ALSC National Institute scholarship awarded to Peterson and Struckmeyer

The Friends of ALSC have awarded scholarships to the ALSC National Institute to Joella Peterson and Amanda Struckmeyer in efforts to support ALSC’s goal of continuing education for children’s librarians. The scholarships include Institute registration; transportation to and from the Institute; and two nights at the Sheridan Indianapolis City Centre where the Institute is being held. The ALSC Institute is taking place Sept. 20 – 22, 2012 in Indianapolis.

Peterson and Struckmeyer were chosen from a pool of more than 25 well-qualified applicants. Criteria for selection included commitment to children’s library services and to ALSC (The Association for Library Service to Children); leadership qualities as displayed through library and community involvement; need for professional development and desired outcome for attending the ALSC Institute; financial need for scholarship, personally and professionally; and well-roundedness of the applicant. Applications were reviewed by an ALSC Board sub-committee consisting of current Board members.

As a youth services librarian at the Tumwater Timberland (Wash.) Library, Peterson will be a first-time Institute attendee and looks forward to learning more about early literacy practices, best practices for youth services staff and incorporating music with preschoolers. “I have desired to go to the ALSC National Institute for many years, but because of time constrains, location and budget restrictions, I have never been able to attend,” said Peterson. “Even though I can keep current with the ALSC electronic discussion list and with ALA Connect (and serve on virtual committees), being able to meet with people in-person and see and talk to them often makes all the difference in turning a good idea into a great library program.”

Struckmeyer is the head of youth services at the Middleton (Wis.) Public Library, and has been an ALSC member for more than eight years. She has served on numerous ALSC committees, from Organization and Bylaws to the Newbery Award and is also active in the Wisconsin Library Association. “My position as Head of Youth Services is demanding, and the world of children’s librarianship evolves quickly,” said Struckmeyer. “I would be able to put knowledge and insight from the ALSC Institute into practice right away. I constantly strive to offer enriching, cutting-edge programming and materials to all of the children and families in my community.”

The ALSC National Institute, devoted solely to children’s and youth library services, offers a small, intimate setting for participating in programming and getting to know colleagues. Programs will delve into some of the most important topics in library service to children such as using technology in programming, what’s hot in children’s spaces, working with underserved populations, and using local partnerships to improve programming. For more information about the ALSC Institute please visit www.ala.org/alsc/institute.