YALSA Discussion & Interest Groups
Members of discussion and interest groups are not required to attend the Annual Conference or the Midwinter Meeting, and there is no limit on the number of virtual participants a discussion or interest group may have. To learn more about YALSA member groups, read the FAQ about discussion and interest groups and find out all the resources ALA & YALSA offer for member groups.
Join Discussion & Interest Groups online at ALA Connect, an online networking resource for ALA members. To find YALSA discussion groups in ALA Connect, log in to ALA Connect using your ALA username and password. Then, click "Browse ALA Connect" and choose "Communities" from the drop-down menu. Search YALSA, and join the groups that most interest you.
Discussion Groups
Discussion groups are an informal group that allows discussion of topics of common interest virtually, as well as meet at ALA's Annual Conference and Midwinter Meeting. YALSA discussion groups have no formal members. Those interested may join in the discussion taking place at conferences or online via YALSA's electronic discussion lists or other virtual forums. A convenor schedules the time the discussion group will meet at ALA's Midwinter Meeting and Annual Conference and moderates the discussion.
Interest Groups
An interest group is a sub-body established to facilitate the exchange of ideas and experiences and may sponsor formal conference programs, institutes and seminars, or prepare publications. The groups are completely self-initiated and not appointed by YALSA officers. To join the group, simply contact the convener and let him or her know that you want to be involved.
Current Discussion & Interest Groups
Anime Discussion Group
The purpose of Anime Discussion is to discuss issues relating to anime and to develop and disseminate best practices in collections, programming, and related topics in the popularity of anime and its effects on teens. Regularly share good program practices and successful anime events as well as making anime title recommendation to the group. Convenor: Dora Ho
Gaming Interest Group
The purpose of this interest group is to discuss issues relating to teens and gaming and to develop and disseminate best practices in collections, programming, and related topics in the field of gaming (including video, computer, Internet, handheld, mobile, board, card, and miniatures) for young adults ages 12-18. Bring a program to share, a game recommendation, or your questions about starter collections or successful gaming events. This group is currently inactive.
Readers' Advisory Interest Group
The Readers' Advisory Interest Group is for any YALSA member interested in connecting teens with books, including fiction, non-fiction, varying medias and more. This group is for members who have great new ideas or tried and true methods to share, or those who are unsure about how to approach teen readers' advisory and want to learn more about honing their skills in this area. Going beyond lists and collection development, we’ll cover best practices and skills, and anything the group is interested in trying or needs help in developing. We will post ideas, write articles, and create conference programs as ideas and needs arise, while also offering a regular forum for sharing and learning. This group is currently inactive.
Serving New Adults Interest Group
The purpose of this interest group is to discuss issues relating to serving young adults in their late teens and early twenties. We seek to develop and exchange ideas on how libraries can continue to best serve these "new adults" as they navigate life after the high school years. Identifying the needs of this age group, compiling & sharing collection and programming guidelines to address those needs, and considering ways to provide participatory opportunities for them is a focus of this interest group. Convenor: Penny Johnson
Serving YAs in Large Urban Populations Discussion Group
Staff members in large urban public library systems who serve young adults can network, exchange ideas, discuss common problems and seek solutions in an effort to improve service to young adults in urban library systems. This group is currently inactive.
Student Interest Group
The purpose of YALSA's Student Interest Group (SIG) is to provide a forum for undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in pursuing a career in the library field. Faculty are also welcome to participate. The SIG maintains a space on Ning and meets at the ALA Annual Conference and Midwinter Meeting. Convenor: Jennifer Balaco
Summer Reading Interest Group
The purpose of this interest group is to engage those interested in summer reading activities in libraries and share ideas using YALSA resources (for example the wiki and the blog) to support summer reading initiatives and programs in all libraries by exchanging ideas, networking, collaborating, and discussing all things related to summer reading. This group is currently inactive.
Teaching Young Adult Literature
People who teach literature for young adults and are interested in teaching literature for young adults can meet to discuss and exchange ideas, syllabi, and information. This group is currently inactive.
Teen Music Interest Group
The purpose of this discussion group is to develop recommended practices in collections, programming, and related topics in the field of music and media, including CDs, MP3s, and emerging technologies and services in music media for teens. Convenors: Julia Riley
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