ALSC\u2019s book award committees are a big deal, and for good reason. There\u2019s nothing quite like attending the annual Youth Media Awards ceremony and getting to hear which new author or illustrator will be honored. The audience goes wild in support–standing, clapping, cheering, and celebrating in the best way possible. I always love seeing the committee members stand and wave to the audience when their award is named. Serving on a book award committee is a ton of work, but also\u2026what a thrill!<\/p>\n
What many people may not know, however, is that ALSC\u2019s many (upwards of 60!) process committees and task forces also provide immense satisfaction for those who serve. I was reminded of all the good things that ALSC\u2019s process committees and task forces accomplish while attending the ALSC 101 session at this year\u2019s Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. Part of this session included a panel discussion, featuring a wide range of ALSC members with differing levels of experience in the organization. I was so happy to see that the discussion ended up centering on the panelists\u2019 varied, but uniformly positive, experiences while serving on process committees and task forces. All panelists urged the attendees to check out these committees and volunteer.<\/p>\n
Task forces and process committees may not be as high-profile as some of ALSC\u2019s other committees, but the work that they do is powerful, and the relationships that committee members form amongst themselves are incredibly meaningful. These committees and work groups provide invaluable hands-on professional development experience for our members. They offer members an opportunity to get to know other children\u2019s librarians in the field and work together on something meaningful. Committee members are often able to see a project through from start to finish and see the difference that that project makes when introduced to a greater whole. The knowledge and experience gained through these committees helps us to be even better librarians, and can help us gain professional recognition and advancement.<\/p>\n