Crystle Martin elected for 2018-2019 YALSA presidency

CHICAGO — Members of the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), elected Crystle Martin as the division’s next president-elect. Martin will begin her term as president-elect in June 2017, becoming president for one year starting June 2018.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to serve as YALSA incoming president-elect,” said Martin. “My commitment to supporting youth, through libraries, as they develop and plan for their future is strong, and I hope to help YALSA members support #teensfirst through professional learning and development. I look forward to advancing YALSA's mission and vision, and continuing to evolve YALSA to best support its members.”

Martin is a postdoctoral research fellow for the Digital Media and Learning Hub at University of California, Irvine. Her research focuses on promoting equity in youth learning and information practices through libraries. She completed a PhD in Curriculum & Instruction specializing in Digital Media from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, with a minor in Library and Information Studies.

In addition to a new president-elect, YALSA also elected a new fiscal officer, four directors for the board, and new members for its 2019 Edwards, Printz and Nonfiction committees. YALSA members also voted to approve two bylaws changes. Beginning with the 2018 election, award committees will all be appointed, instead of a mix of appointed and elected. Members also approved expanding the Governance Nominating Committee into a Board Development Committee that will provide leadership training and support to potential and existing Board members.

The full YALSA election results can be found at www.ala.org/yalsa/workingwithyalsa/election.  

The mission of the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) is to support library staff in alleviating the challenges teens face, and in putting all teens ‒ especially those with the greatest needs ‒ on the path to successful and fulfilling lives. For more information about YALSA or to access national guidelines and other resources go to www.ala.org/yalsa, or contact the YALSA office by phone, 800-545-2433, ext. 4390; or e-mail: yalsa@ala.org.