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Monthly President’s Report – March 2012
Below is a summary of activities that I have completed or am working on.
Completed Tasks
- Committee Chairs: I had phone conversations with several YALSA committee chairs about the work of their committees.
- Committee/Jury/Taskforce Appointments: I appointed members to fill vacancies on several committees and continued appointing members to fill new task forces created by Board action at Midwinter.
Partnerships.
- YALSA is working with the American Camp Association and ALSC to create nature-focused lists of recommended reading for tweens and teens.
- YALSA teamed up with the Miami Dade Public Library to co-host the Wrestle Mania Reading Challenge Championships on March 31.
- YALSA received $75,000 from the Digital Media Learning Competition to implement a new effort to create badges for continuing education, so we’ll be working closely with HASTAC, Mozilla, MacArthur and Badgeville. You’ll be hearing much more about this in the months to come!
Media & Outreach.
- I attended a meeting of BAYA (Bay Area Young Adult librarians) on March 27, to discuss YALSA and writing for the profession. It was great to hear them talk about their creative Hunger Games programs, too!
- I spoke with Cristina Merrill of the International Business Times about YA books.
- I attended the Public Library Association conference, where Mary Hastler and I presented a program on YALSA’s competencies and Evaluation Tool. I also spent some time helping to staff the ALA booth, along with other YALSA members and members and staff of other ALA divisions. It was a great opportunity to visit with members and get feedback about YALSA’s services.
- Also at PLA, I had a great time at the YALSA Happy Hour, where I had a chance to meet and chat with YALSA members.
- I contributed statements for YALSA news releases about Teen Tech Week, Support Teen Literature Day, and Summer Reading Program Grants.
Important YALSA News & Reminders
- Don’t forget to vote! ALA (and YALSA) elections are from March 19-April 27. You will be receiving an email from ALA with a link to the online ballot. Information on all the candidates appeared in the blog during February.
This episode continues coverage of YALSA’s 2012 elections. The following podcasts are interviews with the four candidates for the Board of Directors.
Candice Mack
Matthew Moffett
http://traffic.libsyn.com/yalsa/2012_board_candidatesmackmoffet.mp3
Sarah Sogigan
Priscille Dando
http://traffic.libsyn.com/yalsa/2012_board_candidatessogigandando.mp3
If you prefer, you may download the podcast at the YALSA Podcast site and transfer the file to the mp3 player of your choice.
By: Beth,
on 3/6/2012
Blog:
YALSA - Young Adult Library Services Association
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It’s just about time for you to cast your vote in the 2012 YALSA election. The association’s 2012 Nominating Committee wants to make it as seamless as possible for you to make your selections and cast your ballot. Over the past few week’s we’ve worked to do that by providing information on candidates, the process, and the positions up for a vote. Now, we’ve put together a handy 2012 election guide for you to use as you continue to prepare. In the guide you will find all of the posts from the past few months on the election. You’ll also find a sample ballot which includes an example of the actual ballot along with the biographical and professional information for each of the candidates running for a YALSA position. You can read through before going online to cast your ballot. That way you’ll be all ready for voting day.
In just under two weeks you’ll receive an email from ALA with your voting information, it should arrive in your email as part of a 48 hour email blast between March 19 and March 21. The polls are open from March 19 through April 27.
Remember, by voting in the election you have the opportunity to help guarantee that YALSA is the association you want it to be. By the way, there is more information on candidates still to come. Over the next few days audio interviews with each of the candidates running for governance positions will be posted on the YALSABlog, stay tuned.
In February we are posting interviews with each of the 2012 Candidates for YALSA Award Committees. This week we are focusing on Michael L. Printz Award Committee. Each day this week we’ll post an interview with one of the candidates for that committee. We are posting alphabetically by candidate’s last names.
The YALSA Nominating Committee for 2012 has been working hard to select candidates for this year’s election. The Printz Committee is charged with selecting from the previous year’s publications the best young adult book (“best” being defined solely in terms of literary merit) and, if the Committee so decides, as many as four Honor Books. The Committee will also have the opportunity for input into the oversight and planning of the Printz Awards Program. Committee size: 9, four to be elected, plus a consultant from the staff of Booklist, and an administrative assistant if requested.
This is your chance to get to know this year’s candidates that have been nominated to serve on the Printz Award Committee. Polls are open from March 19 to April 27.
Today we have an interview with Emily Williams.
What experience do you have that makes you a good candidate for the award position for which you are running?
I’ve worked pretty extensively with our statewide book award for the last six years. I served on the Sequoyah Book Award’s Intermediate master list selection committee from 2005-08, and was chair from 2007-08. During that time I helped advocate for a high school master list, which successfully launched in 2008. I’ve been on the Sequoyah High School committee since 2009, currently as their faculty advisor.
Why do you want to be a member of this awards committee?
I have been an advocate for YALSA since I started working in libraries in 1997. I teach a graduate-level YA literature class at the University of Oklahoma, and according to students’ comments in my class evaluations, my love of young adult literature and my passion about the field is evident. Having promoted the Printz since the first award was named in 2000, I would be deeply honored to serve on this committee. I feel like my entire career up to this point has been preparing me for this.
What are you most looking forward to in being a part of this award decision process?
I am most excited about working with other librarians that are as passionate about this award as I am, and creating something of which we are immensely proud.
What do you feel are the key factors for decision-making for this award?
The Printz is an award for literary excellence. I think key factors of that are books that grip you, make you feel something, and leave a lasting impression. Maybe even change you.
The reading load for awards committees is very high, how do you plan on managing the work load of award committee life?
I fully understand that the reading load will be insane. I am organized, focused, detail-oriented, and I thrive on the challenge of an extensive reading list. I am used to reading hundreds of books a year from my state award committee experience and I am ready to live and breathe for the Printz. You will never catch me without a book.
What have you learned from past experiences on awards, juries, or other YALSA committees that you will bring with you to this committee?
Colleagues on past committees have found me to be an effective and valuable team member. You have to be flexible, open-minded, and willing to re-read titles.
In your experience how has the YALSA Awards and Selected Lists helped you as a librarian or made your work better or easier or different than expected?
I coordinate our library system’s YA Services for a large area that includesOklahoma Cityas well as many small rural communities. I do a lot of outreach to local sc
In February we are posting interviews with each of the 2012 Candidates for YALSA Award Committees. This week we are focusing on Michael L. Printz Award Committee. Each day this week we’ll post an interview with one of the candidates for that committee. We are posting alphabetically by candidate’s last names.
The YALSA Nominating Committee for 2012 has been working hard to select candidates for this year’s election. The Printz Committee is charged with selecting from the previous year’s publications the best young adult book (“best” being defined solely in terms of literary merit) and, if the Committee so decides, as many as four Honor Books. The Committee will also have the opportunity for input into the oversight and planning of the Printz Awards Program. Committee size: 9, four to be elected, plus a consultant from the staff of Booklist, and an administrative assistant if requested.
This is your chance to get to know this year’s candidates that have been nominated to serve on the Printz Award Committee. Polls are open from March 19 to April 27.
Today we have an interview with Sarah Wethern.
What experience do you have that makes you a good candidate for the award position for which you are running?
Well, this is perhaps a tad clichéd coming from a librarian, but I love to read and I read voraciously. I have served on Minnesota’s Maud Hart Lovelace award committee, reading a plethora of both YA and middle grade books to narrow down the nominations which are then voted on by kids across the state. I served on the Cybils committee in 2009 in the Young Adult Fiction category as a round one judge, reading the many books that were nominated in order to create a list of seven finalists. As of February 2012, I am starting my tenure on YALSA’s Popular Paperbacks Committee which will give me better exposure to working within a YALSA governed media list and prepare me for the rigorous work that could potentially follow if I am elected to the Printz Committee.
Why do you want to be a member of this awards committee?
There is something special in knowing that by participating in the Printz Committee, I am helping to leave an indelible imprint on the field of young adult literature. I work hard to match readers to new and interesting books every day in my job and I love being exposed to the various opinions that come out of those discussions and conversations. I believe that serving on the Printz Committee will help elevate my local library work to a new level.
What are you most looking forward to in being a part of this award decision process?
The discussion amongst my fellow committee members. Reading alone is wonderful but I have found that as I have become more critical about the books I read, I want people to discuss those books with. I enjoy the give and take that comes with talking amongst dedicated book aficionados. There is nothing better than digging in with a pen and a group of dedicated readers ready to dissect the text, to uncover its secrets and to ultimately make an exciting decision. And I am also looking forward to the speeches that come after from the winners. That is a special moment!
What do you feel are the key factors for decision-making for this award?
Literary excellence is a key factor in this book. The beauty, ingenuity and freshness of the writing are qualities all Printz books need. These are books that have to stand the test of time, that feature themes that should be part of the reader conscious for years to come. Additionally, these books should have high teen appeal. After all, they were written with teens in mind. The Printz Award is leaving a literary mark on history and it needs to be a mark that will continue to evolve as new readers discover the stories and characters within.
The reading load for awards committees is very high, how do you plan on managing the work l
In February we are posting interviews with each of the 2012 Candidates for YALSA Award Committees. This week we are focusing on Michael L. Printz Award Committee. Each day this week we’ll post an interview with one of the candidates for that committee. We are posting alphabetically by candidate’s last names.
The YALSA Nominating Committee for 2012 has been working hard to select candidates for this year’s election. The Printz Committee is charged with selecting from the previous year’s publications the best young adult book (“best” being defined solely in terms of literary merit) and, if the Committee so decides, as many as four Honor Books. The Committee will also have the opportunity for input into the oversight and planning of the Printz Awards Program. Committee size: 9, four to be elected, plus a consultant from the staff of Booklist, and an administrative assistant if requested.
This is your chance to get to know this year’s candidates that have been nominated to serve on the Printz Committee. Polls are open from March 19 to April 27.
Today we have an interview with Patti Tjomsland.
What experience do you have that makes you a good candidate for the award position for which you are running?
I’ve always read numerous YA books, however I’ve been reading over 350 teen books a year since 2006 for a seminar, What’s New in Young Adult Literature that I present for the Bureau of Education and Research. I present this six hour seminar in about 40 places around the country annually, discussing about 100 of the best teen books from the current copyright year. One of the great things about working for BER is the opportunity to talk with teachers and librarians around the country. I hear about new books other people have found, and get a broad range of opinions from those who work with teens in all parts of the United States.
I just finished two years on Best Fiction for Young Adults, with year two as Chair. I have extended experience reviewing, writing, reading and working with groups of people. For the past three years, I’ve had over 30 students participating in a lunch-time review group. They have ignited an interest in reading and discussing books in our school. I’ve been a high school librarian for over 25 years and before that I taught high school English. Most of the English classes I taught focused on writing. I’m still in the trenches, working with teens and talking to them about books on a daily basis.
Why do you want to be a member of this awards committee?
I think it will be a demanding and unique experience to select a book based on the quality of the writing without worrying about the title’s popularity.
What are you most looking forward to in being a part of this award decision process?
The whole process is exciting! I am most looking forward to the discussions with committee members. It is energizing to talk with other people who are passionate and enthusiastic about books and reading and committee works provides this opportunity. I think the fact that the award is secretive will be delightful! I must admit coming home and finding a box or envelope with brand new books inside is incredibly smile inducing.
What do you feel are the key factors for decision-making for this award?
I think being ready for anything is important. Over the past few years, we’ve seen authors experimenting with format, presentation, voice and more. It is important to be non-biased. Of course there are all of the suggested items listed in the award criteria and I do like books with strong characters and a great voice. I think those books where you have the “Wow!” reaction are the ones I’m hoping the committee finds.
The reading load for awards committees is very high, how do you plan on managing the work load of award committee life?
I’ve just
In February we are posting interviews with each of the 2012 Candidates for YALSA Award Committees. This week we are focusing on Michael L. Printz Award Committee. Each day this week we’ll post an interview with one of the candidates for that committee. We are posting alphabetically by candidate’s last names.
The YALSA Nominating Committee for 2012 has been working hard to select candidates for this year’s election. The Printz Committee is charged with selecting from the previous year’s publications the best young adult book (“best” being defined solely in terms of literary merit) and, if the Committee so decides, as many as four Honor Books. The Committee will also have the opportunity for input into the oversight and planning of the Printz Awards Program. Committee size: 9, four to be elected, plus a consultant from the staff of Booklist, and an administrative assistant if requested.
This is your chance to get to know this year’s candidates that have been nominated to serve on the Printz Committee. Polls are open from March 19 to April 27.
Today we have an interview with Elizabeth Schneider.
What experience do you have that makes you a good candidate for the award position for which you are running?
For the last three and a half years, I have served on the Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults Committee as a member and twice as a subcommittee chair. Through this experience, I have honed my reviewing skills of young adult materials, most importantly evaluating books for both literary merit and popularity by their audience. One of the fundamentals of working with teens in a library is learning to listen to what they have to say, and making your services, programming and materials reflect their interests. Taking that philosophy to heart, I asked my vibrant Teen Advisory Board to participate in reading the titles nominated for PPYA. They filled out forms, giving their feedback on the books, which helped PPYA members choose the best books for the list. I believe I will be an asset to the Printz Committee because I work so closely with teens, discussing what types of books they like to read and how teen literature affects their lives.
Why do you want to be a member of this awards committee?
It would be an honor to serve on the Printz Awards Committee, and be a part of choosing the most notable literature written for young adults in a given year. I have a great passion for young adult literature, and helping teens discover books that speak to them personally. Others before me serving on this committee have helped me in so many regards, from collection development to being able to confidently recommend a wide array of well written literature for teens. Serving my professional community in this capacity would be a great privilege
What are you most looking forward to in being a part of this award decision process?
I have a great desire to contribute to my professional community. Being able to work with a team and decide on the paramount young adult literature for a given year would help libraries spend their book budget money effectively on high quality titles for their collection and serve as a recommendation list for teen readers. It would also be a pleasure to be a part of a forum that recognizes young adult authors.
What do you feel are the key factors for decision-making for this award?
Quality literature can be very subjective. So when choosing the winner of the Printz Award, I believe literary merit, longstanding value and thought-provoking content are key factors. A winner of this prestigious award should be able to stand the test of time and not fade into the woodwork by the next year or become quickly outdated from frequent pop culture references. The work should generate discussion and allow teens to discover different walks of life through literature.
In February we are posting interviews with each of the 2012 Candidates for YALSA Award Committees. This week we are focusing on Michael L. Printz Award Committee. Each day this week we’ll post an interview with one of the candidates for that committee. We are posting alphabetically by candidate’s last names.
The YALSA Nominating Committee for 2012 has been working hard to select candidates for this year’s election. The Printz Committee is charged with selecting from the previous year’s publications the best young adult book (“best” being defined solely in terms of literary merit) and, if the Committee so decides, as many as four Honor Books. The Committee will also have the opportunity for input into the oversight and planning of the Printz Awards Program. Committee size: 9, four to be elected, plus a consultant from the staff of Booklist, and an administrative assistant if requested.
This is your chance to get to know this year’s candidates that have been nominated to serve on the Printz Award Committee. Polls are open from March 19 to April 27.
Today we have an interview with Rachel McDonald.
What experience do you have that makes you a good candidate for the award position for which you are running?
Since becoming a teen librarian in 2007, I have served on multiple YALSA book selection committees, including Best Books for Young Adults, Morris, and beginning in 2012, the Alex Awards committee. In addition to my YALSA commitments, I have been active in the Washington State Young Adult Review Group (WASHYARG), which meets quarterly to review both fiction and nonfiction titles for young adults. My participation in WASHYARG has exposed me to a wide variety of title beyond what I might normally read, as has my involvement in my library system’s Mock Printz Award.
Why do you want to be a member of this awards committee?
The Youth Media Awards have been described as the “Oscars” of the children’s and teen literature community, and since its inception in 2000, the Printz Award has stood at the pinnacle of those honors. As a teen librarian who each year is consistently impressed and amazed by the quality of teen literature and its willingness to tackle life’s difficult questions, I would be honored to help choose the next Printz Award winner and honor books, and, more importantly, learn from other committee members about how they determine literary excellence in a young adult novel.
What are you most looking forward to in being a part of this award decision process?
I’m excited to work with advocates for teen literature across the country to choose the winner of the Printz Award. My favorite moments from previous committees have been when one person believes very strongly in the attributes of a particular book that s/he has fallen in love with. The debates that result are eyeopening and often reveal people’s assumptions about what makes a good book.
What do you feel are the key factors for decision-making for this award?
When considering titles for the Printz Award, I feel that the committee must come to a consensus on how it will define excellence in young adult literature. I feel it’s helpful to have a discussion as a group before getting too focused on the nominations process, as we did during my tenure on the Morris Award committee. Since the parameters for the award are narrower that many other selection committees (literary excellence and not popularity), I would expect myself and other committee members to read and re-read carefully, keeping in mind our discussions about our charge. Because our face time is minimal, using email and ALA Connect to discuss nominations is a must.
The reading load for awards committees is very high, how do you plan on managing the work load of award committee life?
Since I’ve already served on t
We’re getting into the home stretch before the YALSA elections. Here’s a quick guide to getting ready for voting day. In the spirit of librarians everywhere, now is when you do the research to make an informed decision.
First off, if you haven’t already done so, refresh your memory on the requirements and descriptions for each elected position. YALSA President-Elect, Fiscal Officer, Secretary, YALSA Board of Directors and YALSA award committees are all decided in this election. Linda Braun explains the expectations for those on the Governance Slate here and our colleague Dawn Rutherford has posted a helpful summary of the Award slate here.
The full slate of YALSA Election candidates is listed here. Each candidate has been interviewed by members of the 2012 Nominating Committee to help voting members to virtually meet each one and understand how they plan to tackle their work for each position. If you were unable to attend ALA Midwinter, you can listen to the interviews conducted at the Coffee with the Candidate event including those running for ALA Councilor, the YALSA Board, and YALSA President-Elect/President. The official podcast interviews with the Governance candidates are forthcoming, so keep an eye out for those on this blog.
Members of the Nominating committee are publishing text interviews with all of those running for the Excellent in Nonfiction Award Committee, the Margaret Edwards Award Committee, and the Michael L. Printz Award Committee.
All of these interviews are a great way to find information beyond the more standard biographies always included in the official ballot. Each will give you a solid picture of each candidate’s intentions and previous qualifying work. With five weeks until the election, you can pick two categories a week to read up on or listen to before voting starts. If you keep it simple and consider one category of candidate per week, you’ll still have two whole weeks to vote!
When the time comes for voting starting March 19th (and running through April 27, 2012) the ballot is set up to be straightforward. The ballot includes candidate information to remind the voter of each person’s past experience and qualifications. Candidate information includes: their current position; their previous positions; degrees and honors; ALA, state and regional activities; major accomplishments; publications; and in the case of Governance candidates, statements of professional concern. It’s a lot of information to weed through as you’re considering who to vote for during voting itself. I encourage everyone to start with the above resources to feel prepared when voting begins.
From there, all that’s required is sending in your vote before April 27th. Every YALSA member will be emailed a link to the ballot from ALA when voting begins, so all you have to do is click, sign in, and make your choices. Make them count!
In February we are posting interviews with each of the 2012 Candidates for YALSA Award Committees. This week we are focusing on Michael L. Printz Award Committee. Each day this week we’ll post an interview with one of the candidates for that committee. We are posting alphabetically by candidate’s last names.
The YALSA Nominating Committee for 2012 has been working hard to select candidates for this year’s election. The Printz Committee is charged with selecting from the previous year’s publications the best young adult book (“best” being defined solely in terms of literary merit) and, if the Committee so decides, as many as four Honor Books. The Committee will also have the opportunity for input into the oversight and planning of the Printz Awards Program. Committee size: 9, four to be elected, plus a consultant from the staff of Booklist, and an administrative assistant if requested.
This is your chance to get to know this year’s candidates that have been nominated to serve on the Printz Committee. Polls are open from March 19 to April 27.
Today we have an interview with Jennifer Lawson
What experience do you have that makes you a good candidate for the award position for which you are running?
I think my best preparation for the Printz Award Committee is in having read 1000+ books written for teens in my years as a librarian. In addition, I keep current with the literature by participating in YALSA-bk and reading blogs, professional journals, and publisher communications.
On the professional front, I’ve been a librarian with the San Diego County Library for more than 10 years. For the first four years, I was the Youth Services Librarian at the Santee Branch. I was able to focus more of my time on teen services here, because much of the children’s programming was done by volunteers. I also re-discovered teen literature in this position and have been reading it almost exclusively ever since. I’ve been at our library headquarters for the past 6 years, first as the Teen Services Coordinator and now as Program Services Librarian.
Since 2008, I have served on several YALSA committees. My first committee was the 2008-09 Odyssey Award Committee. I feel lucky to have served under an excellent and experienced chair (Pam Spencer-Holley), who kept things running smoothly and made it easy to participate and learn along the way. Currently, I am finishing up a two year term on Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults, the last of which I was chair. I also served on two task forces: the Young Adult Literature Symposium Task Force, 2009-11 and YALSA’s Midwinter Pre-Conference Task Force, 2011.
I’m a hard worker and I like to get involved, so I also participate on committees at the State level and present at conferences. Some of my accomplishments include:
Served on the California Summer Reading Advisory Council since 2008, as chair 2010-11.
Represented California as a voting member to Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP), 2010-11.
Presented on the latest and greatest teen literature at the 2009, 2010 and 2011 California Library Association conferences with Courtney Saldana (Upland Public Library) and Joann Jonas (San Diego County Library). This is definitely my favorite presentation. We always have a good audience and have fun talking about books.
Presented Teen Programs in a Box at PLA 2008.
Locally, I volunteer on the Board of Directors for the Juvenile Court Book Club (JCBC) and chair their book selection committee. The JCBC is a volunteer run organization that leads monthly book clubs at five different juvenile detention sites. I lead one of the book club sessions most months. It’s something I really look forward to as the discussions are always lively and full of opinions!
Why do you want to be a member of this awards committee?
Every year, I eagerly await the aw
In February we are posting interviews with each of the 2012 Candidates for YALSA Award Committees. This week we are focusing on the Margaret A. Edwards Award Committee. Each day this week we’ll post an interview with one of the candidates for that committee. We are posting alphabetically by candidate’s last names.
The YALSA Nominating Committee for 2012 has been working hard to select candidates for this year’s election. The Edwards Committee is charged with honoring an author, as well as a specific body of his or her work, for significant and lasting contribution to young adult literature. The annual award recognizes an author whose book or books, over a period of time, have been accepted by young adults as an authentic voice that continues to illuminate their experiences and emotions, giving insight into their lives. The book or books should enable them to understand themselves, the world in which they live, and their relationship with others and with society. To see more about this committee, please see their policies and procedures here. Committee size: 5, three to be elected, plus two appointed by the YALSA President-Elect.
This is your chance to get to know this year’s candidates that have been nominated to serve on the Edwards Committee.
Kate Toebbe is a candidate for the Margaret A. Edwards Award Committee.
What experience do you have that makes you a good candidate for the award position for which you are running?
I have been on several committees that have prepared me for this position. Locally, I am a member of two Southwest Ohio and Neighboring Libraries committees: Reviewers of Young Adult Literature (ROYAL) and the Cincinnati Area Reading Group for Youth Services. I have been on YALSA’s Wrestlemania Committee, Baker & Taylor Award Jury and I am currently a member of the Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults selection committee. I received the 2009 Baker & Taylor/YALSA Award, I presented at YALSA’s Teen Services Mashup Table Talk at the 2011 Annual Conference and I presented at the Ohio Library Council’s 2011 Southwest Chapter Conference. I have a diverse knowledge of teen literature and I make every effort to stay current and seek out learning opportunities.
Why do you want to be a member of this awards committee?
I have spent my career as a teen librarian working with inner city teens. I have seen first hand how literature has helped shape the lives of the teens in my library’s community. Whether the literature is helping to give a teen confidence or distracting them from tough times, it can really make a difference. I would really love the opportunity to help celebrate authors who do so much for so many people.
What do you feel are the key factors for decision-making for this award?
Teens must be able to connect to the winner’s body of work in a real way. The voices in the books need to be genuine and realistic. Whether the books are set in a fantasy world or a future society or in the past, teens need to be able to take something from each book that will stick with them. The winner’s work must be accessible, enjoyable and thought provoking.
The reading load for awards committees is very high, how do you plan on managing the work load of award committee life?
For the last two years, I have been on the Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults Committee and a member ROYAL. These commitments having given me a lot of experience managing a high reading load. Over time, I have come up with a system to pace myself that has served me well and I utilize audio books and e-books when possible. Sometimes I even find time left over for non-required reading!
What have you learned from past experiences on awards, juries, or other YALSA committees that you will bring with you to thi
In February we are posting interviews with each of the 2012 Candidates for YALSA Award Committees. This week we are focusing on the Margaret A. Edwards Award Committee. Each day this week we’ll post an interview with one of the candidates for that committee. We are posting alphabetically by candidate’s last names.
The YALSA Nominating Committee for 2012 has been working hard to select candidates for this year’s election. The Edwards Committee is charged with honoring an author, as well as a specific body of his or her work, for significant and lasting contribution to young adult literature. The annual award recognizes an author whose book or books, over a period of time, have been accepted by young adults as an authentic voice that continues to illuminate their experiences and emotions, giving insight into their lives. The book or books should enable them to understand themselves, the world in which they live, and their relationship with others and with society. To see more about this committee, please see their policies and procedures here. Committee size: 5, three to be elected, plus two appointed by the YALSA President-Elect.
This is your chance to get to know this year’s candidates that have been nominated to serve on the Edwards Committee.
Lynn Rutan is a candidate for the Margaret A. Edwards Award Committee.
What experience do you have that makes you a good candidate for the award position for which you are running?
I have been for fortunate in being able to serve on several selection and awards committees with YALSA and with ALSC. I served on Popular Paperpacks, had a three-year term on Best Books for Young Adults and also chaired that committee. I served on the Michael Printz Award and chaired that committee as well. I am currently serving on the Newbery Committee. The experiences on these committees were very enriching and I had what felt like a post-doctoral course in literary analysis, organizational methods and how to work collaboratively with a group. I was a school librarian for many years and reader’s advisory and booktalking was a big part of my job so I have a long and happy experience with the wealth of YA literature. I think I have a solid understanding as well as a love of the body of literature for teens.
Why do you want to be a member of this awards committee?
I have enormous respect for the gifted people who write for teens. Their work enriches and even saves young lives. Most YA authors are seldom as appreciated by the greater world, as they should be. The Edwards is such a special award and one small way to recognize the authors who give their careers to writing for young people. I would very much like to be a part of this process.
What are you most looking forward to in being a part of this award decision process?
Two things really jump to mind. First is the opportunity to work with a YALSA committee again and with only 5 members, it is a committee that will be able to get to know each other really well. Secondly, my current job as a reviewer and blogger requires me to be reading the newest releases and I seldom get a chance to go back and read some of the wonderful books in the canon. I am excited by the idea of being to read back in time too.
What do you feel are the key factors for decision-making for this award?
I think it is important to assess the enduring quality of the body of work as well as the impact on young people and their experience of the world. As with any award committee, the charge is what guides the committee.
The reading load for awards committees is very high, how do you plan on managing the work load of award committee life?
Having served three years on BBYA in the days when we considered nonfiction, gr
In February we are posting interviews with each of the 2012 Candidates for YALSA Award Committees. This week we are focusing on the Margaret A. Edwards Award Committee. Each day this week we’ll post an interview with one of the candidates for that committee. We are posting alphabetically by candidate’s last names.
The YALSA Nominating Committee for 2012 has been working hard to select candidates for this year’s election. The Edwards Committee is charged with honoring an author, as well as a specific body of his or her work, for significant and lasting contribution to young adult literature. The annual award recognizes an author whose book or books, over a period of time, have been accepted by young adults as an authentic voice that continues to illuminate their experiences and emotions, giving insight into their lives. The book or books should enable them to understand themselves, the world in which they live, and their relationship with others and with society. To see more about this committee, please see their policies and procedures here. Committee size: 5, three to be elected, plus two appointed by the YALSA President-Elect.
This is your chance to get to know this year’s candidates that have been nominated to serve on the Edwards Committee.
Julie Roach is a candidate for the Margaret A. Edwards Award Committee.
What experience do you have that makes you a good candidate for the award position for which you are running?
I have had three incredible and extremely varied experiences on award committees (Boston Globe/Horn Book; Caldecott; and Geisel, chair). I also teach a graduate course in children’s and young adult literature where we do author studies and I truly enjoy considering and discussing an author’s body of work with a group.
Why do you want to be a member of this awards committee?
I love this idea of honoring an author in this way. I think this award is very special for young adult literature and for YALSA. Young adult literature evolves so quickly, but this award really helps define and pay tribute to a meaningful canon.
What are you most looking forward to in being a part of this award decision process?
I think that is what I am looking forward to most—being a part of it! Also I am excited by the prospect of considering outside the focus of the current year and really thinking about what has made a lasting impact.
What do you feel are the key factors for decision-making for this award?
History and longevity and how these play with the present. What authors and books have continued to reach teen readers over the course of time? Who do we recognize as having had and continuing to have an important place on the shelf?
The reading load for awards committees is very high, how do you plan on managing the work load of award committee life?
It’s important to stay organized and not procrastinate… and plan to sleep less! I think preparing for and expecting this to own a big piece of one’s life is an important part of it too.
What have you learned from past experiences on awards, juries, or other YALSA committees that you will bring with you to this committee?
I have learned that each experience is both incredibly different and amazing! But the things I’ve found to be consistently important are listening, keeping an open mind, and working as a team. Also, aside from good notes, I think the most important thing to bring is a solid sense of humor!
In your experience how has the YALSA Awards and Selected Lists helped you as a librarian or made your work better or easier or different than expected?
Serving youth in a busy public library, I think what the YALSA Awards and Selected Lists do fo
In February we are posting interviews with each of the 2012 Candidates for YALSA Award Committees. This week we are focusing on the Margaret A. Edwards Award Committee. Each day this week we’ll post an interview with one of the candidates for that committee. We are posting alphabetically by candidate’s last names.
The YALSA Nominating Committee for 2012 has been working hard to select candidates for this year’s election. The Edwards Committee is charged with honoring an author, as well as a specific body of his or her work, for significant and lasting contribution to young adult literature. The annual award recognizes an author whose book or books, over a period of time, have been accepted by young adults as an authentic voice that continues to illuminate their experiences and emotions, giving insight into their lives. The book or books should enable them to understand themselves, the world in which they live, and their relationship with others and with society. To see more about this committee, please see their policies and procedures here. Committee size: 5, three to be elected, plus two appointed by the YALSA President-Elect.
This is your chance to get to know this year’s candidates that have been nominated to serve on the Edwards Committee.
Barbara Moon is a candidate for the Margaret A. Edwards Award Committee.
What experience do you have that makes you a good candidate for the award position for which you are running?
I have had the honor of serving as a member of the Odyssey Award Committee and the Great Graphic Novels for Teens Selection Committee. In my current position as a Youth Services Consultant, I regularly read and review young adult literature.
Why do you want to be a member of this awards committee?
I look forward to the Margaret A. Edwards Award announcement each year and have been excited about each committee’s selection. I have had the opportunity to hear many of the award winners speak, both at the annual conference and in other venues. These authors’ works reflect many of the qualities of fine YA literature.
What are you most looking forward to in being a part of this award decision process?
Literature for young adults is vibrant and exciting. It would be an honor to meet with other professionals who share an appreciation for the outstanding contributions that have been made to this field.
What do you feel are the key factors for decision-making for this award?
From my experience, the key factors in the decision-making process are: a focus on the purpose and criteria for the award as outline by YALSA, a committee chair who is skillfully oversees the process, and committee members who are willing to work together and remain open to additional points of view.
The reading load for awards committees is very high, how do you plan on managing the work load of award committee life?
My past experiences have been that it is best to stay on top of the reading, and if possible front-load the work. Extenuating circumstances often arise, but if I stay current on reading, when unexpected emergencies come up, they can be overcome.
What have you learned from past experiences on awards, juries, or other YALSA committees that you will bring with you to this committee?
I have learned to evaluate literature according to a specific set of guidelines. I have become more focused in my reading and use of time in order to accomplish the tasks of the committee. I have enjoyed meeting so many interesting and diverse individuals, who offer me fresh perspectives.
In your experience how has the YALSA Awards and Selected Lists helped you as a librarian or made your work better or easier or different than expected?
I have lear
In February we are posting interviews with each of the 2012 Candidates for YALSA Award Committees. This week we are focusing on the Margaret A. Edwards Award Committee. Each day this week we’ll post an interview with one of the candidates for that committee. We are posting alphabetically by candidate’s last names.
The YALSA Nominating Committee for 2012 has been working hard to select candidates for this year’s election. The Edwards Committee is charged with honoring an author, as well as a specific body of his or her work, for significant and lasting contribution to young adult literature. The annual award recognizes an author whose book or books, over a period of time, have been accepted by young adults as an authentic voice that continues to illuminate their experiences and emotions, giving insight into their lives. The book or books should enable them to understand themselves, the world in which they live, and their relationship with others and with society. To see more about this committee, please see their policies and procedures here. Committee size: 5, three to be elected, plus two appointed by the YALSA President-Elect.
This is your chance to get to know this year’s candidates that have been nominated to serve on the Edwards Committee.
Sarah Ludwig is a candidate for the Margaret A. Edwards Award Committee.
What experience do you have that makes you a good candidate for the award position for which you are running?
I am an avid reader of young adult literature — it’s pretty much all I read, in fact. I go through brief periods of reading adult books, but I always come back to young adult lit. I find YA books so compelling, not necessarily because they “bring me back” (though some do that), but because they’re so often about transformation, change, and overcoming great challenges. I also love how great teen novels can serve both as a boon to teens who are struggling and as an inspiration, with lots of strong characters of all backgrounds. Putting the right book in the hands of a teen is one of the most satisfying things I can do as a librarian.
Why do you want to be a member of this awards committee?
I like committee work. I’ve served on several YALSA committees and I find it satisfying and professionally uplifting. I also love the idea of being a part of the legacy of the Edwards award. To be connected in such a meaningful way to the literature that I love would be, frankly, pretty cool. I have the background and perspective to serve as an open-minded and thoughtful member of the committee, and I would take my task very seriously.
What are you most looking forward to in being a part of this award decision process?
I look forward to the prospect of discussing — and maybe even debating — teen literature with a group of my peers. I also very much look forward to revisiting the books that I’ve read over the years, and to hearing the perspectives of fellow readers of young adult books. The feeling of connection over a book — whether a similar response or a new perspective — is an intellectually and often emotionally fulfilling one.
What do you feel are the key factors for decision-making for this award?
I do think that the criteria for the Edwards award are objective, though there are a few factors that would lead me to considering one author over another for the award. The literature itself must be well-crafted. The author’s books should have advanced the genre — that is, challenged the notion of the type of literature available to young adults. I am especially interested in stories that expose the reader to new perspectives, cultures, ways of life, or situations. As teens are constantly learning about themselves and their world, we must acknowledge the books
In February we are posting interviews with each of the 2012 Candidates for YALSA Award Committees. This week we are focusing on the Excellence in Non-fiction Award Committee. Each day this week we’ll post an interview with one of the candidates for that committee. We are posting alphabetically by candidate’s last names.
The YALSA Nominating Committee for 2012 has been working hard to select candidates for this year’s election. The Excellence in Nonfiction Award Committee honors the best nonfiction book published for young adults (ages 12-18) during a November 1 – October 31 publishing year. The Committee is made up of eight members, including the chair. You can read the Committee policies and procedures on the YALSA website.
This is your chance to get to know this year’s candidates nominated to serve on the Excellence in Nonfiction Committee. Don’t forget polls are open from March 19 to April 27.
Today we have an interview with Scott Robins.
What experience do you have that makes you a good candidate for the Excellence in Nonfiction Award?
I have experience on award and selection committees: last year I had the joy of being a judge for the Joe Shuster Comics for Kids award and for the past three years I have been part of the selection committee for the Canadian Children’s Book Centre’s Best Books for Kids and Teens. The assigned material categories change from year to year but this year I’m reviewing graphic novels and non-fiction titles. I am also currently a Youth Services Specialist at Toronto Public Library and have a good understanding of the reading needs of teens. I also have experience evaluating books, writing reviews but also from my previous career in children’s publishing as a buyer for Scholastic Book Clubs.
Why do you want to be a member of this awards committee?
I’ve always admired the passionate work that YALSA has done for youth in libraries and want to be part of that community. Even since I became a librarian, I’ve felt strongly towards connecting teens to books they actually want to read. Non-fiction for teens is an area that I have some familiarity but I want to learn more. This is an amazing opportunity to increase my breadth of knowledge in this category.
What are you most looking forward to in being a part of this award decision process?
I think we’re always looking for excuses to discuss books with people and being on an award jury definitely fulfills that compulsion that librarians all seem to possess. I’m also looking forward to meeting like minded librarians, as well as having a good reason to attend ALA conferences. I used to attend ALA conference in a publisher capacity but I’ve yet to attend one as a librarian.
What do you feel are the key factors for decision-making for the Excellence in Nonfiction Award?
I would say the big ones are accuracy, clarity and presentation. But also, it is important to try and live in the mind of a teen reader and think of questions like: is this book relevant to me?; or does the topic and the design/format/delivery of that topic speak to me?
The reading load for awards committees is very high, how do you plan on managing the work load of award committee life?
Like I said, I’ve been on committees before that require a lot of reading and I’ve learned through trial and error the importance of staying on top of it. I think sticking to a weekly schedule, setting goals and adjusting that schedule and goals at the end of each week is crucial.
What have you learned from past experiences on awards, juries, or other YALSA committees that you will bring with you to this committee?
From my past experiences, I definitely bring a “plays well with oth
In February we are posting interviews with each of the 2012 Candidates for YALSA Award Committees. This week we are focusing on the Excellence in Non-fiction Award Committee. Each day this week we’ll post an interview with one of the candidates for that committee. We are posting alphabetically by candidate’s last names.
The YALSA Nominating Committee for 2012 has been working hard to select candidates for this year’s election. The Excellence in Nonfiction Award Committee honors the best nonfiction book published for young adults (ages 12-18) during a November 1 – October 31 publishing year. The Committee is made up of eight members, including the chair. You can read the Committee policies and procedures on the YALSA website.
This is your chance to get to know this year’s candidates nominated to serve on the Excellence in Nonfiction Committee. Polls are open from March 19 to April 27.
Today we have an interview with Renee McGrath.
What experience do you have that makes you a good candidate for the Excellence in Nonfiction Award?
I have served on Popular Paperbacks for YAs (2 years) and just finished my term on the 2012 Newbery Award Selection Committee. Both of these committees gave me the experience of working with a big group of people on how to come to a decision about a book and whether or not it should either be included on a list or was worthy of an award. I also learned a lot about critically evaluating titles for an award. It is a different kind of reading. You must set aside your personal beliefs and interests and only look at the book for what it offers the reader in regards to the criteria of the award.
Why do you want to be a member of this awards committee?
I have always had a special place in my heart for nonfiction geared for younger people. I think part of that is professional and most of it is personal. When my son was young, nonfiction books would make him come alive! As he got older, it was sometimes the only thing I could get him to read. So, I came to really appreciate having excellent nonfiction available at my public library. It was not something I could afford to purchase on my own. I know what a good nonfiction book can mean to a parent who is struggling to get a child to read. When I became a librarian serving youth, I also realized the value of an excellent nonfiction book. It was something I could rely on when doing readers’ advisory. I would also use them in class visits. Many times, it was the nonfiction titles that went out first.
What are you most looking forward to in being a part of this award decision process?
Everything! Getting the books, reading them, critically evaluating them, and ultimately working with the committee to select the winner.
What do you feel are the key factors for decision-making for the Excellence in Nonfiction Award?
I will have to study the policies and procedures a bit before being completely knowledgeable on how the committee comes to their decision. However, I do know that we will look at the writing, making sure it is written in an engaging manner. We will also make sure that the information presented is accurate and organized in such a way that it is clear to the young adult reader.
The reading load for awards committees is very high, how do you plan on managing the work load of award committee life?
I was able to manage the reading load for both Popular Paperbacks and Newbery, so I don’t think I will have a problem with this one. I have become very good at using my iPad to organize my notes and schedules.
What have you learned from past experiences on awards, juries, or other YALSA committees that you will bring with you to this committee?
To always keep
In February we are posting interviews with each of the 2012 Candidates for YALSA Award Committees. This week we are focusing on the Excellence in Non-fiction Award Committee. Each day this week we’ll post an interview with one of the candidates for that committee. We are posting alphabetically by candidate’s last names.
The YALSA Nominating Committee for 2012 has been working hard to select candidates for this year’s election. The Excellence in Nonfiction Award Committee honors the best nonfiction book published for young adults (ages 12-18) during a November 1 – October 31 publishing year. The Committee is made up of eight members, including the chair. You can read the Committee policies and procedures on the YALSA website.
This is your chance to get to know this year’s candidates nominated to serve on the Excellence in Nonfiction Committee. Polls are open March 19 to April 27.
Today we have an interview with Karen Keys.
What experience do you have that makes you a good candidate for the Excellence in Nonfiction Award?
I’m about to celebrate five years as a librarian, and I want to focus my time and energy on work that will allow me to give back to the division that supported me as a new librarian.
I’ve followed a typical trajectory for participation in YALSA. I started out on a process committee (Technology for Teens), and I’ve been serving on the Alex Awards committee for the last three years. Reading adult books for the committee has been incredibly worthwhile, but I’m really looking forward to getting back to YA. Being on an award committee has helped fine-tune my critical reading skills.
Why do you want to be a member of this awards committee?
I think some librarians and educators have the misconception that only a certain type of teen reader likes to read non-fiction or teens only like to read a certain type of non-fiction. Teens reading tastes are just as varied as adults, and it’s up to us to help them discover their next read.
What are you most looking forward to in being a part of this award decision process?
The simple stuff: the reading, the discussion, and that feeling of excitement once the decision has been made.
What do you feel are the key factors for decision-making for the Excellence in Nonfiction Award?
Many of the award charges are written in a way that is deliberately vague, and each committee interprets it in a different way. It’s important to select books that are going to promote a wider readership of nonfiction, but also ones that are outstanding examples of what the genre can be. Strong writing, impeccable research, and teen appeal are all factors to judge a nonfiction book’s merit.
The reading load for awards committees is very high, how do you plan on managing the work load of award committee life?
It’s necessary to start with a realistic expectation of the workload, an estimate of the total number of titles to be read. As the Alex Awards committee chair, I outlined this for members by explicitly stating that they should expect to read at least 100 titles over 11 months. From there, you aim for nine books a month and monitor whether you’re hitting your targets. If a committee reads 300 books, you work back from there.
Also, you just accept that at certain points, your life belongs to the books. I spent a recent week in Vermont reading by the fire as my friends skied, ice skated, and stomped in the snow.
What have you learned from past experiences on awards, juries, or other YALSA committees that you will bring with you to this committee?
It’s important to select books that teens want to read and not just pick the books we want them to want them to
In February we are posting interviews with each of the 2012 Candidates for YALSA Award Committees. This week we are focusing on the Excellence in Non-fiction Award Committee. Each day this week we’ll post an interview with one of the candidates for that committee. We are posting alphabetically by candidate’s last names.
The YALSA Nominating Committee for 2012 has been working hard to select candidates for this year’s election. The Excellence in Nonfiction Award Committee honors the best nonfiction book published for young adults (ages 12-18) during a November 1 – October 31 publishing year. The Committee is made up of eight members, including the chair. You can read the Committee policies and procedures on the YALSA website.
This is your chance to get to know this year’s candidates nominated to serve on the Excellence in Nonfiction Committee. The polls are open March 19 to April 27.
Today we have an interview with Jamison Hedin.
What experience do you have that makes you a good candidate for the Excellence in Nonfiction Award?
I have been a high school library media specialist since 2008. I work extensively with subject area teachers to evaluate and select nonfiction materials for academic, personal interest, and recreational reading for students between the ages of 14 and 18. I have also served for two terms as a member of YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers.
Why do you want to be a member of this awards committee?
Nonfiction for young adults is a growing genre, but it is still challenging to find truly engaging and well-written titles targeted specifically for the YA market. I would love to help promote the genre and help other librarians identify excellent books.
What are you most looking forward to in being a part of this award decision process?
I am eager to participate in the discussion of nominated titles with my colleagues. In my previous selection committee experience, the discussion and debate among committee members was really thought-provoking.
What do you feel are the key factors for decision-making for the Excellence in Nonfiction Award?
The quality of the writing, authority of information, and accessibility of the presentation are the three most important factors to me. A book on a fascinating topic can end up being useless if the writing and presentation are weak, while excellent writing and an engaging format can elevate a topic that might not be initially appealing.
The reading load for awards committees is very high, how do you plan on managing the work load of award committee life?
In my experience, the key is to integrate the work of the committee into your daily routine as much as possible. While I was on Quick Picks, I used many of the nominations in regularly scheduled book talks or found other ways to incorporate them into my daily work. When preparing for classes or programs is synonymous with your committee work, it makes the reading load more manageable.
What have you learned from past experiences on awards, juries, or other YALSA committees that you will bring with you to this committee?
The most important lesson I have taken from my selection committee experience is to remember that your library and your patrons are not the only potential settings and readers for a title. It’s so important to take other populations into consideration – just because something doesn’t work in your setting doesn’t mean it won’t work elsewhere.
In your experience how has the YALSA Awards and Selected Lists helped you as a librarian, or made your work better or easier or different than expected?
Like many librarians, I use the YALSA award and hon
In February we are posting interviews with each of the 2012 Candidates for YALSA Award Committees. This week we are focusing on the Excellence in Non-fiction Award Committee. Each day this week we’ll post an interview with one of the candidates for that committee. We are posting alphabetically by candidate’s last names.
The YALSA Nominating Committee for 2012 has been working hard to select candidates for this year’s election. The Excellence in Nonfiction Award Committee honors the best nonfiction book published for young adults (ages 12-18) during a November 1 – October 31 publishing year. The Committee is made up of eight members, including the chair. You can read the Committee policies and procedures on the YALSA website.
This is your chance to get to know this year’s candidates nominated to serve on the Excellence in Nonfiction Committee. Polls are open from March 19 to April 27.
Today we have an interview with Dorcas Hand.
What experience do you have that makes you a good candidate for the Excellence in Nonfiction Award?
I read reviews and many, many books each year – realizing I don’t always agree with those reviews and read the book myself whenever possible. I have worked every year for 20+ on the HAISLN Recommended Reading List to update one level or another of this K-12 list, a process which has me reading and discussing the relative merits of a variety of books for our purpose. Many years ago, I chaired SLJs “Adult Books for Young Adults”, an experience that taught me much about book evaluation. I have reviewed for The Horn Book (1982, when I lived in Boston) and SLJ for many years. This combination of experiences leaves me well trained for this committee.
Why do you want to be a member of this awards committee?
I especially love nonfiction as it is published these days, and recognize the wealth of good writing that is included in the genre. I organize an annual program at AOS to bring in a nonfiction author for four days of master classes with students in 4-8th grades who have research projects in process. I have been able to work with Susan Bartoletti Campbell, Jennifer Armstrong and Marc Aronson among others in the 8 years of the project; Tanya Stone will be coming in 2012. I look forward to reading high quality nonfiction to find the most exceptional this year.
What are you most looking forward to in being a part of this award decision process?
I look forward to meeting new people in my colleagues on the committee, to learning more about book evaluation in the course of the discussions, and to reading many wonderful books to share with my students and faculty colleagues. Of course, at the end of the process, I look forward to meeting the authors!
What do you feel are the key factors for decision-making for the Excellence in Nonfiction Award?
Interesting content and a unique perspective on content would be at the top of the list. There are many adequate nonfiction titles available; excellence implies a more insightful treatment and an approach that welcomes readers to the discovery process and the excitement of the new knowledge.
The reading load for awards committees is very high, how do you plan on managing the work load of award committee life?
The good news is that several other commitments are ending as I head off the AASL Board, the TLA Conference Planning Committee and the local dance group board. I look forward to lots of reading!
What have you learned from past experiences on awards, juries, or other YALSA committees that you will bring with you to this committee?
I have been very active in ALA/AASL/ISS for 30 years, as well as in the local library community. This consistency of involvement has provid
As you know, the ALA/YALSA election season has started. Polls are open March 19 through April 27 and YALSA has candidates on the association’s slate running for governance positions and candidates running for awards positions. In this post I’ll talk about the governance positions and provide information on resources you can access to learn more about the positions. The information should also help you think about what you want to consider when you cast your ballot. (Next week 2012 YALSA Nominating Committee member Dawn Rutherford will post on the awards slate with information on those positions.)
This year the positions open on the YALSA governance slate are (the full slate is available on the YALSAblog):
- President-elect/President
- Board of Directors
- YALSA Councilor
You may have heard of all of these positions but aren’t really sure what the people in them actually do. Here’s a brief run-down:
- President-elect/President: The person serving as YALSA President-elect and then President is as a member of YALSA’s Executive Committee as well as a member of YALSA’s Board. As President-Elect this YALSA leader participates fully in all Board meetings and Executive Committee meetings. She is responsible, during the President-Elect year, for appointing members to YALSA member groups including process and selection committees. And, during this elect year she works closely with the President and Past President on association planning. During the Presidential year the elected candidate runs all YALSA meetings including Board and Executive Committee meetings. She is responsible for representing YALSA at official events at Midwinter Meeting and Conference. She works closely with the Executive Director, President-Elect, and Past President on planning leadership and governance activities including drafting agendas and Board documents.
- YALSA Councilor: The YALSA Councilor is a full member of the YALSA Executive Committee and the YALSA Board. He or she is required to attend all Executive Committee meetings, all association Board meetings, and all ALA Council meetings. As YALSA’s representative to ALA Council, the Councilor is expected to speak up for issues that have an impact on teens at Council meetings. He or she is expected to bring topics of concern from Council to the YALSA Board as well as bring similar topics from the YALSA Board to Council. He or she is also expected to actively participate in the Youth Council Caucus, which is made up of all of those on ALA Council that are involved in serving youth. You can read more about the Councilor position on the YALSA website.
- Board of Directors: Each person elected to a YALSA Board of Director position is expected to participate fullly in the governance activities of the association 12 months a year. These members are required to attend face-to-face meetings at Annual Conference and Midwinter as well as a series of virtual and phone meetings held throughout the year. Board members serve as liaisons to all YALSA member groups including process and selection committees, task forces, and juries. Often Board members are asked to take on work as a part of an ad hoc committee that is investigating a particular activity in which YALSA is or might be involved. More information on the duties and responsibilities of YALSA Board members is available on the YALSA website.
For each of these positions strong leadership skills are required. These includ
In February we are posting interviews with each of the 2012 Candidates for YALSA Award Committees. This week we are focusing on the Excellence in Non-fiction Award Committee. Each day this week we’ll post an interview with one of the candidates for that committee. We are posting alphabetically by candidate’s last names.
The YALSA Nominating Committee for 2012 has been working hard to select candidates for this year’s election. The Excellence in Nonfiction Award Committee honors the best nonfiction book published for young adults (ages 12-18) during a November 1 – October 31 publishing year. The Committee is made up of eight members, including the chair. You can read the Committee policies and procedures on the YALSA website.
This is your chance to get to know this year’s candidates nominated to serve on the Excellence in Nonfiction Committee. Don’t forget the polls are open March 19 through April 27.
Today we have an interview with Maria Gentle.
What experience do you have that makes you a good candidate for the Excellence in Nonfiction Award?
I was very fortunate to be part of the first Printz Award committee (2000) and the Newbery Award committee of 2010 among others. Being part of these committees taught me much about cooperation, time management, and sound literary judgment among other things.
Why do you want to be a member of this awards committee?
I love reading nonfiction. The above mentioned award committees emphasize fiction over non-fiction, so I would love to be part of a group that would select outstanding nonfiction. I think a good part of our youth population enjoys reading nonfiction and to be able to recommend well-written nonfiction books is important for librarians.
What are you most looking forward to in being a part of this award decision process?
I look forward to working with like-minded librarians who believe nonfiction is as important as fiction for young people. There is a lot of fabulous nonfiction materials out there that needs to be brought forward, noticed, recognized.
What do you feel are the key factors for decision-making for the Excellence in Nonfiction Award?
Key factors for decision-making for the Excellence in Nonfiction Award for me are: accuracy, timeliness, and appropriateness of treatment among others.
The reading load for awards committees is very high, how do you plan on managing the work load of award committee life?
For Printz and Newbery I managed to keep up with the reading load by waking up at 5:00 am every morning and reading for two hours every day of the week. I also read during the day, but my first two hours of the day were sacred, devoted to reading in order to keep up. I knew I would have to give up other things such as going to movies, etc. but I knew it was only for one year which kept everything in perspective.
What have you learned from past experiences on awards, juries, or other YALSA committees that you will bring with you to this committee?
I learned from both Printz and Newbery that we do not work in a vacuum but as part of the committee. We each are important but it is a committee decision, which means that in the end your number one choice may not be everyone’s choice. It is great to see how each person defends his/her choice but in the end there is compromising to be done in order to reach the ultimate objective.
In your experience how has the YALSA Awards and Selected Lists helped you as a librarian, or made your work better or easier or different than expected?
YALSA Award and Selected Lists are so dependable. They are not one person’s opinions but a group of well-read, thoughtful and caring librarians that re
By: Beth,
on 1/27/2012
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YALSA - Young Adult Library Services Association
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For the second year during Midwinter YALSA sponsored a Coffee with the Candidates. This event gives members of the association the chance to meet with those running for governance positions (on the 2012 slate) to ask questions about why each candidate is interested in running, what they think they bring to YALSA, and so on. Last year and this year I was impressed both with the questions being asked and with the thoughtfulness of the candidates in answering member questions. The small group speed networking format of the Coffee is perfect for getting to know each other.
At the beginning of the program all of the candidates agreed to be interviewed by members of YALSA’s 2012 Nominating Committee. You can listen to these informal interviews by selecting the links below. (You will also get a sense of the atmosphere of the Coffee via the background noise – including shouts of excitement and laughter.)
Vicki Emery and Steve Matthews running for ALA Councillor interviewed by Franklin Escobedo
Vicki Emery and Steve Matthews running for ALA Councillor interviewed by Franklin Escobedo
Priscille Dando, Sarah Soggigian, Matthew Moffett, and Candice Mack running for YALSA Board – interviewed by Judy Nelson
Priscille Dando, Sarah Soggigian, Matthew Moffett, and Candice Mack running for YALSA Board – interviewed by Judy Nelson
Mary Hastler and Shannon Peterson running for YALSA President-Elect/President – interviewed by Franklin Escobedo
Mary Hastler and Shannon Peterson running for YALSA President-Elect/President – interviewed by Franklin Escobedo
Over the next several weeks there will be more posts on the YALSA Blog about the election and voting. Don’t forget that the polls open March 19 and close April 27. All YALSA members want to take the opportunity to vote when the polls are open. It’s your opportunity to make sure YALSA is the association that you want it to be.
One of the great things about participating in YALSA is knowing that you can make a difference. No matter what your level of experience, if you are passionate about serving teens in libraries, we can find a way for you to contribute. And while not everyone has time to serve on the Board or take part in a book committee, one thing each and every one of us can do is vote in the YALSA and ALA elections.
