Home | About the Institute | ALSC Connection | General Sessions | Housing | Programs | Registration | Schedule | Sponsors
The Institute is presented by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), the world's largest organization dedicated to the support and enhancement of library service to children. From creative programming and best practices to continuing education and professional connections—ALSC members are innovators in the field of children's library service. ALSC's network includes children's and youth librarians, children's literature experts, publishers, education and library school faculty members, and other adults dedicated to engaging communities to build healthy, successful futures for all children.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who can attend the Institute?
A: The Institute is designed for patron-facing youth library staff, children’s literature experts, education and library school faculty members, and other interested adults. Registration categories exist for ALSC Members, ALA Members, non-ALA members, students, library support staff, and more. Education program presenters receive significantly discounted registration rates.
Q: What is included in my registration?
A: Your registration fee includes:
- Four incredible keynote sessions
- Two full days of education programming
- Thursday's Opening General Session dinner
- Refreshment breaks throughout National Institute
- Networking opporutunities
- Any virtual/recorded content considered part of National Institute's program
Housing, transportation, and meals outside of those listed on the schedule are not included with registration. Preconferences require a separate registration and fee.
Q: Will there be exhibits at the event?
A: Yes! More information on exhibitors will be available in 2024.
Q: What opportunities will there be to meet authors?
A: Our keynote speakers will participate in book signings following their presentations. Attendees will benefit from an on-site bookstore where they can buy books to have signed by attending creators.
Q: Can I get continuing education credits for attending National Institute?
A: Unfortunately, the Institute is not offering CEUs at this time. However, we encourage you to speak with your state licensing board to determine how much continuing education credit you could earn through your participation. Certificates of attendance are available upon request following National Institute; please allow up to two weeks for ALSC staff to get those certificates to you.
Q: I am trying to make travel arrangements, what time does the Institute begin and end?
A: The Institute schedule is still in development. The first formal event, Opening General Session, is scheduled for the evening of Thursday, September 19, 2024 and programming will run through Saturday, September 21. ALSC will update the Institute schedule as the agenda is confirmed.
Q: Are meals included in the registration fee?
A: Your registration fee includes Thursday's Opening General Session dinner as well as refreshment breaks and receptions throughout the event. Meals not noted in the Institute schedule will be at the attendees' expense.
Q: What should I bring to the Institute?
A: We recommend bringing the following items:
- Business cards to hand out at networking events
- Sweater or jacket to wear in case program rooms are chilly
- Notebook for program notes
- Jessica Fredrickson (chair)
- Cydney Clink
- Janet Damon
- Melissa Depper
- Carol Edwards
- Monique Ramos
- Desiree Sotomayor
A: No; the Institute takes place biennially in even years. If you cannot join us in 2024, we hope to see you in 2026!
Logistical FAQs
Cancelation Policy
The Institute is offered on a cost-recovery basis. ALSC reserves the right to cancel the Institute, or any portion of, if there is insufficient registration or for other reasons. Neither ALA nor any of its divisions are responsible for cancelation charges assessed by airlines or travel agencies, or other losses incurred in the cancelation of the Institute. All information listed on this website is subject to change.
Attendee Cancelation Policy
Cancelation is limited. All registrations must be made online or over the phone with ALA's Membership and Registration Services. Otherwise, registration cancelations must be made in writing (via email) to both Sarah Polen and Member and Registration Services no later than Friday, August 23, 2024. Cancelations will result in a full refund less $50 processing fee. No phone cancelations will be accepted. Refunds will be processed after October 14, 2024. No refunds will be given after the cancelation deadline date for any reason other than hospitalization or death. Proof of hospitalization and/or funeral services must be attached to refund request.
Substitutions are welcome at any time.
Housing
The housing bloc for National Institute will open in late spring 2024. Problems or questions regarding housing? Contact Sarah Polen, Deputy Director, at 312-280-4026, or via email.
Accessibility
Reasonable accommodations are available upon request. Contact Sarah Polen, Deputy Director, at 312-280-4026, or via email.
Membership in ALSC
ALSC members receive a significant discount on Institute registration, in addition many other member benefits throughout the year. ALA and ALSC membership is managed by the ALA Membership and Registration Services (MRS). You can join or renew/rejoin/add to your membership using ALA’s secure online form; or call 800-545-2433 and press 5. MRS representatives are available Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM Central.
Photographic Policy
At the moment, ALSC has no specific plans to have an official photographer at the conference; however, we want to ensure that any photos that are taken (whether by conference staff or by fellow conference attendees) are done in accordance with attendee wishes. Please let us know your photography comfort level by indicating this in the "Photographic Policy" section on your registration form.
Registration
Registration for 2024 National Institute will open in late spring of 2024. Problems or questions regarding registration? Contact Sarah Polen, Program Officer for Continuing Education, at 312-280-4026, or via email.