humble Beginnings; (2) Continuing Education: National Conference, Fall Forum; (3) Standards and GuidSchool Librarielines; (4) Publications; (5) Awards; (6) Certification of School Librarians; (7) National Board for Professional Teaching Standards; (8) Partners; (9) Affiliate Assembly; (10) Community and Communications; (11) Research; and (12) Advocacy, Legislation, and Influence. Though AASL has accomplished much in the past sixty-five years, important work remains.