Apply for the Friends of ALSC preconference scholarship

CHICAGO - The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) and the Friends of ALSC are offering two scholarships to the 2013 ALSC Preconference, A Wild Ride: 75 Years of the Caldecott Medal. The Preconference is taking place from 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Friday, June 28, 2013 at the Art Institute of Chicago. Scholarship recipients must be ALSC members who work directly with children in a library setting.

The ALSC Preconference invites attendees to take a wild ride through the past, present and future of award-winning children’s book art by celebrating 75 years of the Randolph Caldecott Medal. Hear about the creative process from an array of Caldecott winners, as well as editors, art directors and production managers. Engage with one another in small focus groups and interactive, critical discussions of Caldecott medal books throughout the years.

Candidates must be personal members of ALSC as well as ALA (student members are eligible) and currently be working directly with children in a library setting. Prior to submitting the application, candidates must seek permission from their current supervisors for time off to attend the preconference. All applications must be submitted by May 3, 2013; late entries will not be considered. To apply, please visit the ALSC Preconference page.

If selected, winners must be willing to submit an informal essay (500 – 1,000 words) about the preconference experience to be used on the ALSC Blog and in future promotions and marketing. The scholarship consists of preconference registration; ALA Annual Conference registration and travel costs are not included with the scholarship. Applicants do not need to be registered for ALA Annual Conference to attend the preconference.

Criteria for selection includes commitment to children’s library services and to ALSC; leadership qualities as displayed through library and community involvement; need for professional development and desired outcome for attending the ALSC Preconference; financial need for scholarship, personally and professionally; and well-roundedness of the applicant.

The online application must be submitted before midnight on May 3, 2013. Winners will be notified during the first week in June. The online application cannot be saved during the process. Please do not fill out and submit the application until you have all the necessary information. Please contact Jenny Najduch, ALSC program officer, at jnajduch@ala.org or (312) 280-4026 with questions.