YA Services Symposium Call for Proposals

YALSA is looking for papers for its 2016 YA Services Symposium about empowering teens through libraries.  The event will be held Nov. 4-6 in Pittsburgh, PA. 

The event will gather together school and public library staff, educators, researchers, young adult authors and other teen advocates to discuss the role of libraries in empowering teens within the library and beyond.  The event will pursue answers to such questions as:  How can libraries leverage teen talent and expertise within the library and out in the community?  What are best practices in designing youth participation opportunities for and with teens, including teens that are not regular library users?  How can libraries best connect with community agencies to provide youth-driven services and programs that meet teen needs and solve community problems?  In what ways can empowering teens through libraries address such issues as equity and inclusion?  What knowledge and skills do library staff need in order to actively engage teens of all backgrounds in youth-driven services and programs?  What existing resources can libraries leverage in order to engage and empower teens of all backgrounds? Program and paper proposals are being accepted now through Feb. 1st via:

The Symposium is held annually and draws between 500 – 600 attendees.  Registration opens in April, and travel grants for first timers to attend are open now through June 1st.  Learn more at http://www.ala.org/yalsa/yasymposium.