Tag: book evaluation

Blogger Library Service to Underserved Children and Their Caregivers committee

Evaluating Books About Youth with Disabilities

| ALSC Library Service to Underserved Children and Their Caregivers|Leave a comment
A screenshot of DC Public Library's Website highlighting books about neurodiversity

Did you know that December 3rd is International Day of Persons with Disabilities? This observance was prompted by the United Nations beginning in 1992 to highlight and promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. As librarians, it is essential to highlight individuals with disabilities in our programs and our collections. However, it is also necessary to critically evaluate titles that are in your collection or that you are considering adding to the collection to ensure that they portray people with disabilities in an appropriate manner. Below, is a list of some ideas for evaluation from several different sources and further resources for deeper research. 

Continue Reading
ALSC Institute 2024

Book Evaluation Lessons from the Bill Morris Seminar

| Vanessa Salo|Leave a comment
Caldecott House

Like fellow #alsc2024 bloggers Lisa and Mitzi, I had the privilege of attending the Bill Morris Seminar this year. The seminar offered so much insight into the best practices for evaluating books for children. Whether you hope to serve on an ALSC, YALSA, or a state award committee (I spent three years evaluating history, biography, and historical fiction books for children for my state library association’s book awards!), here are some lessons that I plan to use in the future:

Continue Reading
Evaluation of Media

What Exactly is the Bill Morris Seminar and Why Should I Apply for It?

| Guest Contributor|Leave a comment

Do you have a fervor for discussing books? Are you looking to develop or refine your book evaluation skills? Has past participation in a mock book award committee piqued your interest in being part of the real thing someday—think Newbery, Caldecott, Geisel? If you responded “yes” to any of these questions, the Bill Morris Seminar might be just what you are looking for! The Morris Seminar is a biennial, all-day seminar that takes place the day before the kick-off of ALSC National Institute. From experience, I can confirm there are many professional and personal benefits offered by Seminar participation. I may have caught your attention, but maybe you are still wondering just how this Seminar works?

Continue Reading
Blogger Elizabeth Serrano

2020 Bill Morris Seminar: Book Evaluation Training

| Elizabeth Serrano|Leave a comment
Morris Seminar graphic

ALSC is seeking applications for its seventh biennial “Bill Morris Seminar: Book Evaluation Training,” to be held on Friday, January 24, 2020, prior to the ALA Midwinter Meeting in Philadelphia, Pa.  This invitational seminar supports and honors William C. Morris’ dedication to connecting librarians and children with excellent children’s books. The Morris Seminar will bring new ALSC members and members with limited evaluation experience together with those who have served on ALSC’s media evaluation committees in an environment to train and mentor them in the group process and in children’s media evaluation techniques.  The seminar will result 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…

Continue Reading