The Association of Independent School Librarians, AISL, was formed in January, 1987 to address the particular issues and needs of librarians in independent schools. Our founders envisioned an apolitical and affordable association with no formal structure and no officers. Rather, it would provide a means of exchanging ideas and information and keeping in touch.

AISL is an informal organization and a complement to other library organizations. Many members also belong to the Independent School Section of the American Association of School Librarians. As Mark Hillsamer, one of our founding members states, "Creative program planning and exchange of information and ideas are endeavors of both organizations. Close associations will keep us all moving forward into the complex, demanding, and ever changing profession we all love, librarianship."

AISL thrives on the concept of volunteerism. Our organization is run entirely by volunteers. Volunteers submit articles for our quarterly newsletter, The Library Connection, share "tidbits" of what works or doesn’t work in their libraries, and volunteer to host the annual conference--a challenging but very rewarding thing to do. Our membership numbers about 350 from the U.S. and several other countries