YALSA Interest Groups

One way that YALSA members can connect with one another is to form an Interest Group around a common topic, geographic area, job or member type.

Interest Groups are grassroots, member-driven groups that focus on facilitating networking and information exchange between members. Topics that members formed groups around in the past include anime, gaming, music, TAGs, technology, teaching YA Lit, summer reading, student members, serving teens in urban areas, readers' advisory, professional development, outreach to teens with special needs, and managing YA services. Interest Groups can also be formed to bring together members of a specific city, state or region.

Interest Groups may sponsor conference or symposium programs, contribute to YALSA's blogs and publications, and more. The groups are completely self-initiated and not appointed by YALSA officers. Members of Interest Groups are not required to attend the Annual Conference or the Midwinter Meeting, and there is no limit on the number of virtual participants an Interest Group may have. No work is required of Interest Group members -- the level of participation is up to each member.

Interests Groups can utilize Zoom, ALA Connect, or any other virtual platforms to meet. If you'd like YALSA to set-up a Zoom meeting or ALA Connect group for your Interest Group, please contact YALSA staff at yalsa@ala.org. Please note that date/time availability for Zoom meetings may be limited.

YALSA Interest Group FAQs

What is the time commitment? How much work is involved?

Members of Interest Groups are not required to complete any work or tasks on behalf of YALSA. The main purpose of Interest Groups is to enable members to connect with one another, not to do any association work - so Interest Group members can put as much or as little time into participation as they would like.

What are the benefits of joining an Interest Group?

  • A chance to network both virtually and in person with peers
  • Leadership opportunities by serving as a convener or co-convener
  • A chance to discuss “hot” topics of mutual interest
  • An informal environment to further your knowledge of issues relating to the profession

How does an Interest Groups fit into YALSA’s Structure?

Interest Groups are established in accordance with procedures described in the YALSA bylaws (.pdf), Article X, Sections 1-4 (revised 2003).

YALSA’s Board of Directors undertakes periodic reviews of Interest Groups. Such reviews will consist of an evaluation of the group's activities, attendance, and compliance with the policy that Interest Groups focus on issues that are not being met by any other group or committee within YALSA.

What Existing Interest Groups does YALSA have?

While YALSA had interest groups in the past, the association does not have any active interest groups currently. Please reach out to yalsa@ala.org if you're interested in starting one!

How Can I Start A New Interest Group?

  • Circulate a petition (Word doc) and garner 15 signatures from current YALSA members who are interested in and willing to participate in the group, if it is established. It is strongly recommended that you contact YALSA’s Executive Director for assistance with creating, circulating and submitting the petition.
  • Petitions need to be submitted to the YALSA Board of Directors for approval. This can be achieved by sending the completed petition to yalsa@ala.org with a request that the petition be considered by the board.
  • The petition requesting permanent status must include statements of:
    • The purpose for the group, including a rationale for why the need for such a group exist
    • How the group differs from any other established YALSA discussion group or committee
    • The name(s) of the convener or co-conveners
    • The number of persons attending preliminary meetings (if applicable)
    • Summaries of topics covered at preliminary meetings (if applicable)
  • Individuals wishing to establish an Interest group may hold two preliminary meetings before petitioning for official status from the YALSA Board of Directors. Requests for these preliminary meetings are made in consultation with the Executive Director and the YALSA President.

How Can I Restart an Inactive Group?

  1. Contact the Executive Director
  2. Find a YALSA member who is willing to commit to being the convenor for one year.

What are Some Examples of Possible Interest Groups?

  • Groups can be formed around a topic like design thinking, makerspaces, youth participation, science fiction, supporting the needs of foster teens, or anything else relating to serving teens through libraries
  • Groups can be formed for a particular geographic area, such as the Houston Metro Area IG, or the Rhode Island IG
  • Groups can be formed to focus on a specific job or member type, such as the YA Services Managers' IG, the High School Librarians' IG, or the Student Member IG

What Can an Interest Group Do?

  • Meet to discuss issues relevant to the group online via Zoom or at ALA’s Annual Conference. If you'd like to set-up a Zoom meeting, please contact yalsa staff at yalsa@ala.org.
  • Plan and implement programs at ALA’s Annual Conference in accordance with ALA and YALSA policies and procedures.
  • Prepare and publish works relating to the group’s mission in accordance with ALA and YALSA policies and procedures.
  • Lead an online discussion forum set up by YALSA staff for the group.
  • Keep the association’s membership informed of the group’s activities by sending reports to the editors of YALSA E-News and YALS.
  • Provide content for YALSA’s website relating to the group’s activities.

What Can’t an Interest Group Do?

  • Establish policy
  • Have officers other than the convener (or co-convener) or convener-elect/recorder
  • Establish a formal substructure or appoint subcommittees
  • Engage in any activity in conflict with the mission of YALSA
  • Seek funding from YALSA for such activities

What are the duties of an Interest Group’s Convener?

The convener of each group is responsible for seeing that the group's activities are limited to discussion of common issues within the purpose of the group, that the group engages in no activity in conflict with the mission of YALSA, and that the relevant bylaws are observed. Additionally, the convener:

  • Identifies a topic (or topics) for discussions online or at Annual Conference
  • Finds a knowledgeable person (or persons) to lead discussions at meetings and/or online
  • If the group wants to meet at Annual, connect with YALSA staff by emailing yalsa@ala.org.
  • Communicates regularly with the group to share relevant resources and news, and to spur discussions
  • Promotes the Interest Group and its meetings to the YALSA membership
  • Facilitates the discussions and any work of the group’s projects throughout the year and keeps group members motivated and on track
  • Recruits YALSA members to join the group
  • Creates and maintains a welcoming and inclusive environment for all members
  • Urges Interest Group participants to become involved further in YALSA
  • Know YALSA’s strategic plan and be able to articulate how the group supports the plan

  • Credits YALSA with sponsorship of the group

Do you have something less formal than an Interest Group, including something that people who are not yet members could participate in?

Organize a local meet-up. Everyone is welcome, and it could be a one-time event or an on-going want: you decide.