Applications open for 2020 Bill Morris Seminar: Book Evaluation Training

CHICAGO - The Association for Library Service to Children (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 $350 stipend for each attendee will be provided by the endowment.

“This is an exciting and unique training experience for those interested in the book and media evaluation process,” said ALSC President, Cecilia P. McGowan. “Attendees will have the opportunity to make connections and learn from ALSC leaders who have this distinguished award and media committee experience.”

Morris was a long-time ALSC member and friend, the recipient of the first ALSC Distinguished Service Award as well as an advocate for children’s librarians and literature.  Morris was former vice-president and director of library promotion at HarperCollins Children’s Books.  The ALSC William C. Morris Endowment was established in 2000 and activated in 2003 upon his death.  Morris envisioned his endowment funding programs, publications, events, and/or awards that would promote excellence in children’s literature.  

Information and the application form are available on the ALSC web site at http://www.ala.org/alsc/morrisseminar. Applications must be received by September 2, 2019.  Attendees selected to attend the seminar will be notified early October.