Standing together for libraries and intellectual freedom

At the 2025 American Association of School Libraries (AASL) conference, four remarkable educators were honored for their unwavering commitment to intellectual freedom, equitable access and the transformative power of school libraries. Sponsored by ProQuest, part of Clarivate, the AASL Distinguished Administrator Awards and the AASL Intellectual Freedom Awards recognize individuals whose leadership and advocacy have made a lasting impact on students, educators and communities. Their stories are both inspiring and calls to action.

Intellectual Freedom Award 2025 – Melissa Jacobs: Building Access For Millions

As Director of Library Services for New York City Public Schools, Melissa Jacobs oversees one of the largest and most diverse school systems in the country. Her work has centered on ensuring that every student — regardless of zip code — has access to inclusive, high-quality reading materials.

Jacobs led the development of the Citywide Digital Library on Sora, a platform that now serves over a million students. She also spearheaded the NYC Public Schools Collection Development Policy, a framework that empowers educators to select materials that reflect the lived experiences of their students while defending against censorship.

Her leadership extends beyond policy. Through the Teacher2Librarian program, Jacobs is cultivating the next generation of school librarians, ensuring that intellectual freedom remains a cornerstone of education in NYC. Her work exemplifies what it means to lead with equity, vision, and courage.

Distinguished Administrator Award 2025 – Jason Skiba: Transforming A Library Into A Learning Hub

At Allen Park High School in Michigan, Principal Jason Skiba has reimagined the school library as a vibrant center for collaboration, literacy and digital citizenship. Under his leadership, the library underwent a physical and philosophical transformation, becoming a space where students and educators come together to explore, create, and learn.

Skiba’s support for his librarian’s professional development, including release time for conferences and service on the Library of Michigan Board of Trustees, reflects his belief that strong libraries require strong leadership. His efforts have fostered a culture of trust and innovation, making the library an essential part of the school’s academic ecosystem.

The AASL Distinguished School Administrator Award recognizes Skiba’s sustained commitment to empowering educators and students through access, literacy and collaboration.

Intellectual Freedom Award 2024 – Cathi Fuhrman, Ed.D.: A Voice For First Amendment Rights

Few voices in the school library community resonate as powerfully as Cathi Fuhrman’s. A school librarian at State College Area High School in Pennsylvania, Fuhrman has spent decades defending students’ right to read and access information.

Her advocacy has taken many forms — from challenging restrictive materials policies to mentoring students in grassroots activism. At the 2023 AASL Conference in Tampa, Fuhrman led a chant that echoed through the halls: “We are school librarians. We are standing together!” More than a rallying cry, it was a reflection of her daily work to unite and empower educators in the face of censorship.

Fuhrman’s selection for the Intellectual Freedom Award honors her tireless dedication to equity, access and the belief that libraries are essential to democracy.

Distinguished Administrator Award 2024 – Rosetta Le: A Model Of Administrative Partnership

In West Virginia, Principal Rosetta Le of Suncrest Elementary School has built a thriving library program in record time. Her approach is rooted in partnership — with her librarian, with classroom educators and with families.

Le secured funding for a diverse and growing collection, facilitated inter-library loan access through public libraries and made the library a welcoming space for the entire school community. Her support for professional development and collaboration has elevated the role of the librarian from resource provider to instructional partner.

Her recognition as a Distinguished School Administrator reflects the power of visionary leadership that respects the critical role of the library in student success.

Clarivate: Committed To Library Advocacy

These awards are part of our broader Library Advocacy program, which champions the essential role of libraries in education, research and community life. The program supports libraries through strategic partnerships, funding and research. Clarivate collaborates with organizations such as the American Library Association, EveryLibrary, and COSLA to amplify the voices of library workers and strengthen state-level leadership. Clarivate initiatives include the Pulse of the Library global survey, which tracks how libraries are adapting to emerging technologies and shifting community needs, and research briefings from the Institute for Scientific Information that highlight the role of libraries in driving innovation and economic growth. Our advocacy is rooted in listening, learning and showing up, helping libraries with the support they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.