ALSC is now seeking applications for its third biennial “Bill Morris Seminar: Book Evaluation Training,” to be held on Friday, January 20, 2012, prior to the ALA Midwinter Meeting in Dallas, Texas. This invitational seminar supports and honors William C. Morris’ dedication to connecting librarians and children with excellent children’s books by bringing ALSC members with limited evaluation experience together with those who have served on ALSC’s media evaluation committees. Attendees are trained and mentored in the group process and in children’s media evaluation techniques, resulting in new and emerging leaders for future ALSC evaluation committees.
The Morris Endowment supports those selected to attend the training seminar by offering the seminar at no charge to the attendee. This includes all materials, breakfast, lunch, and afternoon break on Friday. To help defray additional costs for hotel and other expenses, a $200 stipend for each attendee will be provided by the endowment.
“This is a unique and valuable opportunity for ALSC members to finely hone their evaluation skills from colleagues who have defined the last decade of award winning books and media,” said ALSC President Mary Fellows. “It is a career highlight for those who participate.”
Morris was a long-time ALSC member and friend, the recipient of the first ALSC Distinguished Service Award as well as an advocate for children’s librarians and literature. Morris was former vice-president and director of library promotion at HarperCollins Children’s Books. The ALSC William C. Morris Endowment was established in 2000 and activated in 2003 upon his death. Morris envisioned his endowment funding programs, publications, events, and/or awards that would promote excellence in children’s literature.
Information and the application form are available on the ALSC Web site at http://www.ala.org/alscevents. Applications must be received by September 16, 2011. Attendees selected to attend the seminar will be notified during the first week of November.