For immediate release | May 7, 2013

Chris Shoemaker elected for 2014-2015 YALSA presidency

CHICAGO – Members of the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), selected Chris Shoemaker as the division’s next president-elect. Shoemaker will begin his term as president-elect in June 2013, becoming president for one year in June 2014.

“I would truly like to thank all the YALSA members who voted for me, thereby giving me the opportunity to give back as president-elect and president,” Shoemaker said. “I look forward to ensuring YALSA supports 21st century teen services with strategic partnerships, addressing the educational divide, and building tools for member promotion.”

Beginning June 1, Shoemaker will take on a new role as director of the Rye Free Reading Room in Rye, N.Y., which is a member of the Westchester Library System. He currently serves as a director-at-large on YALSA’s Board of Directors and previously volunteered his time on the Advocacy Stipend Task Force, Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers Committee, Organization & Bylaws Committee, Baker & Taylor Award Jury, Midwinter Social Event and more.

In addition, YALSA elected two new members of its board of directors and new members for its 2015 Edwards, Printz and Nonfiction committees. YALSA membership also approved five bylaws measures to: update bylaws language to more accurately reflect the composition of the board and to bring the bylaws more into compliance with association best practices; add the financial advancement committee chair as an ex-officio and nonvoting member of the board; modify the process for seeking candidates for the YALSA ballot; streamline opt-in member groups; and allow for the establishment of sections in YALSA.

The full YALSA election results are posted at http://www.ala.org/yalsa/workingwithyalsa/election.

For more than 50 years, YALSA has worked to build the capacity of libraries and librarians to engage, serve and empower teens. 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.

Contact:

Jaclyn Finneke

Communications Manager

Young Adult Library Services Association

jfinneke@ala.org

1-800-545-2433 ext.2128