The American Library Association's Midwinter Conference was held in Dallas, Texas, this year. I headed down the day before the conference in order to attend the third biennial Bill Morris Seminar. This is an opportunity to learn materials evaluation skills established by the ALA division Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) and led by ALSC members who have served on award committees. I had read assigned books before the seminar and was both nervous and excited as I arrived early for this special event. I learned a great deal and met wonderful people who share a passion for children's literature. There were only 30 people chosen from many who applied (many of us applied multiple times and had demonstrated persistence if nothing else!). I was delighted to find another school librarian from my BOCES region, Teka McCabe from Briarcliff Manor's middle school, in the small group to which I was assigned. Getting to know Teka was icing on the cake of this very special day.
I was very busy over the next few days with responsibilities as the co-chair of the Organization & Bylaws Committee for ALSC. ALSC leadership has decided that many committees will be virtual going forward so that more librarians can participate. This entails changing membership wording in the bylaws and involves following a process that is well-defined but requires connecting with chairs of the committees that are going virtual. There were other issues to attend to as well, and it was intense but very satisfying to work with wonderful people and contribute even in a small way to an extraordinary organization.
During the few days I was in Dallas, I was able to attend some programs and visit the vendors on the exhibition floor. I especially liked sitting in on the ALSC Notable Children's Book Committee as the committee members evaluated many books in their quest to winnow their list down to 100 (this is their list). I also was able to meet children's book bloggers I follow on twitter and attend book preview events. A highlight for me was the Martin Luther King, Jr., breakfast held before the ALSC Youth Media Awards and, of course, the awards announcement of the 2012 Newbery, Caldecott, King, Belpre, Schneider, Sibert, etc. awards.
It was a terrific experience, and I highly recommend getting involved in ALA and its divisions and roundtables. I was very glad to be involved in Barbara Stripling's campaign (I attended a gathering and also stood at her table, handing out flyers and stickers). I think she has a great shot at becoming ALA president - but we all have to get out the vote. This is really important. Please check out her website and do all you can to support her candidacy!!
