ALSC offers William C. Morris Seminar: Book Evaluation Training at Midwinter 2014

For Immediate Release
Thu, 08/01/2013

Contact:

Jenny Najduch

Program Officer for Continuing Education

Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC)

jnajduch@ala.org

CHICAGO — The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) is seeking applications for its third biennial “Bill Morris Seminar: Book Evaluation Training,” to be held on Friday, January 24, 2014, prior to the ALA Midwinter Meeting in Philadelphia.  This invitational seminar supports and honors William C. Morris’ dedication to connecting librarians and children with excellent children’s books. 

The Morris Seminar will bring new ALSC members and members with limited evaluation experience together with those who have served on ALSC’s media evaluation committees in an environment to train and mentor them in the group process and in children’s media evaluation techniques.  The seminar will result in new and emerging leaders for future ALSC evaluation committees.

The Morris Endowment supports those selected to attend the training seminar by offering the seminar at no charge to the attendee.  This includes all materials, breakfast, lunch, and afternoon break on Friday.  To help defray additional costs for hotel and other expenses, a $200 stipend for each attendee will be provided by the endowment.

“The Morris Seminar offers an inspiring and invigorating opportunity to explore the dynamics of group discussion while engaging with experts in the field of book evaluation,” said ALSC President Starr LaTronica.  “Participants make strong connections to peers and leaders and come away with a renewed confidence in book discussion. This is a unique and invaluable experience for all involved and it ensures ALSC maintains its legacy of distinguished award-winning books.”

Morris was a long-time ALSC member and friend, the recipient of the first ALSC Distinguished Service Award as well as an advocate for children’s librarians and literature.  Morris was former vice-president and director of library promotion at HarperCollins Children’s Books.  The ALSC William C. Morris Endowment was established in 2000 and activated in 2003 upon his death.  Morris envisioned his endowment funding programs, publications, events, and/or awards that would promote excellence in children’s literature.  

Information and the application form are available on the ALSC website.  Questions should be directed to ALSC Executive Director Aimee Strittmatter at astrittmatter@ala.org or 800-545-2433, x2162.  Applications must be received by September 20, 2013.  Attendees selected to attend the seminar will be notified during the last week in October.