It’s hard to believe that summer has already come and gone! While fall brings a new set of programs, services, and problems to solve, it’s important to make space and time to reflect on the whirlwind of summer reading and learning. What challenges did you overcome, what successes and joys did you find, and what are you hoping to carry forward into 2024? These are all important questions to sit with, and now is the perfect opportunity to share your reflections on the lessons you’ve learned with others!
Children and Libraries (CAL), the journal of the Association for Library Service to Children, is seeking articles and photos from Summer Reading Programs for the Spring 2024 issue. In particular, the journal is looking for “Best Practices” pieces around summer reading and learning. These pieces are typically 1,500 words or less and detail a successful (or not-so-successful) children’s program. Effective best practice articles provide as much pertinent information as possible to help readers learn from the author’s’ experience, including:
- How the program was funded (Grants? Donations? Budget?)
- How the program was marketed/promoted
- Program attendance
- Planning/preparation timeline and checklist of materials needed
- Execution of and feedback on the program
- Quotes from staff and attendees
- Photos if applicable
If you are interested in writing a “Best Practices” piece on summer reading and learning, or have another article idea, please reach out to CAL Editor Sharon Verbeten (childrenandlibraries@gmail.com).
The journal also welcomes high resolution (300 dpi) photographs from programming or other library events. All photos showing children must be accompanied by a signed waiver from a parent/legal guardian. Submissions for the Spring 2024 article are due November 1, 2023.
About CAL
Children and Libraries is the journal of the Association for Library Service to Children. Published four times a year, it “primarily serves as a vehicle for continuing education for librarians working with children, and showcases current scholarly research and practice in library service to children and significant activities and initiatives of the Association” (http://www.ala.org/alsc/publications-resources/cal). Our publication is dedicated to sharing content to promote the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of library service to children.
Interested in writing on another topic? We welcome submissions on a variety of content areas on a rolling basis. You can also read past issues of Children & Libraries online for free with ALSC membership. Issues over a year old are open access to all.
This post addresses the following ALSC Core Competencies: V. Advocacy & Outreach; VII. Professionalism and Professional Development.
Co-chairs Jacquie Kociubuk and Megan Thomas are writing this post on behalf of the ALSC Children & Libraries Editorial Advisory Committee. Editorial assistance provided by Sharon Verbeten and Laura Schulte-Cooper.