Collaboration in support of library training

International guidelines for school libraries and school librarians exist. However, the role of professional library associations in school librarian education has been largely overlooked. This exploratory study examines the role of professional library associations in Brazil, Honduras, and Costa Rica relative to school librarian pre-service education and in-service professional development. The associations are analyzed in light of communities of practice and the contingency theory of socialization. The findings demonstrate how professional library associations provide culturally relevant professional development that melds professional expertise and socialization. In studying school librarianship internationally, the author had opportunities to observe and talk with beginning and veteran school librarians, library educators, and professional library association leaders in Brazil, Honduras, and Costa Rica. She conducted an ethnographic study, and analyzed relevant documents about librarianship training. Specifically, the author had Fulbrights to work with librarians in Brazil and Honduras. In the former, she interviewed librarians and library educators in four major cities, and worked with their professional associations. In Honduras she worked with the Association of Honduran Librarians and Information Professionals leaders in refining a master’s degree in library science proposal and in training country librarians. In Costa Rica she worked with the school library services director, interviewed school librarians, and observed in-service training for school librarians. Research was linked to Communities of Practice and Socialization theories.