YALSA to offer two preconferences prior to ALA's Annual Conference

Contact: Nichole Gilbert

YALSA

312-280-4387

ngilbert@ala.org

For Immediate Release

February 26, 2007

YALSA to offer two preconferences prior to ALA’s Annual Conference

CHICAGO - The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), the fastest growing division of the American Library Association (ALA), is offering two preconferences prior to ALA’s Annual Conference in Washington: “Beginner's Guide to Teens in Libraries” and “Sins of Young Adult Literature.”

The preconferences will be held on Friday, June 22, 2007. Registration for both events is available online at www.ala.org/annual. It is separate from ALA’s Annual Conference registration.

The purpose of the preconference “Beginner's Guide to Teens in Libraries” is to provide continuing education to help library workers who are not trained as young adult librarians interact with teens in a positive manner and to provide appropriate services and resources to teens. Participants will become familiar with basic reference and readers advisory for today’s teens. Adolescent development, simple marketing and programming also will be covered. Amy Alessio, the teen coordinator for the Schaumburg Township District Library in Illinois, and Nick Buron, coordinator, Young Adult Services, at the Queens (N.Y.) Library Programs and Services Department, are the instructors for this half-day preconference. The cost is $125 to both members and nonmembers of YALSA and runs from 8:30 am – 12:30 pm.

Using the Seven Deadly Sins as a starting point, the “Sins of Young Adult Literature” preconference will feature notable authors in the world of young adult literature in a lively and thought-provoking conversation. From controversial themes to defending challenges to non-traditional formats, all aspects of books for teens will be discussed. Attendees will be encouraged to examine their own actions and biases as we work to understand what the real sins are and develop methods to better serve all our patrons. Lunch included. This preconference, which will run from 8:30 am –5 pm, costs $195 for YALSA Members; $235 for ALA Members; $285 for non-Members; and $195 for Retired/Student Members.

Advanced registration for the preconferences is available online until May 18, 2007, at www.ala.org/annual. Participants must register to attend the preconference but are not required to register for ALA’s Annual Conference. More information on the other programs and events YALSA is offering during ALA’s Annual Conference can be found online at http://www.ala.org/ala/yalsa/annual.htm.

For 50 years, YALSA has been the world leader in selecting books, videos and audiobooks for teens. For more information about these awards or for additional lists of recommended reading, go to www.ala.org/yalsa/booklists. For more information about YALSA, please contact us via e-mail, yalsa@ala.org; or by phone at 1-800-545-2433 ext. 4390.