YALSA's Young Adult Literature Symposium

Beyond Good Intentions: Diversity, Literature, and Teens

Save the date! YALSA's next Young Adult Literature Symposium will take place Nov. 5-7, 2010 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In November 2008, more than 600 librarians, educators and fans of young adult literature gathered in Nashville for How We Read Now, YALSA's first Young Adult Literature Symposium. Over the course of three days, they attended receptions, educational sessions, paper presentations on the dynamic and growing field of young adult literature and enjoyed one-on-one interactions with popular young adult authors. The symposium is sponsored in part by the William C. Morris Endowment.

Don't miss the next symposium, coming Nov. 5-7, 2010 in Albuquerque!

Theme

The 2010 symposium theme is Beyond Good Intentions: Diversity, Literature, and Teens. Today's generation of teens is the most diverse ever. Does today's young adult literature reflect the many different faces, beliefs and identities of today's teens? What impact is this generation having on young adult literature and vice versa? Join YALSA as we explore the depth and breadth of contemporary literature in search of an answer to these questions.

Preconference Proposals

YALSA is now accepting preconference proposals for the 2010 symposium. The preconference must relate to the 2010 symposium theme and can be either a half- or full-day event that takes place prior to the symposium. The preconference will take place on Nov. 5. Download the application (Word doc) to read the requirements and apply. Proposals are due Oct. 1.

Program Proposals

YALSA is now accepting proposals for programs relating to the theme at the 2010 symposium. Programs are 90-minute sessions that will take place between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Nov. 6 or 8 a.m. and noon on Nov. 7. Download the application (Word doc) to read the requirements and apply. Proposals are due Oct. 1.

Paper Presentations

Paper presentations are 20-minute sessions that will take place as part of a 90-minute program between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Nov. 6 or 8 a.m. and noon on Nov. 7. Accepted papers will be published by YALSA after the symposium. Download the application (Word doc) to read the requirements and apply. Proposals are due Oct. 1.

Stipend Applications

Applications are now available for the 2010 Young Adult Literature Symposium Stipends. See the details; you could receive up to $1,000 to attend the 2010 symposium. One stipend will be award to library workers who work directly with teens; the other will be awarded to a student in an ALA-accredited MLS program (you must be a student on Nov. 5, 2010 to be considered). Applications are due Jan. 4, 2010, and winners will be notified before or on March 1.

Important Dates

2009

Oct. 1: Deadline to submit a preconference, program, or paper proposal

2010

Jan. 4: Applications for symposium stipend due

Jan. 15: Preliminary program announced

March 1: Stipend winners notified

April 12: Symposium registration opens

Sept. 1: Presenters for the preconference, programs, or paper presentations must register by this date.

Sept. 10: Early bird registration ends

Oct. 8: Advanced registration ends

Nov. 5-7: 2010 symposium in Albuquerque

Questions? Contact yalsa@ala.org or call 1-800-545-2433, ext. 4390.