For immediate release | June 4, 2010

YALSA sponsors two Emerging Leaders

CHICAGO - The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) will sponsor two members as Emerging Leaders in 2011. Applications are now online; be sure to indicate “YALSA” as the preferred sponsor when applying. YALSA’s Emerging Leaders will each receive up to $1,000 to attend ALA’s 2011 Midwinter Meeting in San Diego and Annual Conference in New Orleans ($500 per conference). YALSA’s Emerging Leaders are funded through the Friends of YALSA. Applications are due July 30.
The Emerging Leaders program enables newer librarians from across the country to participate in problem-solving work groups; network with peers; gain an inside look into ALA structure, and have an opportunity to serve the profession in a leadership capacity. It puts them on the fast track to ALA and professional leadership.
“Supporting librarians in developing leadership skills and supporting librarians that would like to get more deeply involved in working at the national level to guarantee high quality teen services is something YALSA is committed to,” said Linda W. Braun, YALSA president. “Librarians who are interested in taking a next step in getting involved in ALA and YALSA, who would like to work on a project that supports the Association and services to teens, who would like to become more adept at leadership, and who would like to be a part of a team and gain skills in working on a project with national impact should apply for the program.”
No more than one person from any institution will be selected for participation in the program. Preference will be given to those who do not have experience working on ALA committees, taskforces or workgroups. To be eligible for participation in the program, those selected must meet the following criteria:
  1. Be under 35 years of age or be a library worker of any age with fewer than five years experience working in a library, and
  2. Be able to attend both ALA conferences and work virtually in between each,
  3. Be prepared to commit to serve on a YALSA committee, taskforce or workgroup
  4. Be a YALSA member.
For questions or more information regarding the program, contact Beatrice Calvin at bcalvin@ala.org.
For more than 50 years, YALSA has been the world leader in selecting books, videos and audio books for teens. For more information about YALSA or for lists of recommended reading, viewing and listening, go to www.ala.org/yalsa/booklists, or contact the YALSA office by phone, (800) 545-2433, ext. 4390, or e-mail, yalsa@ala.org.

Contact:

Stephanie Kuenn