Monthly, we will profile current ALSC Board members. We hope to offer information about the people who work to guide the organization so that you can feel more comfortable in reaching out to them with your concerns, questions, or comments. This month, we invite you to meet ALSC Board member, Sada Mozer.
How did you first get involved with ALSC?
While in library school, my professor conveyed the importance of actively supporting our professional organizations. I joined ALA and ALSC as I set my sights on becoming a children’s librarian. I attended ALSC sessions at conferences and read through each issue of Children and Libraries. As a librarian, I would look at the volunteer application form and felt I didn’t possess the skills to put forth for committee work. But I enjoyed meeting members and sharing ideas on how to improve the field I love. At the suggestion of a respected colleague I put my name forward for an evaluation committee. I was selected and have not looked back.
What excites you about serving on the ALSC Board?
My first Board meeting felt like I had jumped on a moving train! Our Board is very passionate about improving ALSC as it prepares for its future. Being trusted with this responsibility is very exciting. To understand the processes and to get to know my fellow board members, I quickly volunteered for a committee. Seeing firsthand how all the pieces that make up the ALSC organization work together to achieve important outcomes is extremely exciting!
I am also excited to meet with our ALSC members and represent the ALSC Board when attending conferences and events. I’m asked all types of questions regarding the work we do and I encourage everyone to join a committee. I stress how important it is to have a voice in how we shape our future.
What is a skill that you’ve acquired through your engagement with ALSC?
My service to ALSC has taught me to be adaptable, meet deadlines that I thought were impossible to meet, how to collaborate and how to compromise. I have gained the confidence to see myself as a leader. I now feel worthy of taking up space in places I would have hesitated.
What is something you have done as a member of ALSC that you’re particularly proud of?
After serving two years on Notable Children’s Book, I was offered the chair of the 2021 committee. No need to remind anyone what happened in 2020/2021. All of our NCB in-person sessions were moved to a virtual platform. This transition was a delirious collaboration between our NCB committee members, my outstanding Priority Chair Consultant, the fantastic ALSC office and the wonderful members who zoomed in to watch us. We had more participants watching our sessions than we had ever had in person. This shift challenged each of us to be adaptable, effective and work as visionaries to achieve success. We did it and I am very proud to have been a part of it.
What advice would you give to an ALSC member interested in exploring more leadership or
governance roles?
Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. There are so many opportunities. Volunteer! Attend the open meetings. There are almost 70 committees to choose from. Visit the “What Does That ALSC Committee Do?” page on the ALSC website. It will give you a rundown of the types of committees and commitment levels. Ask questions. There are no wrong questions…believe me, I have asked them all!
What is your favorite Youth Media Award winning book?
Where the Wild Things Are is my favorite picture book. I used to read it to my kids. We would take turns roaring like the beasts and dancing around like Max! And when I became a Children’s Librarian, I took this book on school visits. It was the only title that could be read to all the elementary school classes, Preschool through 5th grade. The students loved going on Max’s adventure as much as my kids did. What fun I’ve had sharing this book. I even got a tattoo of Max’s crown!
What is your favorite ALSC memory?
As a member of the 2018 NCB committee, I was able to attend the YMA press conference in Seattle. Our committee chose to wear white t-shirts, each displaying a large black letter that when we all stood together, spelled out NOTABLES. Although we were not a book award committee, we were allowed to enter the hall early and sit in the front. Everyone was very receptive to us and we posed for many pictures that morning. What fun!
Sada Mozer is a Senior Librarian with the Los Angeles Public Library. She loves to travel, is addicted to Korean dramas, and enjoys good whiskey.
Interested in standing for election to the ALSC Board? Find out more on the ALSC election information
page.