Midwinter Research Paper Presentation - INACTIVE

The YALSA Midwinter Research Paper Presentation is an annual event whose purpose is to provide a venue for educators, library staff, students, and others interested in serving teens through libraries to gather and explore a topic of current interest that impacts the field. A jury will select one research paper to be delivered at the next ALA Midwinter Meeting. The presenter will receive up to $1,500 to defray travel and registration costs. The research paper will be published in YALSA’s open source, peer-reviewed Journal of Research on Libraries and Young Adults after the conference. For locations and dates of upcoming Midwinter Meetings, visit the ALA web site.

Research Paper Topics

The YALSA Midwinter Research Paper Presentation Jury is seeking proposals for papers presenting points of view based on current research and relating either to topics covered in YALSA's Research Agenda. The agenda includes five priority areas:

Priority Area 1: The Impact of Libraries as Teen Formal and Informal Learning Environments

Priority Area 2: Library Staff Training, Skills and Knowledge

Priority Area 3: Equity of Access

Priority Area 4: Cultural Competence, Social Justice and Equity

Priority Area 5: Community Engagement

Purpose

To provide a venue for educators, library staff, students, and others interested in serving teens through libraries an opportunity to gather and explore a topic of current interest that impacts the field.

Application Requirements

Please use the official application form.

  • Paper proposals are due no later than June 1 each year. 
  • Only previously unpublished research papers will be accepted.
  • The winner will be selected, and all applicants will be notified by September 1. 
  • All paper presenters must register for the Midwinter Meeting by December 1. 
  • Individuals from historically underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply
  • For questions, email the Midwinter Paper Presentation Committee Chair.

Eligibility Requirements

Any individual from within or without of the library community is welcome to submit an application. Membership in ALA/YALSA is not required. Individuals from historically underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

Winners

2019 - Amanda Waugh, "Feels Like Home: The Digital Information Practices of Teen Fans"

2018 - Kafi Kumasi, “Doin’ the Knowledge: Using Hip Hop as Framework to Study Youth New Media Practices"

2017 - none selected

2016 - June Abbas and Kyungwon Koh, "Competencies Needed to Provide Teen Library Services of the Future: Survey of Professionals in Learning Labs and Makerspaces"

2015 - Mega Subramaniam, "Designing the library of the future for and with teens: Librarians as the “Connector” in connected learning"

2014 - Lesley Farmer, "Trends Impacting YA Services: Sex, Mind, and Body: How Guys and Girls Search for Health Information."

2013 - Carol Tilley, “Comics: A Once-Missed Opportunity.”

2012 - Jeanie Austin, "Critical Issues in Juvenile Detention Libraries."