CSLA Mission Statement

The California School Library Association advocates, educates, and collaborates to ensure that all California students and educators are effective users of ideas and information.

To accomplish this mission, the association:

• Promotes the effective use of and equitable access to learning resources, including print and nonprint media and technology in the teaching/learning process.
• Promotes and provides professional growth activities.
• Promotes diversity in both membership and leadership, as well as in programs for students.
• Promotes and implements national guidelines for quality library and media programs that meet the needs of California’s students, including its multicultural, multilingual population.
• Initiates and supports legislation and regulations that promote quality library and media programs and educational applications of information technology.
• Works actively with key state agencies.
• Develops partnerships with associations having similar goals.

Mission:

The California School Library Association advocates, educates, and collaborates to ensure that all California students and educators are effective users of ideas and information.

Core Purpose:

The Core Purpose of CSLA is to build the foundation for life‐long learning.

Core Values:

• We believe in working collaboratively for a common goal.
• We believe that free and equal access to information is essential.
• We are committed to the value of learning.
• We have a passion for reading.
• We are stronger together than separate.
• We support mutual trust and respect for individuals.
• We are open to new ideas.
• We are willing to freely share ideas.

Vision:

Every California school will have a library staffed by at least (one) 1 Teacher Librarian and (one) 1 paraprofessional supported by substantial ongoing funding.

Vivid Descriptions:

• Every California student would be an effective user of information and ideas to be successful in a global society
• California schools would lead the nation in student achievement because of the school library system.
• Our students will be dynamic, critical, and ethical users of technology.
• Our students will be enthusiastic users of libraries, and life‐long readers and learners.
• California school libraries will be crucial partners with the larger learning community.
• Our members will be leaders in developing new programs and approaches, both nationally and internationally, for students and staff in the area of information and communication technology.
• Our members will be confident and informed advocates for strong school libraries.
• Teachers and administrators will be confident users of the education and technology provided by their school library.
• Our members will have a vital role in the library and educational communities.
• CSLA will be seen as indispensable partners in educational policy decisions.