ABOUT THE ALABAMA SCHOOL LIBRARIAN

     The Alabama School Librarian is a combined association newsletter and peer-reviewed (refereed) journal published by the Alabama School Library Association (ASLA). It is devoted solely to the field of school libraries and technology as related to school libraries. Although all submissions are welcome, those that clearly focus on issues and topics related to Alabama school libraries have publication priority. The Alabama School Librarian is published digitally four times per academic year and is sent electronically to all members of the Alabama School Library Association and supporters of Alabama school libraries.

AUDIENCE

     Readers of The Alabama School Librarian are primarily school librarians and/or technology specialists. Other readers include university faculty members, vendors, and supporters of Alabama school library programs.

CONTENTS OF THE ALABAMA SCHOOL LIBRARIAN

     The contents of The Alabama School Librarian falls into three categories:

(1) Association News

Includes articles, newsbriefs, program descriptions, activity suggestions, and reviews of ASLA events and Alabama school library program activities. Articles for this section will undergo General Editorial Staff review only.

(2) Libraries and Librarianship Articles

Includes general articles on library and technology topics. Articles for this section will undergo General Editorial Staff review only.

(3) Scholarly Referred Articles

Includes research studies, learned essays, professional papers, literature reviews, literature/book critiques, and other professional topics. Submissions for this section will undergo a blind review by at least two members of the Academic Editorial Board.

MANUSCRIPT FORMAT

     Manuscripts for General Editorial Staff Review [(1) and (2) above] have no length limitations but should be submitted in 12-point Constanstia font with a .doc or .docx file extension. A title page with author's name, affiliation, address, and a short professional biographical sketch should be included. An author photo should be submitted as a .jpeg attachment. Pages should be numbered. Authors are responsible for obtaining releases from all persons appearing in submitted photos. Authors are also responsible for obtaining releases for all copyrighted material included within submissions.

     Manuscripts for Academic Editorial Review should follow the format guidelines as in (1). Additionally, the author should meet these elements: Author name should not appear on manuscript pages other than the title page; original tables and figures should be placed on a separate sheet at the end of the manuscript and notations for proper placement of tables and figures should appear in the text; and manuscripts should reflect APA, 5th edition styling.

SUBMITTING THE MANUSCRIPT

     Articles and accompanying materials should be submitted electronically in a .doc or .docx format to Carolyn Starkey at admin@jojo-starkey.com.   If the author would like a blind review for a scholarly submission, this should be noted in the submission email. Manuscripts submitted to The Alabama School Librarian should not be under review at another publication.

REVIEW PROCESS

Each manuscript will receive appropriate review for the type of submission. Usually, authors should expect to hear the results within two to eight weeks, depending on the type of submission.

PUBLICATION OF ARTICLES

The Alabama School Librarian assumes that accepted manuscripts have not been published previously in any other journals and/or books. Manuscripts accepted for publication may be edited for clarity, accuracy, readability, and publication style. Publication usually occurs within 6 months of acceptance.

DEADLINES

FALL BACK TO SCHOOL ISSUE Deadline: July 31. Release date of mid-to-late August.

WINTER ISSUE Deadline: November 30. Release date of late December or early January.

SPRING ISSUE Deadline: February 15. Release date of mid-to-late March.

SUMMER PRE-CONVENTION ISSUE: April 15. Release date of early May.